Baker University students, staff, faculty and the Baldwin City community will be in for a treat, as the second opening of the Holt-Russell Gallery will display an array of artwork for everyone to enjoy.

With the title “Celebrating Our Generous Friends,” the art exhibit, which is open from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday and runs through Nov. 16, will be focused on honoring and acknowledging a variety of work donated by Baker alumni who continue to provide resources that make a difference in today’s appreciation of art.

Walt Bailey, special assistant to the president for development of the arts, said he thinks this particular show will be one to remember.

“We have received work from individuals in one form or another since the 19th century,” he said. “Because there are so many different pieces of art, we in no way expect to show work that everyone has given, but I do believe the pieces we have chosen are of substantial interest.”

Bailey said one of the oldest pieces of artwork that will be shown is that of two former Baker faculty members, George Cole and Arthur Bridwell.

“When they were professors here at Baker, they took a group of students out of the country and came back with three 19th century Native American ceramic vessels, one including an inverted bear claw pot,” he said. “These are substantial to the gallery because they represent both the students and the faculty, both of which participated in the gathering of these art pieces.”

Senior Jessica Uhler said she will be attending the exhibit not only because she is majoring in art, but also because she is excited to see all of the different pieces that have so much history to them.

“I haven’t been able to attend as many shows as I would have liked to so far this year, but this particular exhibit really catches my interest,” she said. “I think a lot of people do not get the chance to see such amazing art as this show will have, and in my opinion they are missing out.”

Representing so many distinct artists in the show, there will be a number of different designs, paintings and forms of art present.

“We are trying to represent the different people and the different art forms they feel are significant,” Bailey said. “You can see the various characteristics of the pieces and collages, which is what the purpose of this particular art show is in the first place.”

Senior Bryce Davin said even though he is not an art major, the exhibit sounds like it would be interesting.

“I might not be all that interested in the drawings and paintings, but I think I would like to see some of the pottery and sculptures,” he said.

Bailey said being labeled as an art gallery may give the wrong impression to some people, therefore distracting them from what is actually available and inviting for audiences.

“I think sometimes people misunderstand the purpose of the gallery; it is a campus-wide project and there certainly will be things in here of interest to almost everyone who walks in the door,” he said. “The Holt-Russell Gallery is a teaching gallery and is a place for both students and faculty to come at their own discretion and enjoy a variety of artwork.”