By Ann Nichols

annsnichols@aol.com

Bob Fazio's exhibition, opening at The Gallery in Red Bank on Friday, is tiled "Laborare Est Orare" or The Work Is the Prayer."

"Since my trip to Italy and Sicily, I've been using Italian titles along side English equivalents to add another dimension to understanding," said the artist who is of Sicilian descent.

The show is composed of three sections. The first part showcases Mr. Fazio's sculpture and includes a six-part relief series titled "Amore in Tondo." Stylized figures encircled in a wreath device represent six facets of loving couples -- following them through first love to familial love to eternal love. Other sculptures depict the freestanding human form while 12 terra cotta maquettes were inspired by people Mr. Fazio had observed on beaches.

Section II is composed of acrylic and gouache paintings of the Chattanooga-area landscape, as well as limages of his three children.

"The three blessings of elegance, strength and beauty or Le Tre Benedizioni, refer to the three blessings of my life -- my children Robin, Andrew and Catherine -- to whom I have dedicated this show," said Mr. Fazio.

In the third portion, he will display thrown pottery embellished with hand-sculpted motifs of mermaids, fish and other sea elements. A series of Toby mugs, with caricatures of faces, round out this section.

Also exhibiting with Mr. Fazio are clay artists Barbara Brogdon, Sue Cannon, Carole Fox, Mark Issenberg, Mark Knott and Michael Lalone.

On Thursday, Mr. Fazio will give a gallery talk from 6 to 8 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The exhibit will continue through Dec. 3.

The Gallery in Red Bank, 3920 Dayton Blvd., is open 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and by appointment. Call 870-2443.