Image from "Portrait of an Infestation"

"Portrait of an Infestation," an exhibition of 12 paintings by UNC Asheville senior Kara Bender, will be on view April 25-May 6 at UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Gallery. The show is a culmination of Bender's work toward a bachelor of fine arts degree at UNC Asheville. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, in the gallery, which is located on the lower level of the building.

Bender's work focuses on imagery of a fly-infested home. "Throughout my life, I have found that the struggle with living in such conditions is to find beauty amidst the madness of the world," Bender said. "In the course of creating these pieces I have tried to convey the poetic beauty of a swarm of flies and maggots being juxtaposed by old paintings and photos, patinated tea sets and countless dusty, kitsch, ceramic knickknacks."

The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends when classes are in session, but hours are subject to change. For more information, call the Highsmith University Union at 828/232-5000.