On Friday at 4:30 p.m. Hampden-Sydney College’s Atkinson Museum will present a gallery talk, “Realism: The Compelling Illusion,” by Barger Professor of Fine Arts Dr. David Lewis.

The works in the exhibition are examples of contemporary realism, which Lewis will reference in his talk. “Viewers of artistic realism willingly enter a state of suspended disbelief; they know that what they are looking at is an illusion, but they choose to engage with it as a kind of reality-at-arm’s-length,” Lewis said.

Lewis holds a M.A. and an M.F.A. from East Carolina University, both in painting. He also attended the Art Students’ League in New York City and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His work has been in over 100 national juried exhibitions and solo shows, winning many awards, including five “Best in Show” awards.

The exhibit is free and open to the community.