A local art teacher continues to recover after he was reportedly shot by his wife earlier this month at their Lumpkin County home.

Christopher Gore, 58, who teaches at Dawson County High School, suffered what authorities described as a “superficial” gunshot wound.

His wife, 65-year-old Paula Jean Gore, has been charged with aggravated assault under the family violence act. She was released after posting a $20,000 bond Friday.

Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Investigator Darren Martin said the couple was involved in a verbal dispute on the night of Jan. 16 when Paula Jean Gore returned from another room with a .22-caliber handgun.

She reportedly fired one shot, striking her husband in the chest near his arm, and then called 911, Martin said.

“There is a belief that alcohol was involved on her part,” the investigator said.

Christopher Gore was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega for evaluation.

“He was extremely lucky,” Martin said.

Martin declined to comment further on the investigation.

Gore was honored in 2009 by the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta for championing the positive effects of art on students.

He was one of five honorees statewide who were recognized during the program.

Dawson County School Superintendent Keith Porter said he wished Gore a full and swift recuperation.

“Mr. Gore has been an outstanding teacher for us for many years,” Porter said. “We hope he is able to recover soon.”

Porter said Gore is expected to return to campus within the next two weeks.

Staff Writer Frank Reddy contributed to this report.