I'LL BUY THAT

Museum showcasing works that received purchase awards at McNeeese Works on Paper exhibit over 32-year span

Donna Price / American Press

Imperial Calcasieu Museum Interim Director Devin Morgan with “She Was So Young and Pretty,” an intaglio print by New Jersey artist Lynn Allen. An exhibit opens tonight showcasing this piece and others that received purchase awards throughout the 32 years of the McNeese Works on Paper exhibit.

The National Works on Paper exhibit at McNeese State University has been an annual event for 32 years now. The juried show features works from artists all over the country, all made on or with paper. Each year, one or more pieces included in the show receives a purchase award and becomes part of the University’s collection.

Tonight, a retrospective showing of the works of purchase award recipients from all 32 years of the exhibit opens 6 - 8 p.m. at the Gibson-Barham Gallery inside Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier St.

The exhibit, “32 Years of Works on Paper from the collection of the McNeese State University Department of Visual Arts,” includes 54 pieces, all made on or with paper.

Devin Morgan, Interim Director of the Museum, has been collaborating with McNeese staff for over a year rounding up pieces for the show.

“Some of the pieces were hanging in faculty offices. Some were in closets. Others were stacked in a storage area,” said Morgan.

“Every year, the juror of the Works on Paper show is different, so each show has a different feel to it. You never know what that year’s juror is going to pick or what they’re going to like. Works on Paper is always one of the most eclectic, diverse exhibits at McNeese and this retrospective reflects that,” said Morgan.

The exhibit hangs through June 15.