By: Mary Ann Cozza

UHD's O'Kane Gallery will feature the exhibit "African Art, African Stories," a collection of African tribal art including works from Congo, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and other countries, from Thursday, Feb. 2 through Thursday, March 15. An opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Gallery.

According to the Gallery, this exhibition "provides an introduction to various traditional art forms and materials. Many works date to the early 20th century, some earlier, with stories at times remarkable and unexpected referencing the use of the art within the society that created it.

"In addition to a variety of works created throughout the African continent, the exhibit explores perceptions of tribal styled art made for export and foreign markets. Issues of value and authenticity are important contemporary considerations for many collectors and museums."

This exhibit features works from the collections of Matt Scheiner and Lisa Qualls, and is funded by grants from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

For more information on this exhibit, contact the Gallery at 713-221-8042. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday noon - 5 pm, closed university holidays.