EXHIBIT OF ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHS OPENS OCT. 1 AT UNIVERSITY GALLERY

The University Gallery is presenting a collection of photographs by internationally acclaimed photographer Paula Allen from her book "Flores en el Desierto/Flowers in the Desert" Oct. 1 through Nov. 5.

The exhibit, titled "The Women of Calama," documents women in northern Chile who searched through the desert for 17 years for the bodies of their loved ones who disappeared after the 1973 coup.

An opening reception with the artist will be Sunday, Oct. 1, from 4-6 p.m. at the University Gallery, 350 W. 21st Street in Ghent. The exhibition and reception are being presented as the kickoff for the 23rd Annual Literary Festival, sponsored in part by the Norfolk Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Friends of Women's Studies and the College of Arts and Letters.

One of Paula Allen's photographs will offered in a silent auction at the reception to benefit a graduate scholarship in Women's Studies. Framing has been provided by Shooting Star Gallery.

Paula Allen will speak at the Literary Festival at 8 p.m. Oct. 2 in Chandler Recital Hall at the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center. Call 683-4770 for more information.

Hours of exhibition are Monday through Thursday, noon - 3pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 5pm and Sundays 1 to 4pm. The gallery is located at 350 W. 21st Street in Ghent near the Palace Shops. Please call 683-2355 for gallery information.