CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art and Permanent Art Collection is excited to welcome spring with two new exhibitions opening Jan. 20. Together, the shows highlight contemporary perspectives on the natural world and gender expression, while also showcasing the creative and scholarly work of both established artists and one accomplished UNI student.

In the main gallery, "Guidebook" is a two-person exhibition by Minnesota artists Paula McCartney and Lex Thompson. The exhibition runs from Jan. 20 through Feb. 20.

A guidebook offers a survey of a subject, highlighting, indexing and organizing key instances within its purview. For Paula McCartney's and Lex Thompson's exhibition of the same name, "Guidebook," brings together work from each artist that engages with ideas of scientific observation and correlation of the natural world. It is not only a guide to the artists' understandings and interpretations of natural phenomenon and natural history, but also to the careers of the artists and their interests. The exhibition combines work from McCartney's "Birdwatching," "A Field Guide to Snow and Ice" and "Every Contact Leaves a Trace" with Thompson's "Re|Collect" and "Crystal Life."

McCartney and Thompson will be on campus on Thursday, Feb. 12, to work with students in a bookmaking workshop. That evening, the public is invited to an artist talk and opening reception at 6 p.m. in Kamerick Art Building 111.

The second exhibition will feature a student-curated exhibition, "Birds & Babes: Gender Roles and Feminine Expression from the UNI Permanent Collection,"by Ian Less, senior BFA Studio/BA Art History/Certificate in Museum Studies student. The exhibition is located in the Mary Haskell-Hansen Room of the UNI Gallery of Art and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of UNI Women's and Gender Studies.

"Birds & Babes" focuses on depictions of feminine gender expression and the roles of contemporary women. The works on display exhibit various depictions of feminine strength across different media, including photographs, prints, ceramics and mixed media. These pieces highlight the tension between gender expectations in patriarchal society and feminine identity. The exhibition will be up from Jan. 20 through May 15.

Less also curated "Birds of Hollywood: Celebrity Portraits by Philippe Halsman," a selection of photographs on view in the gallery showcases just outside the gallery entrance through Feb. 20.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery will be closed March 16-20 for spring break.

For more information, visit chas.uni.edu/gallery-art.