The gallery of the De Pree Art Center at Hope College will host "Paper Cuts," an exhibition of work by Thomas Allen, from Friday, Feb. 18, through Friday, March 18.

He will discuss his work on Friday, Feb. 18, at 4:30 p.m. in the De Pree Art Center's Cook Auditorium, room 141.  An opening reception will follow from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The public is invited to the exhibition, the artist's talk and the opening.  Admission is free.

In explaining the exhibition's title and theme, Dr. Anne Heath, who is assistant professor of art and director of the gallery, said, "Thomas Allen has a weakness for vintage 'pulp' paperbacks - but he doesn't read them. His skillful hand, armed with an Exacto knife, works to deftly cut and remove the characters he finds printed and imprisoned on their covers. Working with tape, glue and pins, Allen folds, props and positions these iconic figures from pop culture to portray contemporary situations and photographs them."

Thomas Allen is from southwest Michigan. He received his bachelor's degree in fine arts from Wayne State University and his master's degree in fine arts from the University of Minnesota.

The De Pree Art Center is located at 160 E. 12th St., on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street. The gallery is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., although the hours may be reduced during breaks and holidays. The gallery is handicapped accessible.