The UNCW Ann Flack Boseman Gallery hosts Madame's Gallery, an exhibition featuring the work of 25 student artists who painted identical paint-by-number canvasses. The artists had to adhere to the number sequence of the painting, but were invited to make their own interpretations through color and media. The exhibition pairs with Synergy: the Common Reading Experience's fall selection, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. The book touches on issues of cloning, individuality, creativity and free choice.

Paint-by-number has become a representative form of modern life and has gained a new acclaim in the contemporary arts and social history circles. "Although many critics saw "number painting" as a symbol of the mindless conformity gripping 1950s America, paint-by-number had a peculiarly American virtue. It invited people who had never before held a paintbrush to enter a world of art and creativity," (Smithsonian Institute, 2001).

The works are on display through Nov. 13. A free, public reception for the artists will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16 on the second floor of the Fisher University Union.