Campus Connection

UWL gallery exhibition runs Nov. 4-20

[caption id="attachment_47156" align="alignleft" width="132"] "Water Stone Frank" - painted wood.[/caption] Artwork inspired by a lifelong relationship with the Mississippi River and the lore and traditions that reflect the constant integration of cultures with their narratives will fill the UW-La Crosse University Art Gallery. “The Mississippi: A Sense of Place, Works by Leo Smith” opens with a gallery talk from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the University Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Center for the Arts, 16^th and Vine streets. A reception follows from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Nov. 20 Minnesota artist Leo Smith works in tandem with his wife, Marilyn, engaging multiple formats and processes, incorporating local materials, traditional woodcarving, polychrome painting and other traditional techniques. Inspired by the natural environment, their work is a study in the character, seasons, people, rituals and history of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Borrowing from oral histories and influences, their work exemplifies the flora and fauna unique to the river valley. Borrowing from an intimate knowledge of native plants, animals and geography, the works speak to a direct relationship to the environment. [caption id="attachment_47142" align="alignright" width="218"] "Water Buddha" - painted wood, gold leaf, mussel shells.[/caption] Smith has exhibited worldwide, including exhibitions at Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis, the Rochester Art Center in Rochester, the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan and the Elaine Horwitch Gallery in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Their work is held in private and public collections, including major holdings by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, the US Army Corps of Engineers and Blue Cross Blue Shield. All University Gallery exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; by appointment; and during events in Toland Theater. For more information, contact the Art Department at 608.785.8230 or https://www.uwlax.edu/art/ If you go — What: “The Mississippi: A Sense of Place, Works by Leo Smith” Who: Works by Leo Smith When: Opens with a gallery talk at 4 p.m. and reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Exhibit runs through Sunday, Nov. 20 Where: University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts Regular hours: Noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; by appointment. Admission: Free