NEW ALBANY, IN, (Nov. 17, 2011) – Indiana University Southeast fine arts students will showcase an eclectic mix of creative works in honor of a local art institution this weekend.

Graduating seniors in the Bachelor of Arts program will open “Eclectica” at the former Preston Art Center in New Albany on Saturday, Nov. 19. Ten students are participating in the exhibition which will feature pieces in ceramics, painting, graphic design, photography, video, drawing, and digital illustration.

In this case, the art show’s location is just as important as the pieces on display. The students wanted to exhibit their work in the space where they had purchased most of their varied art supplies over the years.

The Preston Art Center, owned and operated by Don Preston and Kathy Brennan, was always the “go-to” place for studio art materials for IU Southeast students. The owners have been long time supporters of the IU Southeast Fine Arts program and its students, contributing annually to the program’s Juried Student Exhibition by awarding gift certificates in each of the program’s disciplines: painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, graphic design, and foundations.

The “Eclectica” exhibition is a way to pay homage to Preston and Brennan, and to demonstrate how Preston Art Center has contributed to the local culture for several decades.

Community leaders joined the students in their project and several citizens and local organizations have provided support for the show including River City Winery, Gary Humphrey, Porter Paints, Wick’s Pizza, Magnolia Photo Booth, and Gary Webb.

Participating student artists are Franziska Dietl, Connie Goodwin, Wil Goolsby, Jerrye Huber, Daniel Marshall, Shawn McPheron, Zhalda Penn, Katie Smith, Jonathon Stephens, and Randilyn Woertz.

The opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 19, from 6-9 p.m. at the former Preston Art Center, on Pearl Street in New Albany. For more information, please visit the exhibit website at www.galleryeclectica.com.