Alexander Calder sculptures on view at Sheldon Museum of Art

This winter Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln presents six sculptures by Alexander Calder (1898-1976) in the Great Hall. Three pieces are from Sheldon's permanent collection: "Snake on Arch," "Sumac II" and "Red Disk, Black Lace." Three small sculptures, "Canine," "Cello Player" and "Slender Ribs" are on loan from a private collection. Five Calder posters are also on view in the Sheldon board room.

The works are on display through spring.

Calder is one of the 20th century's most acclaimed and innovative sculptors. Calder helped to redefine sculpture by adding the element of play. His sculptures are imaginative, humorous and fun. He is probably best known for first creating the mobile -- a suspended, abstract sculpture that moves and balances on its own. Calder also produced many wire sculptures that brought his circus drawings to life and later produced large metal outdoor sculptures.

When viewing Calder pieces, visitors are often find themselves exploring their inner child as figures dance and come alive before their eyes.

Sheldon Museum of Art 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 also available on the Sheldon Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.