LEBANON — The McKendree University Gallery of Art in downtown Lebanon will open its doors Thursday with a reception.

David Ottinger, professor of art at McKendree, said the new gallery is more than just a place where students can show off their paintings and sculptures.

"It's a venue for our students not only to exhibit their work in public but also to learn about installing, advertising and presenting, as well as crating, shipping, handling and storing art," Ottinger said.

Located at 224 St. Louis Ave., the gallery will be open by appointment until regular hours are established. The opening Thursday will be from 4-6 p.m. and the public is welcome.

"The community will benefit as much as the students because we'll have guest artists on a monthly basis, from St. Louis, Illinois, our alumni, and younger artists from local high schools. Hopefully we'll have some cooperative exhibits between other institutions, from both sides of the river."

The first exhibition in the new gallery will feature oil paintings by Ottinger, pastel drawings and oil paintings by Amy MacLennan, ceramics by Eric Hoefer and Melody Evans, and projected light installations by Christopher Ottinger. All are current or former members of the McKendree art faculty. The artwork in the display will be for sale.

Future exhibits will showcase the creativity of students, faculty, alumni and artists from other arenas, both academic and nonacademic, David Ottinger said.

Exhibits will change every month. The December show will feature students' artwork, with more student shows planned for April and May and an alumni show planned for the fall. High school art shows also are likely to be a part of the gallery's future.

Contact reporter Scott Wuerz at swuerz@bnd.com or call 618-239-2626.