An artists’ reception was held for the participating artists in the “Celebrating Contemporary Art in Alabama: The Biennial 2013” exhibition Sunday afternoon at the Johnson Center for the Arts in downtown Troy.

Wiley White, arts center development coordinator, summed up the reception in one word, “fabulous.”

“‘Biennial 2013’ brings together 40 Alabama artists who are recipients of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowships,” White said. “So this is a very impressive group of artists and it’s an incredible exhibition.”

White said the participating artists are from all areas of the state, so it was not possible for all of them to attend.

“But we had a good group of artists and people had a chance to talk with them about their work,” White said.

“What is so interesting about artists’ receptions is the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with the artists. You learn more about them and their work and have an even better appreciation for what they do and how they do it.”

In one gallery, Kathleen Nowak Tucci of Atmore explained how she uses recycled rubber – inner tubes from bicycle tires and from Harley Davidson motorcycles – to create couture accessories for women who dare venture into the world of eco-design.

Just around the corner, John Phillips of Montgomery talked about his work that includes hand chiseled granite, a distressed mirror and a pod that is chemically blackened.

“The Biennial 2013 features a wide variety of mediums including fabric, wood, photography, painting, sculpture and clay,” White said. “Each work is outstanding and we are honored to have such an incredible exhibit at the Johnson Center.”

White said three officials from the Alabama State Council attended the artists’ reception.

Al Head, ASCA executive director; Jim Harrison, Council chair; and Elliot Knight, visual arts program manager, were all complimentary of the Johnson Center and of “Biennial 2013.”

“This is an outstanding exhibition and an outstanding art gallery,” Head said. “We are fortunate to have a gallery like this in Southeast Alabama.”

The closing date for “Biennial 2013” is Oct. 26. The Johnson Center is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and until 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.