Cook Library Art Gallery Opening Reception Sept. 21

A unique meeting space that includes selections from The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art's permanent collection will be unveiled at an opening reception by Southern Miss President Martha Saunders Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. in Cook Library, room 105a next to Starbucks Café.    

In addition to serving as a display space for art, the new Cook Library Art Gallery will also hold lectures and cultural events for the campus and community. The opening reception is free and open to the public.

Jan Siesling, exhibition and events coordinator for University Libraries, said the gallery is the result of a cooperative effort between University Libraries and the Department of Art and Design.

“It is in an excellent central location, a place where students, staff and faculty go frequently, and now they can come see a beautiful display of the best art works that the university possesses,” Siesling said.

The collection includes works by Richmond Barthé, Walter Anderson, Joan Miro, and Dusti Bongé, among others, all donated to the school by generous patrons since 1976. Other pieces are those done by former Southern Miss students, now recognized artists, including by Anthony DiFatta (the Empty Chair) and Obie Clark (the Woman in Black Dress).

The Cook Library Art Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Jan Siesling at 601.266.4241 or jan.sieslingFREEMississippi.