Each year, Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the University of Houston, presents an exhibition showcasing works by graduating master of fine arts (MFA) students in the School of Art.

This year, 11 students are featured in the 2010 School of Art Master's Thesis Exhibition, on view March 27 - April 24. The MFA candidates are Debra Barrera, Nancy Douthey, Geoff Hippenstiel, Sura Khudairi, Robyn Lehmer, Grant C. MacManus, Richard Nix, Anne J. Regan, Keijiro Suzuki, Tala Vahabzadeh and Vanessa VanAlstyne.

The public is invited to celebrate their successes at an opening reception from 6 - 8 p.m., March 26 at Blaffer Gallery. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.

The visiting public has the opportunity to hear the artists talk about the ideas behind their works during the Brown Bag Gallery Tours at noon March 31, April 1 and April 7. Admission to each tour is free, and refreshments will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch.

"As a team, the Blaffer staff is thrilled to present these MFA projects as a culmination of the artists' three years of graduate study at the University of Houston," said associate curator Rachel Hooper. "The artworks in this exhibition are a testament to the artists' bravery in pushing the boundaries of convention, and their desire to seek a meaningful engagement with their audiences."

To learn more about Blaffer Gallery, visit www.blaffergallery.org.