Thursday, August 17, 2006

SIUC artist's work on display at St. Louis gallery: "A celebrated African-American artist from Southern Illinois University Carbondale is showcasing his paintings during the 'Show Me St. Louis Artists' festival at the Portfolio Gallery and Education Center in St. Louis.

Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, SIUC assistant professor of art, is among an elite group of artists selected to display their work at the Portfolio Gallery, a venue that is a haven for African-American artistic expression.

'I'm really honored to be showing my work at this gallery,' Abdul-Musawwir said. 'It has hosted some major events. This year the National Association of African American Museums will visit the facility. My work will seen by art enthusiasts from across the country!'

The seven Musawwir paintings in the exhibition are part of his 'Fatiha and Door of Return' series. In Arabic, 'Fatiha' means opening or door."