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Art available at Courtenay Gallery helps support center by Mary Helen Yarborough Public Relations The Courtenay Gallery presented works by revolutionary Southern artist Dabney “Dab” Babbs during a reception 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 in the Harper Student Center. The art, which is so unique that is has a patent-pending process, is available in both oil and print. The sales of the art also support the Harper Student Center.   Artist Dab Babbs works on one of his unique pieces of art which is for sale at the Harper Student Center. Dab, by which the artist is known, expresses his art in a technique called “dabism.” Dabism is unique in that it structures a painting using a spectrum of colors that emerge from darker to lighter layers, as opposed to using plaster of paris, wood, paper machete, and other forms to build layers. Using a very fine paint brush, he creates what he calls a “spaghetti mesh,” which presents a three-dimensional illusion that allows light to flow through the tiny layers of oil paint.   “It creates refracted light that alters when the viewer moves from throughout the room,” Dab said. “From a distance, the `dabberly’ style has a realistic characteristic. But when you move in closer, the one-dimensional qualities and an altered effect can be seen.”   Dab has been using the Harper Student Center as a studio and gallery since May 6. On display are 36 originals, some of which are commissioned works in progress, as well as prints. The display will continue through July 6. For every piece that is sold, 30 percent of the proceeds go to support the Harper Student Center.   Born in Atlanta, Dab has received numerous awards and honors throughout South Carolina.     Friday, June 15, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.