The School of Art at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition with Lindsey Heiden: Milk.

The exhibition will be on display today through April 7 at the Walker Stone House near the downtown Fayetteville square. The artist welcomes audiences to attend the reception during community event, First Thursday Fayetteville, at 6:30 p.m. April 5.

Milk highlights scenes from the contemporary fairy tale "The Milking Mouse," illustrated and composed by Heiden. Scenes are depicted using found objects, which are modified to represent characters playing out the story. The artist uses the most recognizable figurines, angels and teddy bears, as placeholders for the protagonist, the Milking Mouse.

The story told is not a complete story. Heiden encourages viewers to fill in the missing chapters, in hopes, that the tale becomes a personal encounter between the viewer and the work.

Heiden uses fairy tales to tie together the duality and ironies of hybrid creatures often found in the world of make believe and the advances being made in transgenics. The seed of her tales, stems from scientific studies and Heiden's own personal experiences of being a mother.

Throughout Heiden's M.F.A. journey she says she has learned the valuable lesson of staying open to using materials that best carry the concept, even if that means working outside her comfort zone.

"My overall experience has been fantastic and I value my time here as it has allowed me to grow into a better artist and critical thinker," said Heiden.

After graduation Heiden plans to further develop her work and one day hopes to teach ceramics at a college level.

Milk is on display April 2-7 at the Walker Stone House, 207 West Center Street, Fayetteville, AR. The exhibition is free and open to the public during the times below:

• April 5 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• April 7 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• By appointment, email Lindsey Heiden at laheiden@uark.edu