Billy Hassell, a Fort Worth-based artist, presented a survey of artwork titled “Migration” to the public at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Gallery opening reception on Sept. 4.”I knew these were incredible, beautiful paintings,” said Gallery Director Dr. Alma Haertlein. “This is museum-quality artwork.”Originally from Dallas, Hassell’s paintings are inspired mostly by observations of birds from landscapes that include Texas, New Mexico, and other parts of the Southwest.The artist explained his vision in the following quote from a brochure: “I am interested in recording and depicting nature in a fairly straightforward, perhaps even slightly didactic way, along with an interest in abstraction, stylization and reduction.”Students who attended the reception expressed admiration for Hassell’s work.”I really liked the colors [because] they were really interesting,” said senior Georgina Castillo. “Even though they were all birds, they were really different.” According to Hassell, birds symbolize freedom and wildness. His paintings depicted native and endangered birds such as woodpeckers, road runners, pelicans, owls, mocking birds, and more. Although Hassell does not consider birds his signature image, he continues using the motif to pique viewers’ interest. “I wouldn’t call myself a birdwatcher because I do not have binoculars and a checklist, but I do make notes of the birds I see and get more information on them,” said Hassell.Hassell claims he paints landscapes if there’s a connection between him and the place. Inspired by folklore writers throughout history, his work is often compared to and linked with American and Mexican folk art because of the bright colors, bold patterns ,and simplified forms, according to the artist’s statement.Alumni Javier Vasquez said, “The art overall looks retro 80s because of the color schemes he used.””I really enjoyed the dramatic contrast in color and topic in his 1996 work titled ‘Origins,'” said senior Mario Andrews. “It really jumped off the canvas and grabbed the viewers’ attention.”Set against a dark green background, “Origins” depicts a black shadow in the shape of a buffalo covered with white polka dots. The buffalo recedes into the background while green salmon with red heads dominate the foreground. One blue-headed fish, a female, stands out from the school.”At first you can’t see the buffalo, but when you see it from a different angle, it pops out,” said local citizen Leo Canchola.”The work as a whole is very natural, and it also felt very personal and familiar because of the devotion to Texas wildlife,” said Andrews.The gallery displayed earlier works from private collections as well as new paintings, covering a span of 15 years. Hassell’s artwork included large and small oil paintings, wood reliefs, and works on paper.Senior Nathalie Miranda said, “I think it’s great and very creative, and it’s the most successful show I’ve seen.””The paintings really work, and they’re pieces to have at your home,” said Castillo.Hassell attended college in Houston and went to graduate school in Massachusetts. Six months after graduate school, he returned to Houston where his career was launched due to the city’s support of local artists.The paintings will display until Oct. 9, and twenty percent of sales will go to support the TAMIU art gallery.