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An exhibition of prints from Marais Press, a printmaking studio led by Professor and Master Printer Brian Kelly at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through February 27. On February 27 at 1 p.m. in the UAM Visual and Performing Arts Center, Kelly will give a presentation on his art and life. The exhibition and presentation are free and open to the public.

Under the leadership of Kelly’s 22-year tenure, Marais Press has created over 250 works, collaborating with more than 175 artists and hundreds of students. Some of these artists are well known in the broader art world, including Michael Ray Charles, Sue Coe, Sean Starwars, Tom Hück and Jane Kent. Others, such as Keith Howard and Brian Shure, have made significant contributions to the field of fine art printmaking through their research and technical writing. The press has also made a concerted effort to engage academic printmakers in collaboration, creating a unique snapshot of American printmaking.

Kelly reflected on his recent work, stating, “I want the viewer to react, explore and interpret these surreal worlds, filled with their fantastic beasts, humans, critters, timelessness and, at times, humor.” 

Kelly holds a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking at Louisiana State University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking from Northern Illinois University and a certificate in waterless lithography from the Tamarind Institute of Lithography. He currently serves as the head of the printmaking program and coordinator of Marais Press at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Kelly has presented over 70 workshops and lectures on printmaking research in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and he has held residencies at the Tamarind Institute of Lithography in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and GLATT/YMAGOS Atelier in San Paulo, Brazil. His prints have been included in over 500 exhibitions worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Poland, England, Scotland and Slovenia. 

The gallery’s hours are Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.