Dr. Leo Twiggs ’56, Claflin University’s Distinguished Artist in Residence and internationally renowned batik artist, is featured on the cover the 2007 fall and winter edition of Signature, the bi-annual arts magazine of the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, S.C.

Signature magazine, which interviewed Dr. Twiggs in his studio in Orangeburg, S.C., profiled the artist with a three-page spread of color photographs of the artist at work and an in-depth article describing the details and atmosphere in the studio. The article also portrays Twiggs’ techniques for creating his distinctive style for working batik resulting in the “richly layered effect” unique to his art. Twiggs’ creative process, the accompanying contemplation and themes depicted in his batik paintings are written about in great detail.

During the interview, Twiggs discusses his current series entitled Targeted. This series, according to the article, “explores how men of all races and backgrounds are targets for suspicion, hatred and even violence, simply because of their physical appearance.”

In 2004, the Gibbes Museum exhibited “Myths and Metaphors: The Art of Leo Twiggs,” a retrospective of the many themes the artist developed over the course of his life’s work.

Named for James Shoolbred Gibbes, the museum is considered Charleston’s premier art museum. Currently, Twiggs’ works are on exhibit at the Arthur Rose Museum at Claflin University. The show “A Homecoming: The Art of Leo Twiggs” continues through January 15, 2008.

Claflin University recently installed stained glass windows designed by Twiggs for the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel on the campus. The windows have been greatly admired for the brilliant colors in batik design and for the historical narrative of the University interwoven into the colorful patterns. Both the museum and the chapel are opened daily from 9am to 5pm. Visitors are welcome.