GRANVILLE -- The Denison University Art Gallery will open a new exhibit titled "Fictional References: Sculpture and Prints," featuring prints by Laura Ruby and furniture by Jim Osman. There will be an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 21) in Burke Hall. The exhibit will run through Sunday, March 30, but will be closed for spring vacation March 8-16.

"Nancy's Mysterious Letter" by Laura Ruby

Ruby's featured prints will include her "Nancy Drew Series" which is composed of silk-screen prints that parody the concept of the mystery novel. The work is rich with integrated literary allusions, along with cultural and artistic metaphors that are intended to give the viewer clues associated with the title of the piece. Her multi-layered approach also reveals puns and double meanings. The titles of Ruby's prints come from books in the Nancy Drew series, created in 1930 by Edward Stratemeyer. Because the viewer cannot be expected to recognize all the clues, Ruby hopes to suggest a never-ending mystery. The prints incorporate impressive color and form and Ruby writes that it is her aim to "encourage viewer involvement in the search for clues and understanding."

Ruby earned her bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Southern California, her master's in English from San Francisco State College and her master of fine arts degree from the University of Hawaii. Her work has appeared in numerous gallery exhibitions across the U.S.

furniture by Jim Osman

Although originally trained as a painter, Osman switched to sculpture to "satisfy his need for creation of more substantial form and texture." He hopes to reconcile painting and sculpture using colored boxes along with furniture or architecturally inspired frames. Color is also a fundamental element that Osman uses to identify and separate forms. Osman writes that he has combined "aspects of both painting and sculpture in the same piece trying, in part, to reconcile their formal differences while exploring vernacular furniture-architecture forms. Looking at doorways, benches, or brick patterns has led my work to look at the connection and differences between design and formal issues." His gallery installations are generally on a small-scale but are evocative of outdoor sculpture Osman has created.

Osman earned both his bachelor's and master of fine arts degrees in sculpture and drawing from Queens College at the City University of New York. He has been an assistant visiting professor at Dartmouth College for two years and has participated in several group shows of his work across the country.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575