The DePaul University Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., will open its 2006 season Jan. 16 with an exhibition of close to 70 sculptures and objects by Chicago artist Derek Webster. The show runs through March 12.

Born in Honduras and raised in Belize, Webster has practiced his art for close to 30 years. His witty and surprising human and animal forms are assembled from found and recycled objects, brilliantly painted and overlaid with mirrors, beads, fabric or costume jewelry. His work reflects his past position as a custodian for the Chicago Public Schools, where he said he “picked up what others threw away.” They are reminiscent as well of Belizean carnival costumes, which derive a similar look from the creative reuse of materials.

A reception for the artist will be held Jan. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Kelly Hall outside of the North Gallery where the exhibition will be shown.

The DePaul Art Museum is free and open to the public. Museum hours are: Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. For more information about the Derek Webster exhibition and future exhibitions of the DePaul Art Museum, call 773/325-7506 or visit the Web site: museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite.

Editors’ Note: J-PEG images from Webster’s exhibition are available upon request.