The concept of pattern in the arts provides artists with tools that can limit creativity or suggest new avenues for exploration. They can offer a maker innovative options to explore with their accustomed materials and techniques; at times present a designer a means of control; advance a range of new ornaments and motifs to work with; and impart a new understanding of the relation between functional and decorative form. This exhibition will look at the impact of pattern in the arts using the University Art Galleries collections. 

Some pairings are literal, such as Joyce Kilmer's famous poem, "Tree,"next to Ola McNeill Davidson's beautiful painting of a tree. Others are more metaphysical and mysterious and ask the visitor to figure out the connection.

Austin-based artist Shawn Smith merges nature and technology in his two- and three-dimensional work featuring life-size animals, insects and abstract self-portraits, exploring "how humans use data as a lens for looking at the anthropocene, species loss and habitat destruction." On view at Wright Gallery, Langford A, Room 212, from Sept. 16-Oct. 24. Artist talk: Sept. 26, 4-5 p.m.; reception from 5-6 p.m.

This exhibition consists of 50 images taken by photographer Bob Willoughby from 1950–1960. In these vibrant photos, Willoughby's appreciation for and understanding of jazz music is apparent. "Willoughby not only had a good eye, he had a keen ear, and seemed to know when to snap at an inspired moment." – Dave Brubeck By 1950 jazz was here to stay and had migrated its unique sound from the streets of New Orleans to American cities from coast to coast. As the world changed, jazz evolved as well. One of the foremost jazz scenes was in Los Angeles, CA. Some would say it was due to the laid-back surfer culture of California, but the jazz of this region had a flavor all its own and is often considered the birth of what we know as "smooth jazz" today. Willoughby developed photos at night in his Los Angeles garage as he listened to jazz on the radio. If he heard a live broadcast from a nearby venue, he'd drop everything to go take photographs. Willoughby's photographs stand out because of their realism and immediacy. Working in difficult lighting and crowded conditions, these images are jazz improvisation made manifest: they give the viewer a sense of vibrant intimacy as he captured wistful singers, jamming musicians, and enthusiastic audiences. Willoughby photographed jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, DaveBrubeck, and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few. A Program of Exhibits USA with Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

This exhibition is by Dr. Heidi Campbell, professor and Presidential Impact Fellow at Texas A&M University, and sponsored by the Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts.  Exhibition: Sept. 9–29, 2024 Artist Lecture: Sept. 12, 2024 | 2:30-4 p.m. Guided Tours: Available for groups and Texas A&M classes. Tuesdays 10 a.m.–Noon and Thursdays Noon–2 p.m. through September. To schedule a tour, contact heidic@tamu.edu (mailto:heidic@tamu.edu) and meg.boone@tamu.edu (mailto:meg.boone@tamu.edu).   Religions use a variety of objects to perform sacred rituals and communicate their beliefs in visual ways. These range from devotional objects such as prayer beads or holy texts to inspirational decor such as wall hangings with sacred verses or jewelry featuring religious symbols. Together they are referred to as "material religion," the things which religious communities and people use to live out their faith and express their beliefs. But what happens to these religious items when someone dies, changes their beliefs, or downsizes their home? These objects often show up in resale and thrift shops, where they are given a second chance to become part of another person's spiritual life or collection. From the artist: "In a place like Aggieland, located geographically at the end of what is called the American "Bible Belt," one would expect to find objects representing Christianity like crosses, crucifixes, and plaques with sayings from the Bible. But what you might find surprising is that examples of Buddhism, Judaism, and New Age Religions are also prevalent."