Francis Marion University honors the late Professor Steven F. Gately by renaming the University Place Gallery in downtown Florence the Steven F. Gately Gallery. The Gately Gallery is located on the first floor of FMU’s University Place, 142 N. Dargan Street.

Gately, who taught at FMU from 1973, passed away suddenly on November 12, 2021 at the age of 74.

“Steve was the longest serving member of FMU’s Fine Arts faculty. His work impacted the lives of thousands of students and colleagues over nearly five decades,” Dr. Carter, Francis Marion University president, said. “At his own exhibition this past fall, he reiterated his enjoyment of teaching and his intention to do so as long as possible. It is fitting that Steve’s name on the gallery in perpetuity will recognize his many contributions to the university and our students.”

Known for his abstract artwork, Gately earned numerous prizes in local, regional, and national art competitions. His works have been displayed in over a dozen states, and purchased by museums across the southeastern United States. This includes the Museum of Art in Mobile, Alabama, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the State Art Collection of South Carolina.

In 2006, Gately was named the C.B. and Marlene Askins Professor of Art, an endowed chair created in 1995 for further development of the artistic and cultural life at FMU and across the Pee Dee region.

Currently two of his works are graciously on loan from his family and are on display in the gallery.