"Elephant" by Shannon Rupert

Local painters and UNC Asheville alumnae Shannon Rupert and Gwendolyn Saltz will hold an exhibition of recent work at UNC Asheville's Blowers Gallery. An opening reception for the two May 2008 UNC Asheville graduates will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8, in the gallery. The exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.

"Reflections of the Soul: Endangered Species' Portraits," features seven oil paintings by Rupert. The pieces focus on up-close portraits of endangered animals. "My paintings try to communicate endangered species' essence, or soul, through color and brushstrokes," said Ruppert, who earned degrees in art and environmental studies. "My goal for this series is be a part of the EcoArt Movement by attributing my own environmental appreciation and knowledge to this growing genre."

"Transparency of Thought" by Gwendolyn Saltz

Saltz will exhibit five acrylic paintings in her portion of the exhibit, "Drifting Off to Dream." These pieces layer images to reflect dreams and nightmares. "My goal is to express the event of the birth, conception and creation of dreams that exists in the subconscious mind," said Saltz, who graduated with a degree in art. "Hopefully my work conveys the process that occurs during the mind's resting state."

Blowers Gallery, located on the main floor of UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library, is open during regular library hours. Admission is free. For hours of operation, call UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library at 828/251-6546.