Art exhibits dedicated to the nude art form of a human figure are rare in State College.

The Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania in Lemont, however, annually opens an exhibit dedicated to this art form.

The sixth annual Go Figure exhibit features work based on the figure and will open at the Art Alliance tomorrow.

Laura Winn Kane, the exhibit's coordinator, said most of the figures come from the Art Alliance's weekly open model session.

"Artists sketch during a session with a live model, develop them into abstract pieces that can be representational or abstract," she said. "It's the No. 1 way to practice to become a skilled artist."

Winn Kane said the Art Alliance is an organization that helps foster the arts in the area through classes and exhibits. It is open to both local artists and those who appreciate the arts.

Carol Goldberg, one of the founding members of Go Figure, said that when she moved here 15 years ago, the Art Alliance was a place where she could continue drawing. A few years later, she formed the open studio, and since then, it has really grown. It is set up for people who want to draw together and who do not need instruction.

"I find it a very useful, friendly place to go that makes me work, paint and draw," Cecilia Moore, a resident of State College, said.

The artists from the Art Alliance are made up of a range of people from professional artists to high school students preparing portfolios, Winn Kane said.

"There is a mixture of talents," she said.

Winn Kane said there are also many Penn State students from a wide variety of majors who participate in the classes.

Winn Kane plans on entering two of her own pieces into the Go Figure exhibit this year.

One piece is made entirely from charcoal, and she painted the other with pastel to give it more energy, she said.

Not all of the artwork will be nudes.

Moore said she is looking to enter a piece she created of a boy wearing a Scottish highland outfit and holding his drum.

Go Figure is a chance for the artists who take part in the sessions to showcase their pieces.

"It's an opportunity to show the work we do on Wednesday evenings at the open model sessions. I always like being involved with it," Moore said.

Goldberg said the Art Alliance is different from any other gallery in the State College area.

"Most of the galleries we have in town only allow models who are clothed. Go Figure is a great chance to show the public what we do," she said

Winn Kane said the exhibit is also a great experience for the community.

"It is a cultural weekend event. People will be able to get some culture in their lives, and not just be limited to theater and music," she said.

The exhibit's wide array of art and artists is a big part of the show's originality, Winn Kane added.

"Go Figure is a very professional show, even though the artists are a mixture of beginners and advanced artists," she said. "There is a wide range of art, and it's good for the community to be exposed to all the art that's normally hidden in other galleries. You can't show this kind of art anywhere else."

Winn Kane said she is excited for the event because there are so many artists working from the figure.

"It is a classic art form, and it's wonderful for people to get it out there," she said. "It's a wonderful way to see what we're doing here and what people do in their own personal studios."