Howard County Center for the Arts Hosts SCULPTORS, INC. and FACING DUPLICITY Exhibits, 8/31-10/12

The Howard County Arts Council announces two new exhibits in the galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Maryland. Maiza Hixson, Curator at Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, selected the work for the exhibit Sculptors, Inc. in Gallery I. The four artists represented, all members of the regional sculptor's group by the same name, challenge the conventions of traditional sculpture. Robert Bickey's large construction hangs from ceiling to floor, an intimidating contrast to the delicate, though equally enigmatic, paper sculptures of artist JAT. Leigh Maddox transforms salami skins into feminine undergarments, while John Shea presents a documentation of destruction with his firework-laden art.

Gallery II's Facing Duplicity offers a similarly unique take, this time on portraiture. Kentucky artist Boris Zakic's paintings challenge the viewer's perception as what seems to be thickly smeared paint turns out to be merely an illusion of dimension on a flat surface. Meanwhile, sculptor Richard Starr of Maryland shows us a variety of faces with his ceramic busts, some true to life, and others exaggerated or deformed by emotion.

The exhibits will be open from August 31 through October 12, 2012. A reception for both exhibits will be held on Friday, September 14, from 6-8PM, in conjunction with the Arts Council's Annual Meeting and Grant Awards Ceremony. This event is also the kick-off for Road to the Arts weekend, which launches Howard County's 2012–2013 exhibit season with three days of receptions and special events at Howard County art galleries. Resident Artist studios will also be open to guests during the reception.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10AM-8PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, and Sunday 12-4PM. To learn more about HCAC programs and exhibits, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit www.hocoarts.org.

Pictured: Gregory, Boris Zakic