GSSM Renames Visual Arts Studio After Ms. Patz Fowle

The South Carolina Governor’s School Renames Visual Arts Studio After Ms. Patz Fowle

HARTSVILLE, SC – During the 32nd Graduation Ceremony on May 22, 2021, The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science + Mathematics announced that they will rename their visual arts studio the Patz Fowle Visual Arts Studio. Patz Fowle is the visual arts coordinator, the art instructor, a professional artist, and the founder of SCGSSM’s visual arts program.

Ms. Fowle began her service to GSSM in 1999 when she started teaching Art in the Interim. In 2013, she joined the Student Development Division as the Governor’s School’s Visual Arts Coordinator. She converted an empty former foreign languages lab to an “Open Art Studio” accessible to all students and developed to support their artistic prowess and encourage their artistic promise. Because of Ms. Fowle’s commitment to wellness and student expression, the space she created continues to contribute to the overall well-being of the school community. She partners regularly with colleagues across disciplines to provide interdisciplinary opportunities. Through her passion and leadership, GSSM students are recognized throughout the state not only for their academic and athletic achievements, but also their art accolades.

During the 2018-2019 academic year, GSSM made the wise decision to make visual arts and music courses a part of the regular academic curriculum. Ms. Fowle has been teaching four art courses through the humanities department since 2019, while maintaining the non-academic art offerings, setting up exhibits featuring student artwork, and managing the studio. Her efforts have shown the public that the GSSM student is not one dimensional, but multi-talented and multi-faceted. This has broadened the public’s perspective of the school for prospective students and their families. Our art program’s accomplishments can also be celebrated in the promotion of the school to all constituencies.

“Announcing the naming of the Patz Fowle Visual Arts Studio is a great honor,” said Interim President Mr. Danny Dorsel. “Patz is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to explore and express their creative side.  Her students make our hallways come alive with their artwork. We are very grateful that Patz is part of the GSSM community and the transformational journey our students experience.”

In building the visual arts program, in positively promoting the image and reputation of the school, in encouraging free and appropriate expression through various art forms, and for her contagious positive and loving spirit, her influence and impact are boundless and her legacy is never-ending. GSSM is proud to rename the visual arts studio the Patz Fowle Visual Arts Studio.