The Unity College Center for the Arts (UCCA) is set to host a new art exhibit titled “Magical Thinking” featuring paintings and sculptures by Andy Rosen of South Portland that are inspired by photos of nature and animals that he’s collected over the years. The show will run now through April 20.

“What I keep searching for in these images is some trace of optimism. I’m not interested in portrayals of animals or landscape that are hopeless,” said Rosen. “I’m looking for some tell that animals or nature might feel another way, or maybe if I’m being honest with myself, that everything is going to be OK.”

Rosen earned his MFA from the University of Iowa and his BFA from Alfred University. His work has appeared in exhibits including the Portland Museum of Art, Jim Kempner Fine Arts in New York, Tacoma Museum of Art, Cuchifritos Gallery in New York, Pulse Art Fair in Miami, and Tetra Projects, a traveling exhibition in Mytilene, Greece.

There will be an opening reception for “Magical Thinking,” on Thursday, April 11, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Ben Potter, Professor of Art and Curator of the Leonard R. Craig Gallery at 207-509-7239, or email bpotter@unity.edu. The UCCA is located at 42 Depot Street in Unity.