Olive DeLuce Art Gallery lecture & opening reception: Norman Spencer

Northwest hosts Norman Spencer to deliver a lecture in conjunction with the opening of his exhibit in the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building, with a reception afterward. Both events are free and open to the public; the exhibit continues through Feb. 27.

Building on his passion for nature, identity and the hands-on, meditative process of block printing, Spencer’s work explores community and belonging in neighborhoods, taking inspiration from interactions between humans and their environments. While living in Louisville, Kentucky, he began making custom block prints of the city’s contiguous collection of Victorian mansions. Spencer says he was enamored with each home’s architecture, unique details, their chromatic colors and the variety of people who lived in them. Now, after moving to St. Louis four years ago, he has finished hundreds of similar portraits of scenes throughout the region.

Spencer earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Louisville and took up printmaking during his studies as a way to unwind and connect with his creative side. He is a 2024 Kranzberg artist in residence and has held residencies in institutions, including Bernheim Arboretum and The Louisville Public Library.

His work has been featured in exhibitions in multiple galleries as well as the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville. He also has taught printmaking workshops for the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, multiple public libraries and the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Exhibits in the Olive DeLuce Art Gallery are free and open to the public on the first floor of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.