Trick eye

Mary Ann Prior, executive director, described Stark’s creative process as mathematically precise, noting that the artist’s only tools are an X-ACTO knife, glue and paper, with which she makes intricate, colorful and dizzying shapes that ultimately comprise quite the optical illusion.

“It’s very hypnotic,” Prior said. While the piece “Cosmological Constant” is two-dimensional, it conveys a three-dimensional effect, she said.

Stark also makes animated videos with a similar artistic approach, three of which are part of the exhibit, “Tunnel Vision,” now on display through Aug. 27.

British still-life photographer Tessa Traeger’s work also is currently on display. Her exhibit, “Voices of the Vivarais,” shows life in a rural French community. Both exhibits are free to the public.

City Arts Center is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday. For more information, call 951-0000 or visit cityartscenter.org. —Ryan Querbach