Picasso, Matisse Make Cary Art Gallery Home

The free exhibit features 42 works on paper by renowned artists, including Diane Arbus and Edvard Munch, as well as Picasso and Matisse. The works are some the collection's most important holdings, Thomas said.

Cary held the exhibit and gallery talk as part of an effort to increase public knowledge about art and to share artists' viewpoints and sources of inspiration, town officials said.

"Everyone is invited to witness the talents of history's most magnificent artists here in the town of Cary," Denise Dickens, the town's public-art coordinator, said.

"We are pleased to bring this showcase to Cary, so that Triangle art enthusiasts can interact with real works, while also learning about the context of the art."

This marks the first time that Davidson has presented a full exhibition away from campus, said Thomas, who also serves as director of the "Davidson Collects: 1938-Present" exhibit.

Davidson's permanent art collection has more than 2,700 works that span more than 500 years. The Van Every/Smith Galleries hosts around a dozens exhibits each year, primarily showcasing contemporary pieces in all media, as well as works by students.

"Davidson Collects" will be display at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, through Wednesday, April 23.