The Sensual Beauty of Silk Art features the work of 12 international and domestic silk artists associated with Silk Painters International (SPIN), a not-for-profit organization based in Maryland. Works range from "bowls" made of painted silk such as Nested Bowls to wearable art such as Venetian Red Dress and demonstrate the variety of techniques used in silk art today. The show is complimented by an educational component that explores the nature of silk and silk painting.

"This show is very versatile. We have wearables, three-dimensionals, wall hangings and banners?there's a broad range in this show where viewers can see the many different applications of silk art and the breadth of the art form," said Diane Tuckman, the exhibition's co-curator and the executive director of SPIN.

Tuckman, author of several books on silk painting including The Complete Book of Silk Painting, and Dr. Julianne Ferris, founding member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and a faculty member at the university, serve as the exhibit's co-curators. The exhibition award judges are Ferris; Ruth Bird, professor emerita at American University and current faculty member at the University of Vermont; and Clara Graves, an active silk painter and graphic designer for over 20 years. The participating artists include: Janice Carnegie, Jan Janas, Deb Jansen-Burke, Dianne Gebara, Annette Kirk, Sigrun Shanko, Amanita Mollier, Vivien Pollack, Louise Sharakan, Judith Townsend, Diane Tuckman and Patricia Hable Zastrow.

In collaboration with the university's Art and Learning Center, Tuckman will be teaching a one-day family workshop on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and a two-day workshop on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Nov. 14. from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. For more information on how to register, call 301.314.ARTS or visit www.union.umd.edu/artcenter.

The Union Gallery is located on the first floor of the Stamp Student Union on the campus of the University of Maryland. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.