LIVINGSTON – The University of West Alabama will celebrate the opening of “Quilts: Portrayed in Mosaic Glass Art, Photography and Fabric,” an exhibit featuring the work of Black Belt artists Linda Muñoz and Rhys Green, on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 1-3 p.m. in Webb Hall Parlor.

Linda Muñoz of Cuba, who began her artistic journey piecing quilts, has worked in the medium of glass for over 25 years and now teaches stained glass mosaic art and fused glass to children and adults.

Through the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts, Muñoz has integrated arts into classroom curriculum with a study of the Quilters of Gee’s Bend that allows students to construct a mosaic quilt for a wall installation at their school. Two quilt designs in the UWA show are on loan from York West End Junior High School and North Sumter Junior High School.

“Coming from a family in which quilting was a much loved and practiced art form, I enjoy creating mosaic and fused glass art pieces inspired by the lines, shapes and colors of the quilts I grew up with as a child,” said Muñoz, whose work, which features vibrant patterns, textures and colors, can also be seen at UWA’s Black Belt Garden, Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Black Belt Treasures in Camden, and on her Web site at www.littleriverart.com.

“I find it important to impart my love of glass art and quilting to the children that I teach,” added the DANA Teaching Artist. “This show at UWA offers a rare opportunity for me to exhibit both my glass art and my quilts and two of the mosaic quilts created by my students.”

Muñoz and Rhys Greene of Gordo have previously collaborated to create Northport’s Kentuck Tree Mosaic. Greene, who uses stained glass and bits of unique materials in her mosaics, says it is stimulating to work together on community and public art projects.

“There is a very special feeling of mutual accomplishment that comes with creating something of beauty with others,” Greene said. “I believe those feelings are reminiscent of the communal quilting bees where lives and stories were shared. Those told and untold stories should be handed down and cherished by future generations.”

Greene, whose work can be found at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Fayette, Camp McDowell in Nauvoo and throughout the Town of Gordo, says she hopes gallery visitors will enjoy seeing traditional, contemporary and original quilt pattern designs portrayed in another art form as glass quilt squares.

In addition, Greene invites viewers to experience her photography in a personal way.

“My objective is to capture the essence of familiar things in a meaningful and intriguing way,” Greene said. “Our individual life experiences define how we view the world and how we relate to a photograph. If my work brings a cherished memory to mind, portrays a heartfelt dream or brings a smile to your face, then I am truly pleased.”

The free exhibit will be displayed at UWA through March. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 205-652-3611.