February 15, 2011 — The University of Virginia Art Museum will host a Final Friday reception Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy refreshments and the newly opened exhibition, "Excavating New Ground, American Art in the 1970s."

"Excavating New Ground," on view through Aug. 14, examines the development of art practice on the East Coast within the fluctuating social topography of the 1970s. Drawing on the museum's collection of abstract and figurative painting and sculpture, the exhibition considers such ideas as the distinction between figure and figurative painting while highlighting the varied styles characterized as post-painterly abstraction.

Guests will also be able to view the exhibitions "Southern Views/Southern Photographers" and "Society Portraits: Andy Warhol's Photographic Legacy." 

Admission to Final Friday is free for museum members and U.Va. students, thanks to Arts$. A $3 admission fee is charged to non-members.

Free parking is available at Culbreth Road Garage and in the A6 parking lot, next to Madison Bowl on Rugby Road.

The U.Va. Art Museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For information, visit here.