FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2008

Contact: Joshua Hollis

(662) 329-7119

 

MUW professors’ works displayed in Meridian Museum of Art

 

COLUMBUS, Miss – Four professors from the Art and Design Department at Mississippi University for Women currently have their works on display at the Meridian Museum of Art.

 

Assistant Professor Shawn L. Dickey, Department Chair Robert Gibson, Professor Thomas Nawrocki, and Assitant Professor and gallery director Alex Stelioes-Wills each have works showcased in “Impressions: Work by Mississippi University for Women Art Professors.”  

 

According to Stelioes-Wills, the exhibit came together because of Nawrocki’s working relationship with Meridian Museum of Art director Terry Hedder. Nawrocki has shown at the museum several times in the past and the museum previously hosted the Collegiate Show, which MUW arts students enter every year.

 

Hedder had the idea to host a show with the art faculty members, and, at a meeting for the Collegiate Show, Nawrocki suggested they do it this year. Hedder agreed.

 

“The Meridian Museum of Art always does a really excellent job,” said Stelioes-Wills. “[Hedder] is really artist-focused. He’s very accommodating and adjusts to the needs of the artists.” 

 

The museum is actually an old library, providing a large space to exhibit work, and is divided into five separate gallery spaces. Nawrocki had one room for his artwork, which he filled easily, said Stelioes-Wills, who also had a room for his artwork.

 

Dickey and Gibson shared a room, because Gibson’s work consists of three-dimensional pieces that sit on the floor, and because Dickey will have his own one man show at the museum in a few months. “He didn’t want to show too much yet,” said Stelioes-Wills.

 

Gibson said, “Any time we can show as a group is good not only for each individual artist but good for the entire department.”

 

An opening reception was held on January 5 and boasted over 100 in attendance, including many W alums from the area.

 

The works will be on display until February 2. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information on the exhibit, call 601-693-1501.