The work of nationally recognized glass artists Kathleen Mulcahy and Ron Desmett will be featured in new exhibitions opening in the Mesaros Galleries at West Virginia Universitys Creative Arts Center Thursday (Sept. 13).

As part of the opening, Mulcahy will present a visiting artist lecture at 5 p.m. in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall (200A) at the Creative Arts Center. The opening reception for the exhibitions will follow at 6 p.m. at the galleries.

In addition, Desmett will present a visiting artist lecture about his work at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, also at Bloch Hall.

Both exhibitions will be open through Oct. 12. The Creative Arts Center is on the WVU Evansdale Campus.

In her exhibition titledSuspension of Beliefs,Mulcahy presents recent work that employs bent and etched glass and steel. The artist moves back and forth between the beauty of glass and the importance of conceptual sculpture. This work has a strong connection to nature.I am intrigued by the idea of moving between regions of shadow and illumination,said Mulcahy.

Desmett is a glass artist whose background includes painting, ceramics, mixed media sculptures and blown black glass. His exhibition, titledNatural Forces,will include his latest explorations in glass�€Lidded Trunk Vessels�€which are truly unique.

Instead of viewing glass as simply another canvas, he recognizes and exploits the molten bubble as the very different creature that it is. The vessels prove the powerful sculptural potential of blown glass.

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 its Visiting Artist Program.

All Mesaros Galleries events, including art lectures, exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, from noon to 9:30 p.m. 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.