(April 29, 2011)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

It's What You Make of It: Works by Bennett Sewell runs at Meadows Museum of Art

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — The exhibition It's What You Make of It: Works by Bennett Sewell, open to the public, runs through July 31 at Meadows Museum of Art.

image of Sewell\'s work

Dr. Bennett Sewell is a local working artist who has consistently produced some of the most interesting and unusual sculptures in the Northwest Louisiana region. Sewell's sculptures are assemblages comprised of found objects discovered in the trash, salvage yards and flea markets which the artist transforms into unique works of art over a lengthy period of time.

In his recent sculpture series, Sewell has assembled dogs that are decorated and dressed up to personify human personality traits. Of his work, Sewell states, "I use dogs as a metaphor for humans since they are so easy to anthropomorphize."

The result is a myriad of shapes, colors and textures that at first glance are visually overwhelming. Upon closer inspection, visitors will find buttons, make-up, keys, earrings and other common objects which add to the persona of the dogs Sewell has created. Additionally, he has written extensive descriptive text to accompany each dog.

"I do all of this because it is fun to think about how we live, to have new thoughts and to create something from that experience," he added.

As part of summer programming, the Meadows Museum of Art will offer two weeks of Summer Art Camp from June 20 - 24 and June 27 - July 1. Students will utilize the sculpture exhibition on view to create sculptures of their own. To find out more about this museum program or to receive an informational brochure, call the Meadows Museum Education Office at 841-7271.

The Meadows Museum of Art is located on the campus of Centenary College of Louisiana at 2911 Centenary Boulevard in Shreveport. The Museum is open to the general public from noon until 4 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; from noon until 5 pm on Thursday; and from 1 until 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Museum is closed on Monday. Admission to the Museum is free and open to the community. For additional information, call the Museum Business Office at 318.869.5040 or 318.869.5169.