Ouachita Baptist University to host guest artist exhibit

ARKADELPHIA -- Ouachita Baptist University's Department of Visual Arts will host guest artist Matt Smith, assistant professor of art at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in an exhibit titled "Sources of Evangelical Spirituality."

The exhibit will feature pieces exploring graphic design and typography and how these elements can showcase the Christian faith. The exhibit will run March 1-28 in the second floor Rosemary Gossett Adams Gallery of Ouachita's Moses-Provine Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. Smith will lead a gallery talk to open the exhibit at 10 a.m. on March 1.

Donnie Copeland, chair of Ouachita's Adams Department of Visual Arts, describes "Sources of Evangelical Spirituality" as "a typographic exhibit." He said the artist "has prepared passages of text to be read and viewed, a combination of reading a book and walking through a gallery."

The exhibit showcases selections from John Wesley's 50-volume "Christian Library" and A.W. Tozer's reading list for "those who would know the deep things of God," a news release said. Wesley was an English Anglican priest during the 18th century and one of the founders of the Methodist denomination. Tozer was a prominent American pastor and spiritual leader during the 20th century.

According to a statement Smith wrote about his show, "no book or exhibition of visual art and design has previously been produced in combining, collecting and juxtaposing selections from these two lists."

Guests will have the opportunity to view quotes and selections from Wesley's and Tozer's writings rendered in colorful uses of typography and design throughout the exhibit. Smith also includes some history and explanation of the themes he explores in his pieces.

Smith serves as assistant professor of visual arts at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. He has designed books, catalogs, book covers and book jackets, many of which have been exhibited in conferences, trade shows, galleries and museums. He has been recognized by HOW magazine and the Association of American University Presses.

The galleries are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Email Copeland at [email protected] or call 870-245-5559 for more information.