EAST LANSING, Mich. - The East Lansing Arts Commission will unveil its latest exhibit, “Inspirations,” by local painter S. Dani at the East Lansing Public Art Gallery with a special opening reception on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 1-2 p.m. The exhibit will run from Feb. 1-26, 2009.

The opening reception and exhibit will be located on the second floor of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. The reception is free to the public.

Dani’s style is described as abstract expressionism and his work is inspired by life, color and music. “I want to transform reality into abstract images and let the viewer’s imaginations take them anywhere they desire, feeling an escape from reality,” said Dani. “Abstract expressionism, a modern art movement, is an abstract conversation between the artist and the viewers. What I love about abstract expressionism is the freedom and energy it permits, allowing me to express myself on a canvas. I find the inspiration in reality.”

Dani was born and grew up in Albania on the Balkan Peninsula, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Early on in Dani’s young life he realized that painting was a way to express his artistry and communicate with people. Dani is a visual artist who paints strong-type images that evoke feelings.

Admission to the Public Art Gallery is free. The gallery is open during regular hours at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Visit the gallery Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m. to check out Dani’s exhibit.

The East Lansing Public Art Gallery supports visual arts in the community by presenting exhibitions that introduce new cultural ideas and provide personal experience with visual art in a meaningful way.