Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Friends of the Visual Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University will host a screening of "Sketches of Frank Gehry," a documentary by Sydney Pollack about his longtime architect friend Frank Gehry, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

The 84-minute film explores the creative methods Gehry uses to design buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa, Spain, and the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. He begins with some rough doodles and then begins to make three-dimensional models with paper, scissors and tape, manipulating the structure until he's satisfied with it.

"It's a fascinating look at a fascinating artist," explained Christian Cutler, director of the SFA galleries.

"Sketches of Frank Gehry," which was selected for the 2006 Cannes and Tribeca film felstivals, is the last film ever directed by Pollack. The Academy Award-winning director died May 26, 2008.

"We had already made arrangements for the film's screening when we learned of Pollack's death," Cutler said. "But it provides a fitting tribute his artistry as well."

The screening is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, School of Art and the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts. The film is rated PG-13 for strong language, and admission is free.

The public is also invited to the 6 p.m. informal closing reception for "Cool and Collected" at The Cole Art Center. The exhibition includes art work from the collection of Nacogdoches artists and residents.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.