January 31, 2011 — Margo Smith, director and curator of the University of Virginia's Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, will give a Lunchtime Talk at the U.Va. Art Museum on Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m.

Smith will discuss the art of northern Australia, focusing on contemporary painting and sculpture from Central Arnhem Land – including two works by artist Johnny Liwangu recently installed in the museum. Smith also will discuss several objects in the museum's new object study gallery.

Smith holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from U.Va. and conducted field work in central Australia from 1991 to 1993. She co-edited "Art From the Land: Dialogues with the Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Australian Aboriginal Art" with Dr. Howard Morphy, published by the University of Virginia's  Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection in 1999.

From 2003 to 2005, Smith taught "Exploring Indigenous Australia," a unique course involving four weeks of intensive study and travel in Australia.

The museum's Lunchtime Talks are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. These lectures offer the opportunity to join curators and faculty as they explore topics related to museum collections and exhibitions.

Lunchtime Talks are free and open to the public. For information, call 434-243-2050 or e-mail museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, one block from the Rotunda.