The UALR Department of Art newest exhibition, “Perception/Reality,” opening in Gallery II of the Fine Arts Building.

All objects in the exhibition are constructed out of concrete, a noticeably contradicting material, causing an immediate reaction when interacting or touching the work, according to UALR Art Gallery Director and Curator Brad Cushman.

“The recent work by Mia Hall is an exploration into the perception a viewer may harbor when encountering certain functional objects,” Cushman said.

“A seemingly light and fluffy pillow or a table covered in soft, draped fabric is, upon further investigation, hard and unyielding,” he continued.

“Benches topped with stuffed, tufted pillows, ornate picture frames, candlesticks, and crystal chandeliers have been rendered out of this common construction material. The work invites the viewer to contemplate the ideas of perception and the reality presented, which brings the work to life in the moment.”

Beginning Oct. 16, a group exhibition featuring studio art and design created by the full and part-time UALR faculty in the Department of Art will be displayed during the UALR Faculty Biennial in Gallery I.

Every two years faculty artists are invited to submit one or two works that represent their studio practice. This year, 23 artists are represented, including faculty who have recently retired.

Among the faculty represented are: Maribeth Anders, David Bailin, Win Bruhl, Kevin Cate, Gary Cawood, Stephen Cefalo, Taimur Cleary, David Clemons, Tom Clifton, Brad Cushman, Jeffrey Grubbs, Mia Hall, Lali Khalid, Joli Livaudais, Eric Mantle, Catherine McKnight, Carey Roberson, Aj Smith, David Smith, Marjorie Williams-Smith, Rachel Trusty, Michael Warrick, and Emily Wood

A variety of studio disciplines are featured in this group exhibition including drawing, printmaking, photography, painting, graphic design, metals, ceramics and various sculptural processes.

There will be a reception for the exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 with a special announcement at 5:30 p.m. in the galleries.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact UALR Gallery Director and Curator Brad Cushman at becushman@ualr.edu or 501.569.8977.