LAKELAND, Fla. (Jan. 2, 2008) — Florida Southern College will exhibit the works of artist Craig Kucia in the Melvin Art Gallery. The exhibit, “authors wrote of places I had never seen,” begins Jan. 11 and runs through Feb. 13.

Kucia’s paintings, recently featured at Art Basel/Miami Beach, are metaphorically odd-angled snapshots of innocent life, contextualized in surreal landscapes. Often compared with American artist Dana Schutz, Kucia creates luscious fantastical narrative images tinged with sadness. The up and coming artist is represented by the Kevin Bruk Gallery in Miami. Kucia will be present at the opening reception on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.

A catalogue produced in collaboration between students in Dr. James Rogers’ contemporary art class and FSC graphic design major Kristin Brown accompanies this exhibition.

The Melvin Art Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during intermissions of many performances of the FSC Fine Arts Series. For more information, please contact the gallery at (863) 680-4743.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive United Methodist-affiliated college with a liberal arts core. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 46 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 13:1 student/faculty ratio; is a national leader in engaged learning; boasts 26 NCAA Division II national championships; and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 5 Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors and is included in The Princeton Review’s “366 Best Colleges” guide. The College is committed to the development of the whole student through vibrant student life programs that prepare graduates to make a positive, consequential impact on society. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.