Former Troy resident Duane Paxson will be a featured artist at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville through July 20.

Paxson’s exhibit, “Ivory Tower,” features a brand new body of 13 works, including three large hanging pieces that are the focal point of the exhibit and 10 floor pieces.

In his Ivory Tower series, Paxson incorporates wood, metal cage-like forms and synthetic materials to create sculptures that investigate structures of power.

“I hope that these pieces make the viewer think about how power and influence are wielded in a variety of forums – government, professional life, family and gender relations,” he said. “It’s a pragmatic piece – practical as opposed to idealistic. I use a chess game – the ranking from king and queen to the pawns – to show how we make society work.”

As a special treat for families, the arts center will also exhibit Paxson’s large-scale installation, “Jelly Bean Angels.” The piece will be accompanied by an illustrated narrative, which has proven very popular with children.

Paxson will give an artist talk at 1 p.m. Thursday in the McIlroy Gallery. The public is invited to meet the artist and learn about his work.

Paxson’s Ivory Tower series will be featured in the arts center’s McIlroy Gallery and the Holzhauer Gallery will feature Salvador Dali’s series of woodblock prints illustrating Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.”