The West Virginia University Division of Art is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Creative Arts Centers Mesaros Galleries with a special exhibition of works from the Mesaros art collection.

The exhibition will be open Thursday, Sept. 7, through Oct. 13 in the Laura Mesaros Gallery.

Open in the Paul Mesaros Gallery on the same dates will bePatterns of Decoration: The Evolution of Frame Design,with frames on loan from Gold Leaf Studios in Washington, D.C.

The Mesaros Galleries at the Creative Arts Center were dedicated in 1996 to honor the late Drs. Paul and Laura Mesaros of Steubenville, Ohio. The couple provided endowments and funding to the WVU Division of Art for renovation of the galleries and scholarships in the visual arts. For 25 years after the building opened, the galleries at the CAC were known asGallery AandGallery B.Gallery A is now the Laura Mesaros Gallery, and Gallery B is the Paul Mesaros Gallery.

In addition to the exhibition of works from the Mesaros Collection, there will be a panel discussion with Division of Art faculty at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall. The topic will beNew Acquisitions from the Mesaros Collection.

The opening reception for both exhibitions will follow at 6 p.m. at the galleries. All events are free and open to the public.

William B. Adaira noted gilder, conservator and frame historianis the curator forPatterns of Decoration: The Evolution of Frame Design.Adair is director of the International Institute for Frame Study in Washington, D.C.

He began his career with the Smithsonian Institution at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. He studied gilding and frame history in Europe and America and in 1982 founded Gold Leaf Studios. Under his direction, the company has grown to include a multinational staff of specialists trained in traditional methods of frame making and conservation. The exhibition at WVU traces the evolution of frame design in both Europe and America.

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 play host to visiting contemporary artists of important or growing reputation who work in all media.

All Mesaros Galleries events, including art lectures, exhibitions and receptions, are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are noon-9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and 1-9 p.m. Saturdays. The galleries are closed Sundays and University holidays. Special individual or group viewing times may be arranged upon request.

For more information, contact Bridges at 304-293-4841 ext. 3210 or 293-2312.