Franklin Galleries

‘First Day of Class’ by North Carolina artist Russell Smith is the first piece to capture the most revered of all Carolina traditions. Campus legend asserts that a drink from the Old Well on the first day of classes will ensure a student straight A’s for the semester.

A stunning depiction of this annual right of passage, Smith’s use of composition, color and light dazzle the canvas. The warm light of a late summer morning sun peers just over Old East, and pours through the pillars onto the ‘baptized’ student. Set beneath the Carolina Blue sky against the majestic backdrop of the South Building, this 1950’s depiction will be prized by any UNC Alumnus.

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‘Old Well circa 1892′ by William Waters turns back the clock over 100 years to Carolina’s yesteryear. His rendition of this classic Carolina photograph preserves Carolina’s proud past for generations to come. ‘Old Well’ offers a glimpse into the UNC of the nineteenth century.

This work preserves the dress of the students of the day. One student is proudly displaying the interlocking NC while a professor dons a suit, tie, and a derby. Central to the photo is a student drinking water from a bucket affixed to a pulley. This timeless work of art is a must and will make a proud addition to the homes and offices of UNC alumni.

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