The public is invited to view “New Work—Paintings and Pastels by William Kluba,” works by Tunxis professor of fine arts,  in the Wallace Barnes and Barbara Hackman Franklin Art Gallery at Tunxis March 10-April 16. An opening reception with refreshments will be held on March 10, from 5-8 p.m.

In excerpts from his artist statement, Kluba wrote, “This body of work, for me, is a step in a new direction that brings new themes and forms into play. Art is a vehicle that can transcend the rational mode of thinking allowing one to explore regions of the mind and soul that are not readily accessible in this busy world. Being attuned to the work when it is produced brings about a certain fluidity for me that frees me to let images basically create themselves. Of course I make artistic choices in terms of color, shape and tonal value but the images like to speak clearly and sometimes forcefully. Therefore, I like to think of this particular body of work as an investigation into the mechanics of the energy behind the forms, the intuitive and spontaneous. Inside all the pieces is a highly organized and formal structure that keeps harmony and balance within its parameters yet allows the forms to freely interact with each other.”

The Barnes-Franklin Art Gallery, located at the entrance of the 600 Building, is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and by appointment. The Gallery will be closed March 17-21 for semester recess. For more information, call 860.773.1621 or email William Kluba at [email protected].