The University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Visual and Theatre Arts is sponsoring an exhibition by celebrated Memphis artist Lurlynn Franklin. A reception for the artist will be held from 5 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Fine Arts Gallery in the university's Fine and Performing Arts Building.

Franklin, a graduate of the Memphis College of Art, has been recognized throughout the mid-south region for her innovative work as an artist. Her most recognized work is Artistic Nature, a piece commissioned by the Memphis Arts Commission for the Arts in the Park for 2002.

"She is a young artist making quite a name for herself across the region," said Doug Cook, chair of the Department of Visual and Theatre Arts. "Ms. Franklin is a shrewd young painter noted for her sharp wit, coupled with a healthy abundance of opinion."

As part of her two-day residency, Franklin will also lecture and work with UT Martin art students for several classes in the studio on Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The exhibition, featuring Franklin's latest works, will run through Oct. 15 in the Fine Arts Gallery.