`REFLECTIONS OF THE INVISIBLE: WORLD SPIRITUAL SYMBOLS'

An exhibition of art collected in a kind of spiritual quest and never before shown to the public will open Sunday at the University Museum.

The show, titled "Reflections of the Invisible: World Spiritual Symbols," consists of 80 statues, masks, paintings and stitchery pieces that reflect a universal need to communicate spiritual feelings.

The exhibit, a year in the works, is being provided by an anonymous Southeast Missouri collector who has traveled the world searching for the objects.

"It was (the collector's) thesis that every religion, every group of people in the world has common spiritual needs," says Museum Director Pat Reagan-Woodard. "That even though we might not be able to communicate about them verbally, the objects we make reflect this human need.

"This group of objects was assembled as a quest to prove that and understand that more deeply," Reagan-Woodard said.

Artifacts representing four major religions and tribal cultures found in Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean are part of the exhibit. In the common hand gestures, postures and adornment, the exhibit connects all human-kind timelessly, Reagan-Woodard says.

"Through basic symbols we can communicate with anyone, and communicate our most profound ideas."

Some of the objects date back at least four centuries. Not everyone might immediately see their spiritual connection.

"Some of the African masks look very frightening," Reagan-Woodard said. "If viewers don't understand what they were used for they might not see them as spiritual."

The objects in the exhibit demonstrate how ideas about aesthetic values are broadening, she said.

"Their whole value is that they reflect human spirituality," Reagan-Woodard said of the objects in the exhibit. "Each one tells a story."

The exhibit opens Sunday with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum. Refreshments will be served and harpist Chadie Fruehwald will entertain.

Admission to the museum and gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Group tours can be arranged by calling 651-2260.

The museum will be closed from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.

Financial assistance for the show is being provided by Burch Food Service of Sikeston, Harper's Travel Agency of Sikeston, Leon Wiggs Insurance of Cape Girardeau, Susan Street Studio Gallery of Sikeston, and Mollie's Cafe & Bar of Cape Girardeau.