Photos of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, along with prints from the Normal Editions Workshop in Normal, Ill., are the new exhibitions opening the Mesaros Galleries in the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 20. Both exhibits will be open though March 12.

Basquiat: An Intimate Portrait,on view in the Laura Mesaros Gallery, captures the friendship between artists Nicholas Taylor and Basquiat, a camaraderie that was born under the pulsating lights of New Yorks famed Mudd Club in lower Manhattan in 1979. The Mudd Club was a beehive of creativity, where people such as Fab Five Freddy, David Byrne, Keith Haring and Madonna hung out before they became famous. The 28 photographs and accompanying text panels, written by Taylor, contextualize the historical significance of Basquiathis eccentric behavior and obsessive hunger for fame and respect.

Basquiat has been viewed as one of the most important artists to burst on the 1980s art scene. These historic photographs of a 19-year-old Basquiat, shot on just one roll of film, are being exhibited and traveled for the first time in their entirety. They show a Basquiat unspoiled by the art-star celebrity that was to reveal itself in just a few short years.

On Paper: Prints from Normal Editions Workshop,on view in the Paul Mesaros Gallery, is a group exhibition representing some of the best artists who have created work at the workshop. Normal Editions Workshop is a distinctive non-profit research facility collaborating with national and international artists to produce limited editions of fine art prints. Located at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., N.E.W. has been printing fine art editions for artists since 1976.

The exhibition is comprised of a selection of prints created at Normal Editions Workshop from over the past 20 years,said Robert Bridges, curator of the Mesaros Galleries.I selected specific works that show both the strength of the artistsvision and the quality of prints created at one of this countrys finest contract printshops.

John Fraser, one of the artists whose works will be on view in the exhibition, will present a visiting artist lecture in the WVU Division of Art on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 5 p.m. in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall (Room 200A) of the Creative Arts Center. A reception will follow at 6 p.m. at the Mesaros Galleries.

Managed and programmed by Curator Robert Bridges and the WVU Division of Art, the Mesaros Galleries organize a diverse and exciting schedule of exhibitions throughout the year. The galleries are committed to showing experimental work that is innovative both in terms of media and content. The Mesaros Galleries also host contemporary artists of important or growing reputation who work in all media in the Visiting Artist program. All the gallery events and receptions are free and open to the public.

The Mesaros Galleries are open Monday through Thursday from noon to 9:30 p.m.; Friday from noon to 9 p.m.; and Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. They are closed Sunday and on University holidays. Special viewing times may be arranged upon request.

For more information, contact Robert Bridges, curator, at (304) 293-2140 ext. 3210.