Opening Reception

Saturday, September 12, 2009  6pm - 8pm

The Art of Ceramist Ali Halane and Painter/Printmaker Byron Smith

Exhibit Dates: September 12 Through October 25, 2009

Halane and Smith’s works will be on display throughout the months of September and October.

Halane, a native of Somalia, came to the United States in 1984.  He graduated with a B.S. degree in Art from Lincoln University in 1990 and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a master’s degree in fine art in 1994. 

Works of Halane’s to be on display includes clay masks, oil and acrylic paintings and sculptural vessels.

“I draw my inspiration from tradition African ceramics…My method of construction is a hand building technique…enhanced by the flame and smoking effects of the fire,” Halane said.

Byron Smith is a Columbia, Missouri native.  He is painter and printmaker who is best known as a landscape and figure artist.  Working mostly in oil and watercolor, his preferred media, Smith’s paintings capture historic places, family farms, forest creeks and the Missouri River Valley. 

“Living in your hometown all your life has advantages for an artist.  You know people and places so well.  I never get bored painting a landscape…nature changes continuously,” Smith said. 

Financial Assistance for this program has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.  The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  The museum is physically impaired accessible.