Featured Falcons: Craigger Browne ’91

Birmingham native Craigger Browne ’91 arrived at the University of Montevallo on a baseball scholarship, never imagining that a small liberal arts campus would lead him to a lifelong calling in marble sculpture. But that transformation — from athlete to artist — is exactly what Montevallo makes possible, shaped by mentorship, creativity and experiences that change a student’s path forever.

Growing up doodling and creating visual aids in school, Browne knew he wanted to be an art major. What he didn’t know is how his foundation in art at Montevallo would help him become the accredited sculptor that he is today.

As an NAIA student-athlete practicing 40 hours a week, Browne had to balance demanding studio hours with field time. Some of his favorite memories at Montevallo were the close-knit community and how invested the professors were in his work.

“The instruction at Montevallo is second to none,” Browne said as he saw the professors’ commitment to learning and the facilities UM offered. “They were creative in creating an environment for us to create in.”

Browne began his studies at Montevallo as a graphic design major, but as the field became increasingly computer-driven, he felt drawn to more hands-on creative work. After graduating, he spent a transformative season studying in Lacoste, France, where he discovered a passion for sculpting limestone. He went on to teach at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s program in Lacoste before earning a Guggenheim scholarship to work with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy. From 1992 to 1995, he continued refining his craft in Carrara, Italy, working with marble at Studio Nicol.

He then returned to Birmingham where he owned two studios. He built his early career on sculpting and is now the Sylacauga resident sculptor. He has his studio in the middle of town that is open to the public and spends his days in creative work. When he isn’t sculpting, he’s drawing or working on the business side of his artworks. Overall, he says he has built a full-time job that he loves, even with the long days.

Browne has many notable works including “The Warmth of Enlightenment”, “Valor” at Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, Alabama, “Sylacauga Emerging”, “Once Upon a Time” at B.B. Comer Memorial Library, “Nostra Luna” at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and many more that are shipped all over the world.

Browne says that “Montevallo means more because it’s family.” He credits Montevallo’s mentorship, close-knit community, and creative environment for laying out the foundation of a career that still feels as meaningful as the day it began.