ArtBreak 2026-2027: Lunch & Lecture Program
ArtBreak: M&G’s annual lunch and lecture program
A Renowned Collection: The “Heart” of the Matter
“Greenville’s best kept secret,” a wonderful visual library, “a hidden gem”—these are just a few of the phrases that have been used over the years to describe M&G and its collection that has grown from 25 paintings to over 400. But the beauty of this renowned collection lies not only in the power of each masterpiece to dazzle the eye and expand the mind but also in the founder’s unique vision of using the collection to build enduring relationships that nourish the spirit and enrich the soul. To celebrate our 75th anniversary we’ve invited family and friends to share their expertise on both the collector and the collection.
Dates: One Thursday monthly at Noon, during academic year
Location: The Davis Room, Dixon-McKenzie Dining Common on the campus of Bob Jones University
Parking: reserved spaces will be available in M&G’s parking lot.
Note: AVI Fresh Catering will provide a Deli Bar with the following spread: sliced oven-roasted turkey, roasted beef, and ham, and tuna; a cheese and relish tray; a variety of baked breads and rolls, two green salads, chips, assorted cookies, and beverages.
Cost:
- Member without lunch: FREE
- Member with lunch: $17.00
- Non-member without lunch: $6.00
- Non-member with lunch: $19.00
Registration: Click on the dates below to register.
Fall Lectures:
October 15: Custodians of the Collection
Meal Registration closes: Noon, Tuesday, October 6
Speakers: Blaine Welgraven, Bonnie Merkle, Debbie Miller
Great collections—however noteworthy—do not endure without the oversight of dedicated custodians. Directors and curators readily come to mind. But no matter how gifted, their vision cannot be realized without a diversly gifted staff whose knowledge of the collection and passion for sharing its value is equal to those in the more visible roles. Listen to several of these “behind-the-scenes” talents who over the years have had an integral role in fulfilling and extending M&G’s mission of “using the collection at home and abroad to transform lives through art, enriching the whole person—mind, heart, and soul.”
November 12: Framing Beauty
Meal Registration for Panera Bread closes: Noon, Tuesday, November 3
Speaker: Harrell Whittington, retired artist and Rodeheaver set designer
Dr. Bob Jones, Jr.’s love of beauty was not limited to his creation of a world-class collection. During his years as president of Bob Jones University, Dr. Jones’ aesthetic vision “framed” the university’s entire educational experience, and Harrell Whittington was an integral part of implementing this vision. Whittington served on the university art faculty from 1968 to 2010. During those years, his responsibilities not only included classroom teaching but also countless campus-wide projects, including making frames for M&G’s paintings, carving wood paneling for galleries, beautifying campus spaces, and designing and creating sets for Rodeheaver stage productions, including Living Gallery tableaux.
Note: This ArtBreak will be hosted in the lobby of Rodeheaver Auditorium with box lunches provided by Panera Bread.
December 10: Passing the Torch
Meal Registration closes: Noon, Tuesday, December 1
Speaker: Dr. Bob Jones III, M&G Chairman of the Board and son of M&G’s founder
Perhaps no one better appreciates the priceless legacy of our Collection than the son of the founder and chairman of M&G’s Board, Dr. Bob Jones, III. His unique perspective will provide a look at how Bob Jones, Jr., a gifted preacher and admired art connoisseur, was able to create one of the largest collections of religious art in the western hemisphere—a singular visual library that continues to inspire individuals and communities at home and abroad.
Spring Lectures:
February 4: Reviving a Taste for Baroque
Speaker: Ian Kennedy, retired curator from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
March 4: Reaching a New Generation
Speakers: Donnalynn Hess, M&G Director of Education and Marlene Reed, M&G Educator for Museum on the Move
April 8: Looking Ahead
Speakers: Donnalynn Hess, M&G Director of Education and Erin R. Jones, M&G Executive Director
