James Barnhill ’82 MFA first sculpted the human form while a UNC Greensboro graduate student, learning from esteemed artists on the UNCG faculty.
Barnhill’s career as a sculptor, with works prominent in Greensboro and across the nation, has been widely lauded.
In the city of Greensboro, he has literally shaped the way residents see themselves and their history – through three transcendent public sculptures:
- “February One,” at NC A&T State University, depicts the Greensboro Four as they completed the first day’s sit-in at Woolworth in 1960; it’s a featured site on the United States Civil Rights Trail;
- The Greene Street statue of Nathanael Greene, hero of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse;
- UNCG’s Minerva, symbol of the University and a gift of the Woman’s College Class of 1953.
He has also taught more than a thousand students, furthering his artistic impact. UNCG honored him with its Professional Achievement Award at the Fall 2025 Alumni Awards celebration.
Now, this spring offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy a sampling of Barnhill’s artistry from the past decades.
“The Eternal Figure,” an exhibition of nearly 30 works, celebrating the career of this Spartan artist, opens on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at Greensboro’s Continental Club Gallery (816 S Elm St.) It runs through June 5. Admission is free.
By Mike Harris ’93 MA
Archive Photo of James Barnhill at UNCG’s Minerva Statue.Photo by Martin W. Kane.