Nancy Purington will display her paintings and be on hand to chat with art enthusiasts for the University of Iowa Museum of Art’s First Friday reception at hotelVetro in downtown Iowa City from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Purington is an artist and teacher living and working in Iowa City. Early in life, her artistic lexicon emerged from experiences on the Mississippi River and from her observations of wave structures, alluvial designs, and reflections of indigo. This foundation forged life-long experimental concerns regarding the nature and shape of change.

Purington studied painting at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she was influenced by the Asian Art Collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Her continued studies included Japanese art, Shoowa design, and Asian and African cultures.

Russian-born Sasha Burdin will provide music for the reception. A soloist and chamber musician, he has performed in Russia, Europe, and the United States. He holds master's degrees from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and Maimonides State Classical Academy, Moscow. He is now pursuing a doctor of musical arts degree in piano performance at the UI.

Light refreshments are included in the $5 entry fee for the reception.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the UI Museum of Art in advance at 319-335-1727.