Local Artist Dan Millspaugh Donates Large Sculpture to the Victory Junction Gang Camp;
NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Accepts Gift

Dan Millspaugh, noted sculptor and UNC Asheville professor of art, recently donated a large sculpture entitled “Gas Man” to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. NASCAR legend Richard Petty accepted the sculpture on behalf of the camp, which was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty and Paul Newman.

Millspaugh, a longtime racing fan, created “Gas Man,” a cast aluminum sculpture of a pit crew member gassing up, for a NASCAR-themed art exhibition several years ago. The piece is currently on view at the Asheboro, N.C. “Sculpture Downtown 2005” outdoor exhibition through September 11, 2006. After the show the sculpture will be relocated to the camp, which offers programs for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

A Florida native, Millspaugh holds a bachelor’s degree in ceramics and a master’s degree in sculpture from the University of Miami. He joined UNC Asheville’s Art Department in 1981. In 1996 he received the UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, and most recently was named the first recipient of UNC Asheville’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship or Creative Expression.

Millspaugh has completed sculpture commissions for the City of Asheville, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the UNC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill and the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama. Currently, he has a large steel sculpture on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Literary Society of the Yucatan in Merida, Mexico.

Media Contacts:

• UNC Asheville Art Department, 828/251-6559
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526