Art Exhibit Opens in University Library Gallery

March 19, 2010

The gala opening of "The La Palabra Anthology" exhibit will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 19, in the University Morton J. May Foundation Gallery located in the University Library. The exhibit is on display now through April 7.

Admission is free of charge; the public is invited to attend the opening reception.

Based on the book, The La Palabra Anthology, the exhibit is a culmination of visual and written work by Rene D. Michel-Trapaga, Maryville adjunct instructor, and 12 other artists. The book describes a fictional town in the United States; one that escapes modern development and thrives in a quieter existence. The exhibit mirrors the anthology and showcases work done by the artists to give life to the community of La Palabra.

Twenty-eight limited edition prints of the book, The La Palabra Anthology, ("The Word"), will be available for purchase during the gala opening. Proceeds from both artwork and book sales benefits Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization that provides aid to people threatened by violence, neglect and catastrophe.

 "Trees that pull up roots and travel to greener pastures, rescued dogs and cats, delusional folk that see 'fallers,' bank robbers, blue-eyed crows, distraught parents - there's enough in The La Palabra Anthology to keep you smiling long afterward," said Michel-Trapaga of the exhibit and anthology.

Artists featured include: Carol Carter, Mary Eigel, Amy Fister, Lisa W. Fister, Chuck Groth, John W. Nagel, Rosemary Nagel, Renee Petty, Nell Ruby, Patrick Shuck, Elisa Forgelman, Mary Sprague, Bill Vann, and Michel-Trapaga.

 "This is the first time these artists - several with international reputations - have exhibited together," said Michel-Trapaga. "It's a unique opportunity to experience their work in image and word."

Corporate sponsors for the exhibit include Maryville University, 4Bears Plus 1 Creative and R.B. Clark, and Chris Scholenberg of Clark Financial Services Inc.

For more information on the exhibit or the anthology, contact Michel-Trapaga at 314.602.8609

About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a four-year, private university located in west St. Louis County. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Colleges in the Masters-Midwest category, Maryville University students may choose from 50 academic programs, including degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Among recent graduates, 82 percent are employed or attending graduate school. More than 16,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.

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