Spencer Pettit: A Continuing Act of Discovery

September 5-November 21, 2025
Patricia Thompson Alumni and Skylight Galleries

ABOUT:
The Galleries of Ringling College are honored to present Spencer Pettit: A Continuing Act of Discovery in the Patricia Thompson Alumni Gallery, on view from September 5 through November 21. This posthumous exhibition celebrates the deeply personal and evolving artistic journey of Ringling alumnus Spencer Pettit (Class of 1978), whose textured, figurative works blur the lines between realism, abstraction, and expressionism. Pettit described himself as a “process artist,” focused not only on visual impact but on the layered journey of creation. His work invites viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and engage with the underlying techniques, decisions, and emotional narratives that unfold across his canvases. Like chapters in a book, each piece builds upon the last, forming a cohesive and evolving body of work that speaks to a lifelong pursuit of meaning and connection through art.

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Pettit’s artistic awakening was sparked at the age of ten by the unveiling of Picasso’s monumental sculpture in Daley Plaza. This formative moment ignited a lifelong belief that art could be limitless in form and rich in personal association. After a successful career in illustration, graphic design, and advertising, Pettit returned fully to fine art, founding two art galleries and exhibiting across Central Florida. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience works from Pettit’s expansive, largely unseen portfolio, lovingly preserved and curated by his wife, Heather McPherson and Ringling College Director + Chief Curator, Tim Jaeger (FA 02’).