An art professor from Oakdale is featured in a new faculty Sculpture and Ceramic Exhibit at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic through Dec. 16. The exhibit, at ECSU’s Art Gallery, shows three different interpretations of how humans rebound from setbacks

Robert L. Greene, professor of sculpture in art and art history, calls his work "a visual autobiography in a sense." He works with wood and found objects, creating abstract sculptures that express the struggles and experiences that he believes many share.

"I'm allowing others, especially our students, to realize that their professors are just human. We have walls and we all have scars," he said. He hopes that his work conveys, "I've been there, I understand what you're going through."

Other artists in the exhibit are Allison Elia or Warren, R.I., who creates clay sculptures showing mostly large-scale female forms in sometimes contorted posts inspired by gymnastics and floating, and adjunct ceramics instructor Daniela de Sousa of Mansfield, who is showing a series of heart-themed works that she began in 2017 after separating from her long-time partner.

Greene earned master's and MFA degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, after graduating from Eastern in 2006. His sculptures have been exhibited along the East Coast and New York City.

The gallery, located in the Fine Arts Instructional Center, is free and open to the public Monday and Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.