From "Rabun" by Julie Keller

From "Tree of Life" by Emily Thewlis

Two UNC Asheville seniors will hold art exhibitions at UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Gallery from August 13-24. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in the gallery. The shows are the culminations of the students' work toward bachelor of arts degrees at UNC Asheville. The exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public.

"Rabun" features 18 black-and-white photographs by Julie Keller. The images detail life in the artist's hometown of Rabun County, Georgia. Upon graduation she hopes to return to Rabun County to pursue a teaching career.

"My experiences of photographing Rabun County have renewed and strengthened a connection I feel toward my birthplace," said Keller. "I made this body of work for the viewer to appreciate the way of life in this small Appalachian community in Georgia."

The other exhibit, "Tree of Life," features some 40 small ceramic sculptures by Emily Thewlis. Many of the pieces have been imprinted with local tree bark or incorporate branching patterns, echoing the shape of a tree.

"This body of work represents a spiritual journey of discovery, incorporating aspects of my relationship with all of nature," Thewlis said. "Inspired by the exploration of my Cherokee heritage and the mythologies that sustain this culture, my pieces embody and reflect a balanced relationship with the environment."

The gallery is located on the lower level of UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call UNC Asheville's Art Department at 828/251-6559.