VCU's Anderson Gallery to exhibit contemporary landscape painting and illustration

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's Anderson Gallery will present three new exhibitions this summer, including "Maryann Harman: Paintings," The Society of Illustrators 2003-2004 Traveling Exhibition and the 2004 Illustrators Academy.

• "Maryann Harman: Paintings" will showcase contemporary landscape paintings by the nationally renowned artist with a focus on the rural terrains of Virginia, Vermont and California.
• The Society of Illustrators 2003-2004 Traveling Exhibition will feature 40 original illustrations selected from the Society of Illustrators' 45th Annual National Exhibition. The Society of Illustrators is a national organization of professional artists headquartered in New York. This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Society and also the 22nd year that the Society has brought the best of American illustration to college campuses.
• The 2004 Illustrators Academy will exhibit work of the VCUArts affiliated academy. Participating artists include nationally renowned faculty Mark English, John English, Gary Kelley, Anita Kunz, C.F. Payne, George Pratt, Natalie Ascencios, Fred Otnes, Gregory Manchess, Brent Watkinson, Robert Meganck and Sterling Hundley. The academy will focus on illustration concepts and techniques. Students are encouraged to pursue a personal point of view to make their work unique as well as focus on the functional business practices in the field of illustration.

The exhibitions will open will open Friday, June 18 with a reception at 7 p.m., and will continue through Aug. 7 at VCU's Anderson Gallery, 907 1/2 W. Franklin St. Summer hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 804.828-1522, or visit http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/artweb/gallery/.