Shows at The Art Center provide spring break fun

The glass tiled murals included in "Rufus Butler Seder: LIFETILES," currently on exhibit at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches, seemingly come to life as viewers pass by. Shown here is "Running Boy." The show closes Saturday, March 26.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Although the majority of the college students have left town and faculty are enjoying some time off, Stephen F. Austin State University's downtown art gallery will maintain its regular hours during spring break.

"Currently on display at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House are two fascinating exhibitions," said Lisa Steed, SFA interim director of galleries. "Upstairs in the Reavley Gallery, visitors can see glass-tiled murals come to life in 'Rufus Butler Seder: LIFETILES.' Viewers of 'The Edge of Life: Forest Pathology Art' can learn about diseases that attack our forests and see artists' interpretations of the pathogens, or agents of the diseases."

The murals included in Seder's exhibition are composed of 3-pound, 8-inch square, lens-ribbed glass tiles the optical artist and filmmaker invented to fulfill his dream of creating motion pictures using no electricity, moving parts or special lighting.

"The images really do seem to come to life as you walk by them," Steed said. "Our patrons are amazed!"

The "Edge of Life" exhibition, which also includes artist statements and short writings from forest pathologists explaining each pathogen and its significance within the ecosystem, is designed as a traveling show that will eventually be supplemented with a 100-page, full-color book.

Steed said several school groups have already viewed the show. "It's interesting to note that some of the groups come primarily to view the art, and others visit with a focus on the scientific aspect. They all leave with an increased knowledge and appreciation of both fields, though."

Both "Edge of Life" and "LIFETILES" are fun and educational for all ages, Steed continued. "If you're looking for something different to do during Spring Break, come on down to The Art Center. Admission is free!"

The exhibitions will run through Saturday, March 26. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about either of the shows, call (936) 468-1131.

SFA's on-campus Griffith Gallery is currently closed until the opening of "Pen and Pigment" at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25.