'Sheldon Survey: An Invitational' opens Nov. 9

In its biennial invitational, opening Nov. 9, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present works by 20 contemporary artists who are on the forefront of the development of American art today. On view through Jan. 6, "Sheldon Survey: An Invitational" includes paintings, sculpture, photography and installations.

"Sheldon Survey" seeks to share the breadth of expression in contemporary art by providing signature pieces by each artist. Works range from Trenton Doyle Hancock's comic-book and surreal themes incorporated into detailed, satirical drawings to painter Lisa Sanditz's "Pearl Farm II," inspired by visits to Chinese pearl farms, where discarded plastic bottles are used as buoys marking oyster beds. The exhibition features Jose Bedia's "... lo que hace falta," a painting that depicts a looming aircraft carrier on a dull, darkened sea, a series of Bryon Kim's Sunday paintings, and Sandra Scolnik's surrealistic cascade of heads appearing as if they are drops of water.

The exhibit continues the tradition of invitational exhibitions that were held by the Nebraska Art Association beginning in 1888 and continuing through 1964. The invitational exhibition was renewed in 2005 with "Singular Expressions: A Sheldon Invitational." Many important works of art in Sheldon's collections were acquired through these exhibitions, and the works in this year's exhibition will be available for purchase.

Several participating artists will visit Sheldon to discuss their work in public lectures followed by receptions. They are:

* Jason Middlebrook, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

* James Surls, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

* Sandra Scolnik, Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

The NAA will also have a gala fundraising event, The Collection Campaign Party, at the exhibition opening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9. Tickets are $125 per person and will entitle the holder to cast a vote for an artwork to be purchased for the Sheldon collection at the end of the evening. Contact Monica Babcock at (402) 472-2463, or stop by the museum during office hours for tickets. The admission to the exhibition and all events associated with it, except for the Nov. 9 opening, are free.

"Sheldon Survey: An Invitational" is made possible by support from the Hixson-Lied Endowment, the Nebraska Arts Council, U.S. Bank and Assurity Security.

Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. The museum, 12th and R streets on the UNL City Campus, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-2461. Additional information is available on the Sheldon Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.

CONTACT: Tom White, Public Relations Manager, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, (402) 472-1197