A blend of lustrous colors mixes with striking patterns in “Luminous Rhythm,” a free exhibit by Sacramento State alumnus Mark Emerson at the University’s Robert Else Gallery.

The collection of acrylic and watercolor pieces will be on display Nov. 14 through Dec. 9. A special reception and conversation with the artist will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, with the talk beginning at 6 p.m. Regular gallery hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A 1979 graduate with a bachelor’s in painting, Emerson typically works in large-scale polymers, but this show will focus on his smaller acrylics.

“The Else Gallery exhibit illustrates a constant element in my practice – the small-format paintings that I have produced along with large-scale paintings for close to 30 years,” Emerson says.

The works’ elements inspired the exhibit title. “The term ‘luminous’ refers to the color schemes selected from each painting,” Emerson says. “ ‘Rhythm’ is the geometric patterns that define the movement contained within the works.”

For more information about Sacramento State’s Art Department events, exhibits, and programs, visit al.csus.edu/art or call (916) 278-6166. – Craig Koscho