MONROE - "Mixed Media Times Four" is a group art exhibit that features four local artists, Jim Salter from New Glarus; R. Scott Zuber from Monticello; and Richard LeDuc and Russell Gardner from Madison.

An opening reception is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, in the Monroe Arts Center Frehner Gallery, with a brief gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will be on display at Monroe Arts Center's Frehner Gallery from Jan. 7 through Jan. 28.

According to the center, all four artists "work skillfully within their craft and each possess a drive for making art that is personal and not tarnished by a false commercial motivation."

Their exhibit covers various mediums, such as painting, drawing, and photography.

Zuber's paintings combine cut print material, house paint, and acrylics. His unconventional application of these materials employs the Post Modern idea that the medium can be the art. The medium does not, however, overshadow the commentary Zuber portrays on contemporary society. His themes at times can be either obscure or loosely political.

Gardner began experimenting with art in 1961, which eventually evolved to making "doodling" art. He cuts to card-size high grade watercolor paper that he carries along with fine pens, ready for waiting intervals, meetings allowing active hands-or he silently "accompanies" musical events or poetry readings resulting in hundreds of such cards over thirty-five years each with date, signature, and often the place and event noted.

Color applied beforehand characterizes "blanks" that await a final "gardening," as commented on by a viewer, to then form a final "Gardner card."

LeDuc began his painting career in 1988. After moving to Madison in 1992, he began to show his work in galleries around Southern Wisconsin. He paints in oils on reclaimed materials such as seats from wood chairs. Each frame is made by hand from salvaged wood.

Salter's view of the world is reflected through the lens of his camera.

He focuses on everyday events, that may be overlooked.

He makes his frames from found objects that relate to the photograph in a whimsical way.

The exhibit is made possible by Monroe Arts Center Corporate Underwriter-Colony Brands Inc. and Season Media Underwriters-Monroe Publishing, LLC and Big Radio; with additional support from Michael and Shelley Muranyi, Pete Guenther, Barb Woodriff and Lee and Chris Knuteson.