By Emily Burleigh

Gallery One Eleven will be hosting an artist reception for their current exhibition — Artwork by Elizabeth Happs and ceramics by Millard Mangrum and Sean Callendar – at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 at 111 Third St. in Leesville.

This exhibit opened on Saturday, Feb. 25 and will be available for viewing until Friday, March 17.

Happs, who is from Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom and was formally trained in England, is a painter and fabric designer and artist. “Her work goes from dealing with the landscape and the environment into some political arenas,” said Tony McDonald, Gallery Coordinator.

A number of her pieces address the current immigration crisis in England and the casualties of war. “It’s a real interesting mix.”

The pieces displayed in this exhibition include drawing, painting, watercolors and fabric pieces. There will be 19 of Happs’ pieces on display — 3 fabric pieces and 16 watercolors and paintings.

McDonald stated that the pottery by Mangrum, Biology and Botany Professor at Northwestern University, and Callendar, Pottery Professor at Northwestern University, blend seamlessly with Happs’ works.

Mangrum’s ceramics have a unique aspect. “Millard has made several vessels from local clay in Vernon Parish,” explained McDonald.

The usage of local materials is a practice that the gallery supports and aims to promote to other  local artists “We’re trying to excite people and other local artists to use local clay in their pottery,” he said. “People will be able to come and see what can be done with clay out of your backyard.”

All three artists will be at the reception to discuss their works with patrons.

The exhibition and reception are sponsored by James and Meriget Turner.

The reception will be catered by The Gringo Biscuit. This event is free and open to the public.