CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Sculpture, drawings and installation work will be on view in two new exhibitions March 4 through April 2 at I space, the Chicago gallery of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• "Diane Simpson: New Sculpture + Drawings" features recent sculptures and drawings, most of which are from the Chicago-based artist's "apron series." The geometric sculptural works, fashioned from painted aluminum and other materials, such as linen and plastic mesh, have been described by Chicago artist Richard Rezac as "multifaceted in their origin and construct, and in their suggestiveness to viewers."
• "Laurie Litowitz: A Little Mexican Mural and Other Things" highlights the artist's knack for combining new materials with traditional craft techniques - such as quilting - to create colorful, mural-like constructions ripe with multicultural references. The resulting work blurs the line between fine art and craft and serves as a visual commentary on popular culture.
An opening reception is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. March 4 at the gallery, 230 W. Superior St., Chicago.
I space gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.