³Art From Hell² Exhibit to Open Jan.23

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Students in the University at Buffalo Art Illustration Program claim that a recent "field trip" designed to expand their cultural and intellectual horizons turned sulfuric and scared the wits out of them. Instead of being taken to a m useum or gallery, the students claim to have been plummeted straight into the bowels of hell.

Upon their return, the artists were asked to submit work for an exhibition that would illustrate their horrific experiences.

The result may be the hottest show of the season -- "Art From Hell -- the Evil Works of Illustration Faculty, Students and Alumni."

It will open with a public reception from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 23 and continue through Feb. 11 in the Art Department Gallery on the lower level of the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. For the opening "deception," said the students, vi sitors are welcome to bring "an offering for the devil" and "dress like hell."

"It should be a fun show," said Kathleen Howell, director of the illustration program. "Alumni and faculty are participating, and I think the audience will have a real good time.

"It's true that the field trip was brutal," Howell said. "Students were toured through time and torture and introduced to the finer points of torment devised by cultures, their religious, philosophical and political systems. The physical and emoti onal damage to the students was unspeakable, but hey -- no pain, no gain."

After months of "counseling" and "therapeutic discussion" with their instructors -- Elka Kazmierczak, assistant professor, and Christine Beetow and Scott Swales, both adjunct professors -- the illustrators were finally able to face the devil and turn t heir experiences into "Art From Hell -- the Evil Works of Illustration Faculty, Students and Alumni."

Did they succeed? Step into the old hell mouth on Jan. 23, sip a glass of Beelze bubbly and see for yourself.