Local artists will overcome a challenge in the State College area and hold an exhibit of artwork featuring the human body, clothed and nude this weekend, called "Go Figure."

The second annual event will be held by members of the Art Alliance's Open Model Session held on Wednesday evenings, which includes about a dozen artists whose works will be displayed and sold at the weekend long event.

Connie McGeorge, a member of the Art Alliance Board of Directors, said that because State College is not really conducive to displaying artwork that portrays nudes, the artists are excited for the show.

"People will get on planes and travel to Italy to see the works of Michaelangelo, but when it comes to their own community some people think it's objectionable," McGeorge said.

Working from a nude human model is important to many different art forms, including theater and architecture, McGeorge said.

The artists have spent their Wednesday evenings for the last year working from all types of models: clothed, nude, male, female and couples.

The artwork that has come out of these sessions has included paintings, drawings, sculptures and other mediums.

Not all the work at "Go Figure," however, will be of nudes. Head shots and clothed pieces will also be on display.

Members from the Open Model Session include local working and practicing artists, teachers, graduate students and high school students putting together a portfolio for admission to an art school or program.

The artists named the exhibit "Go Figure" because the title highlights figure artwork.

The poster for the 2001 exhibit was a faded print of Michaelangelo sketches rendered using calligraphy of the artists' names involved in the show.

Participating artists will be present during the entirety of the exhibit.

An opening night reception will be held tonight, during which visitors may meet the artists. After dinner type foods will be included.

"Go Figure" will be held at the Art Center, 818 Pike St. in Lemont, from 7 to 9 tonight and from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

Admission to "Go Figure" is free and artwork will be available for purchase. Purchases may not be picked up until after 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about this weekend's art exhibit and other Art Alliance events you can call 814-234-2740, e-mail artall@vicon.net or visit www.artalliancepa.org.