‘Fashionable Iowa Girls’ to be Displayed at Quigley Gallery

“Fashionable Iowa Girls … And Others,” an exhibit of oil paintings by Leslie Bell, will be displayed in Clarke University’s Quigley Gallery from Tuesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 7. A reception for Bell will be held on Friday, Sept, 5, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Regular Quigley Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Leslie Bell was born in 1947 in Washington, D.C. He came to the Midwest in 1965 to study art with Father Edward Catich, the world-renowned calligrapher, epigrapher and graphic designer, at St. Ambrose University, earning his BA there in 1972. He received a master of fine arts degree in painting in 1974 from Northern Illinois University. His artwork has been displayed in one-person shows at many universities and galleries from coast to coast. Bell’s work has been figurative for 15 years and tells stories of love, education, longing and nature.  His awards include a fellowship in painting from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Special Recognition award-best in painting-from the Des Moines Art Center in Iowa Artists, two first prize and purchase awards from the Figge Art Museum, and grants from the Iowa Arts Council and Quad City Arts. For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318. Clarke University is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to preparing students who positively impact their workplace, family and community. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs, a robust adult degree program and six graduate degree programs.  Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in the thriving city of Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM university in the country.