Fans of large-scale drawings have an opportunity to view a new exhibition called "Stealing Stories," an show of new drawings by Patricia Bellan-Gillen, which will be on view from February 18-March 22 in UNC Asheville's S. Tucker Cooke Gallery.

Patricia brings her work to Western North Carolina as the Dorothy L. Stubnitz Professor of Art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where she received the Ryan Award for excellence in teaching. Her paintings, prints and drawings have been exhibited in more than 35 solo shows across the United States. Her work has been included in group shows in museums and galleries.

Patricia's work often incorporates animal figures, typically using imagery generated through study and research with an approach that is heartfelt, intuitive, and enigmatic.

The exhibit will open at 6 p.m. Friday, February 18, with a talk by the artist beginning at 5 p.m. prior to the opening. The slide lecture will take place in UNC Asheville's Owen Hall, room 237, and a reception will follow from 6-8 p.m. in the gallery. Both of these events are free and open to the public, and the show will remain on view through March 22. The gallery has produced a 40-page catalogue documenting the exhibition, which will be available for purchase at the gallery.

Located on the first floor of Owen Hall, the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery is free and open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call UNC Asheville's Art Department at 828.251.6559.