DRAWN TO DIVERSITY

In juroring the 2001 Girardot National Drawing Exhibition opening tonight at Gallery 100, Diane Hansen tried not to be a snob.

"I wanted styles that were sophisticated, academic and informed as well as styles that were less informed," she says.

The latter styles, often called "Outsider Art," are no less artistic for their lack of sophistication, Hansen says.

"That doesn't diminish them in the least."

The opening reception for the show will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the gallery, 119 Independence Street.

The Girardot exhibit drew nearly 100 entries from across the U.S. Among them are a drawing done in shoe polish.

The submissions emphasized the diversity of drawing tools possible charcoal, graphite, in one case an image that appeared to have been produced by a computer, Hansen said.

"A lot of times people draw strict barriers ... I was looking for a diversity of styles and diversity of tools."

Tools can be extended to include the type of paper the drawing is on. "My emphasis was on how many different ways a drawing could be made," she said, "... how many different things could define the drawing."

In smaller communities, arts councils are one of the few arenas where art can be seen and where artists can exhibit their work, Hansen said.

"It is important that a show showcase as many different styles as possible. It is a way of enlightening the community."

Hansen lives in St. Louis and is a professor at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. She taught at Southeast Missouri State University during the past year as a substitute for Sarah Riley, an art professor who was on sabbatical.

Also opening tonight in the Lorimier Gallery will be "Publication Design," a show of graphics work by the students of Southeast Missouri State University professor Louise Bodenheimer.

The students designed a new logo for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. One of the five submissions picked for the show will be chosen to represent the Arts Council.

The student submissions for "Publication Design" include a logo, letterhead stationery, envelopes, business cards and designs for newsletters and membership mailings.

The shows continue through June 28. The galleries are open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. weekdays.