The Modesto Junior College Department of Art presents “Passerine”– an exhibit of art works by Mariam Pakbaz, on display Tuesday, Jan. 15 through Thursday, Feb. 7 in the Art Gallery on the East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto.

The first art gallery show of the spring semester features Pakbaz’s paintings and drawings that reflect the inner workings of her mind. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and admission is free.

A public reception for the artist is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with Pakbaz speaking around 6 p.m. in the Art Gallery. The reception is free of charge and light refreshments will be served.

In a statement on her website the artist says, “A drawing builds up over time into a raw, transparent image composed of layers representing the changing nature of thoughts. I pursue a sensitivity to the moment in which my ideas become clear or attain an unexpected meaning with possible interpretations. The work is fluid and the picture as a whole is representative of a method.”

Pakbaz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Chico.