SCULPTURE EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT U. MUSEUM

"The Modeled Figure: Ceramic Sculptures" by St. Louis area artist Jack Decoteau opens at the Southeast Missouri State University Museum Sunday.

Approximately 30 of Decoteau's pieces will be shown at the museum. The exhibit will be displayed through Sept. 27.

An opening reception for the artist will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the museum gallery.

Pat Reagan-Woodard, museum director, said there are free-standing figures, small groupings of figures and platters hung on the wall that contain the human image.

"Decoteau's pieces reflect his interest in fantasy, symbolism and mythology," said Reagan-Woodard. "They are playful, frolicking figures that spark imagination, encourage questions and provide humor for viewers."

Reagan-Woodard said the artist Decoteau believes that art should not be taken too seriously. "He pushed the human form into the realm of fantasy," she said.

The sculptures, done in stoneware, acknowledge the clay material and the artist's hand in making them, she said, adding that salt firing and earthen glazes create interesting surface on the forms.

Decoteau has been practicing art since 1966, when he received a master of fine arts degree in sculpture and drawing at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He has taught at high school and colleges, and presently works full time in his studio.

In addition to modeling clay, Decoteau casts sculptures in bronze, iron, gold and silver. He has exhibited widely in the Midwest, including Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Arkansas.

Admission to the exhibit is free, and hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Call 651-2260 for more information.