A dynamic collection of graphic arts from Poland will be exhibited July 12 through Sept. 8, 2002 at the DePaul University Art Gallery, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave.

The exhibition, entitled “Jazz in Poland: Polish Posters from the Rosenberg Collection,” opens July 12 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. The reception is free, open to the public, and includes a live jazz performance.

This exhibition first took root when Martin and Patricia Rosenberg shared a corner of their fascinating collection with Louise Lincoln, director of the art gallery. “There were hundreds of examples of the inventiveness, wit and graphic brilliance of posters from Poland,” Lincoln recalled. “Polish posters seem to have a cult status for many people, in particular graphic designers.”

The posters are distinguished by the integration of fine art and graphic design, which provides a distinctive blend of content, form and illustration. It was this combination and an emphasis on powerful statements that drew Martin Rosenberg to collecting Polish posters.

“The poster in Europe came out of commercial advertising and often lacked depth, individuality, and artistic passion,” he explained.. “However, what remained in postwar Poland was an increase in energy and innovation in imagery. The poster was a medium for artists to become known and recognized.”

Twenty-eight prints have been selected for the exhibition and include work by such artists as Rafal Olbinski, Waldermar Swierzy and Roman Kalarus. The prints range in eras from the 1960s through the 1990s.

The gallery also is featuring some new acquisitions to its permanent collection. Recent additions include works from such artists as Mark Arctander, Miriam Bloom, William Conger, Bruce Davidson, Robert Donely, Isac Friedlander, Sam Gilliam, and Theo Kerg. The new acquisitions will be exhibited from July 12 through Dec. 1.

There is no admission fee to the DePaul Art Gallery. Gallery hours are: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about this exhibition and future exhibitions at the DePaul Art Gallery, call 773-325-7506 or visit the gallery’s Web site at www.depaul.edu/~gallery.