New exhibit opens at Murray State University’s Department of Art & Design’s Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery
By Ann Gosser | Aug 6, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — The Murray State University Galleries and the Department of Art & Design are pleased to present a new solo exhibition. Contemporary Icons featuring work by artist Lee Lanier will be on view in the Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery Aug. 19 through Sept. 14.
In the exhibit Contemporary Icons, visitors will find contemporary portraits of historical saints, gurus and religious leaders. Each painting includes an individual adorned with modern clothing, objects and symbols designated to retell an old story in a fresh light. By avoiding direct religious dogma and god-like elevation, Lanier has concentrated on the emotional qualities of these real-life individuals. Qualities such as regret, perseverance, sadness, acceptance, thoughtfulness, caution, personal sovereignty, self-love and selfless love are explored. A wide variety of historical figures are represented, hailing from many religions, including Western Christianity, Eastern Orthodoxy, Sikhism, Buddhism, Transcendentalism, Zoroastrianism and indigenous belief systems.
Lanier’s goal is to revive and present these past stories to a new audience. At first glance, the life of a historical saint or guru seems to have little significance in the 21st century. Yet, Lanier feels that their stories of struggle should have real relevance when compared to all of the challenges during recent and current times. At a minimum, these works inspire thought and conversation about important figures from the past, with all their inherent strengths and flaws intact.
While visiting the exhibition, the audience can learn more about any of the subjects by using the free AR (Augmented Reality) app, Artivive. Within the Artivive app, there are life stories and historical photos along with additional artwork. Look for the Artivive app signs within the gallery for instructions.
Lanier is a contemporary narrative painter and muralist who lives in Boulder City, Nevada. Their colorful paintings breathe new life into historical, literary and mythological stories. Lanier has worked professionally as an animator for over 30 years, spending time at Walt Disney Studios and DreamWorks. Their paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows at over 45 galleries and museums in over 10 states within the past five years. During this same timeframe, they have also created 40 murals for cities, counties, school districts, corporations and non-profits in Nevada, California, Colorado, Ohio and Alabama. Lanier has participated in Southwest chalk festivals, built animatronic sculptures, and attended artistic events such as Burning Man. As an enthusiastic supporter of community arts, Lanier co-founded the Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City and sat on the board of the Las Vegas Arts District.
Lanier has a passion for old stories. When creating public murals or paintings on canvas, there is a focus on history, such as historical figures, locations and events; or literature, such as plays, parables and mythology; or local landscapes, flora and fauna. The stories often come from a wide array of sources, both historically and culturally. Lanier taps into universal themes that they find relatable to a wide range of audiences. The themes are often metaphysical and cover such areas as creativity, industry, perseverance and exploration. Despite the many differences in beliefs and values held by people, Lanier truly feels that individuals have more in common than they do not. At a minimum, they trust that their paintings inspire conversation and thought. Stylistically, the work is narrative and figurative and gives a nod to Renaissance tableau, classic advertising illustration and a bit of Surrealism.
The University Galleries visitor hours for fall 2026 are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the galleries is free and open to the public. The University Galleries are located on the sixth and seventh floors of Price Doyle Fine Arts. For more information about the Department of Art & Design, visit murraystate.edu/art or follow them on Instagram @murraystateart.