The University of Central Oklahoma Department of Art will open an exhibit featuring artwork by Michael Litzau, M.F.A., new Central art faculty member, with a reception from 4-6 p.m., March 7 in the Melton Gallery located in the Art and Design Building.           

The opening is free and open to the public, and will include light refreshments and live music by Central students.           

The exhibit, curated by Charleen Weidell, M.F.A., chair of the art department, will feature a variety of Litzaus’ work, comprised of intricate drawings and detailed mixed media pieces examining the culture around being sports fans.           

Litzau, born in Milwaukee, Wis., has been an avid Green Bay Packers fan since childhood.  The roller coaster of emotions felt throughout a game or season and the unflinching support of his team is what Litzau finds incredibly interesting and explores in his work.  He makes artwork about what it is to be a fan.           

“Many of the pieces displayed focus on the aspect of community revolving around sports in our culture,” Litzau said.           

Litzau joined the Central art faculty in the fall 2012 and currently oversees the drawing and printmaking areas of the department.  Prior to joining the faculty at Central, he taught at Columbus College of Art and Design, The Ohio State University and Dennison University.      

Litzau obtained his B.F.A. from Columbus College of Art and Design in 2004 and his M.F.A. from Ohio State in printmaking in 2006.           

The exhibit will be on display in the Melton Gallery through April 11.           

For directions to the gallery or further information about the UCO Department of Art, call the department at 405-974-5201.           

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.