An exhibition of prints from Marais Press, a printmaking studio led by Professor and Master Printer Brian Kelly at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, can be viewed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through Feb. 27.
The exhibition is open in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM.
On Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., Kelly will give a presentation on his art and life in the UAM Visual and Performing Arts Center. The exhibition and presentation are free and open to the public, according to a news release.
Under the leadership of Kelly’s 22-year tenure, Marais Press has created more than 250 works, collaborating with more than 175 artists and hundreds of students. Some of these artists are well known including Michael Ray Charles, Sue Coe, Sean Starwars, Tom Hück and Jane Kent. Others such as Keith Howard and Brian Shure, have made contributions to the field of fine art printmaking through their research and technical writing.
“The press has also made a concerted effort to engage academic printmakers in collaboration, creating a unique snapshot of American printmaking,” according to the release.
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Kelly reflected on his recent work.
“I want the viewer to react, explore and interpret these surreal worlds, filled with their fantastic beasts, humans, critters, timelessness and, at times, humor,” Kelly said.
Kelly holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from Louisiana State University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from Northern Illinois University, and a certificate in waterless lithography from the Tamarind Institute of Lithography in Albuquerque, N.M.
The gallery’s hours are Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.