Familiar Faces

If you've ever had a dollar bill in your pocket, then you've seen the inspiration for artist Ike E. Morgan's painting career. One of his first subjects was the little green portrait of George Washington that we've all carried in our wallets at one time or another. But, despite most people's familiarity with the image, few would recognize the dollar as the source of Morgan's interpretation of our first president's visage. Morgan, who spent over 20 years institutionalized at Austin State Hospital for chronic schizophrenia, paints extremely colorful and highly stylized versions of celebrities and fictional characters. His subjects include the Mona Lisa, several Dr. Seuss creations, and Xena, the warrior princess. Works by Morgan, as well as other art from the Webb collection, will be on display in an exhibition entitled Explosion at Webb Gallery in Waxahachie. The exhibit runs Saturday through March 18. The gallery is located at 209-211 W. Franklin and is open to the public 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. Call 972-938-8085 or visit webbartgallery.com.
Sat., Feb. 3, 1-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 4, 1-5 p.m.