College Honors Larry Chappelear with Memorial Gallery

Photo: Former CSM Professor Barbara Stephanic addresses faculty, staff, students and donors of the Larry Chappelear Memorial Art Gallery Sept. 29 in the Fine Arts (FA) Building on the La Plata Campus.

The College of Southern Maryland honored one of its own with the dedication of the Larry Chappelear Memorial Gallery in the Fine Arts (FA) Center on the La Plata Campus Sept. 29. The gallery celebrates the legacy of former professor Larry Chappelear, described as an inspiration to students, colleagues and community members alike over his 40 years of teaching, said CSM Communication, Arts and Humanities Chair Dr. Stephen Johnson.

The gallery showcases 13 of his many artistic drawings, mixed media and paintings, reflecting what his wife Sue Chappelear described as an artist’s courage to transition and try new things.

“When you walk into a fine arts building you expect to be impressed—Larry’s art greets us and invites us into the Fine Arts Center on the La Plata Campus,” said Walter Grove, who spoke during the gallery dedication. He and his wife Jane Grove are among the donors supporting the gallery. Other donors include the Chappelear family, Marti and Ron Brown, Henry and Janice Nicowski in memory of Rebecca Chappelear, Sue Gregg and the CSM Faculty Senate.