The Less than Three exhibition in the Edmund D. Lewandowski Classroom Gallery features 55 works by Gavin Guffey and a portrait of Gavin that was created by a friend. Guffey's works are infused with his love of skate culture, anime, and superheroes.

 

EXHIBIT | AUGUST 15 - 31, 2023

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EXHIBIT STATEMENT

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This exhibition serves as a tribute to Gavin Guffey's life, his creative spirit, and the urgent need for awareness and support surrounding the devastating consequences of digital exploitation.

 

Gavin's story is a reminder of the vulnerabilities that can arise in the digital age, where personal boundaries can be violated with profound and irreversible consequences. His art becomes an evocative yet essential reflection of the challenges faced by many in the modern era.

 

Beyond the tragedy lies a resounding call to action. In partnership with the Less Than Three Foundation - a beacon of hope for survivors of digital exploitation - we come together to raise awareness and address the urgent need for preventive measures and support networks. The partnership aims to turn Gavin's pain into a catalyst for change, ensuring that no other lives are lost to the silent suffering that often accompanies online harassment.

 

As you walk through this exhibition, let Gavin's story resonate within you. Let it inspire compassion, understanding, and action. The gallery invites you to engage not only with his artwork but also with the stark realities of the digital world, where empathy and vigilance are crucial. In addition to reflecting on Gavin's poignant story and his artistic journey, we invite you to contribute to the exhibition by participating in a meaningful act of solidarity. As a symbol of unity against the digital exploitation that affected Gavin, you are welcome to "stickerbomb" - or apply stickers to the designated wall - an opportunity to add your voice to the collective call for awareness, change, and support.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.

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Mental Health | Substance Abuse | Suicide Crisis Hotline

Dial 988

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ABOUT GAVIN GUFFEY (2004 - 2022)

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Gavin Guffey was a 2022 graduate of Rock Hill High School who was always creating. His works exuded a youthful energy and were exhibited in several Teachers' Choice Youth Art Exhibits at the Center for this Arts. Most recently, his cardboard sneaker, Vintage Nike Blazer, was awarded 3rd place in 3D at the 2022 Teachers' Choice Art Exhibit. It was because of the support he received from his family and teachers that he hoped to become an art teacher after college.

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Forever 17. Gavin, aka "Goop,” is the inspiration for the

<3 (Less than Three) Foundation. Goop was a normal teenager who had just graduated from high school & was submitting college applications when he became a victim of sextortion. He loved art and always wore a smile. SC HB 3583 “Gavin’s Law" stiffens the penalties for sextortion and mandates awareness through school notification.

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ABOUT <3 FOUNDATION

 

Website | lessthanthreesc.org

Facebook | facebook.com/lessthanthreesc

 

The <3 (Less than 3) Foundation works to raise awareness of teenage suicide and mental health issues by addressing the causing factors such as social media, mental fortitude, physical activity, drugs, and promotion of gun safety.

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SOCIAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY | Issues such as sextortion, bullying, algorithms, catfishing. Encourage change by major companies such as Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok. Raise awareness of issues by speaking to schools, churches and communities. Promote No Devices in Private Rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and keep phone use to family areas. 

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MENTAL FORTITUDE | Address lack of mental health resources available.  Provide services to encourage mental fortitude, positive affirmation, and personal acceptance. Spread the teachings of grace that have been forgotten. Help parents understand the steps to take to help a child struggling. 

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY | Promote sports and other physical activities to encourage our youth to unplug more and interact. Promote solo activities such as running, skating, and hiking. To change an emotion, you must create a motion.

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DRUGS | Raise awareness of the issues drugs cause on our mental health. Promotion of drug free health and the dangers of experimenting with drugs in todays climate.

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GUN SAFETY | Raise awareness within pro-gun groups about how one instance can change your entire life. Provide free gun locks at events and information about why they are needed. Share statistics of suicide and how if a gun is available that time is as little as 3 minutes as opposed 20 minutes without a weapon.

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IMAGE | Congestion (detail) by Gavin Guffey, 2020