The public is invited to attend a reception with the artist of the ceramic exhibit “Decompose” today from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the James S. Murray Gallery. The artist is Kyle Anderson from Greenville, and the exhibit is available for viewing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 13.

The impetus behind the body of sculptural ceramic work shown in Anderson’s “Decompose” is his brother’s diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. “His body is literally withering away, and he can do nothing to stop it. Wrinkles on faces tell stories, and I am broken because my brother doesn’t have a chance to develop those stories and wrinkles,” explains Anderson. “I overexaggerate lines and folds in my work to emphasize this concept.”

“My goal for this body of work is to not only attempt to mend my own mental health, but provide solace for whoever is struggling in life by affirming they have a gift that they shouldn’t take for granted,” Anderson adds. “We should be in constant celebration for having the ability to draw breath.”