The University Museums at the University of Delaware will present a new exhibition, “Beyond Borders: Bill Hutson and Friends,” on view from Aug. 31 through Dec. 9 in the Mechanical Hall Gallery.

Coinciding with the 80th birthday of American artist Bill Hutson, “Beyond Borders” highlights the visual legacy of his transatlantic friendships.

Best known for his abstract paintings, Hutson is an active artist, educator and curator. Prior to settling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he forged lasting relationships with artists, visual and literary, in the communities where he was based. These include England, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Nigeria, Senegal, India and the United States.

Through selected works by Hutson and his contemporaries, “Beyond Borders” navigates the transnational nature and scope of his creative life.

Moving between London, Paris and Amsterdam with side trips to New York City, Hutson befriended artists working with the creative language of abstraction such as Edward Clark, Larry Potter, Herb Gentry and Sam Middleton, among many others. In the U.S., Hutson’s network includes artists from California to New York.

Drawn from the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin and Marshall College, the exhibition includes a range of Hutson’s distinctive work, from 1960-2003, and that of his artist-friends, among them: Larry Potter, Sam Middleton, Ed Clark, Mel Edwards, Nanette Carter, James Little, Mr. Imagination and Mary Frances Merrill.

Born in San Marcos, Texas, on Sept. 6, 1936, Hutson serves as the Jennie Brown Cook and Betsy Hess Cook Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

An artist-archivist, Hutson gifted his collection, inclusive of personal papers, exhibition catalogues and texts documenting African American art to Franklin and Marshall in 2010. The Phillips Museum of Art houses an extensive poster and art collection donated by Hutson, the focus of the University of Delaware exhibition.

A reception and conversation with Hutson will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Mechanical Hall Gallery. Hutson will speak with Julie L. McGee, University Museums curator of African American art, and Ivan Henderson, curator of education. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to universitymuseums@udel.edu by at 302-831-8037.

Perspectives gallery talks

Also in conjunction with “Beyond Borders,” there will be a series of Perspectives gallery talk, which are scheduled as follows:

• Journey and Journal. Curator Julie L. McGee, associate professor, departments of Black American Studies and Art History, from noon-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, Mechanical Hall Gallery.

• Thoughts on Art Outside the Academy. Anne Bowler, associate professor and associate chair, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, from noon-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, Mechanical Hall Gallery.

• A. Timothy Spaulding, associate professor, departments of English and Black American Studies, from noon-12:45 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, Mechanical Hall Gallery.

Visitor information

Guided tours are available by request from Sept. 28-Dec. 9. To book a tour, call 302-831-8037 or write to universitymuseums@udel.edu.

Admission to all University Museums exhibitions and events is free and open to the public. Please RSVP for events as requested.

Museum hours are Wednesday, noon-8 p.m., and Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed during all University of Delaware breaks and holidays. For general information, call 302-831-8037 or visit the museums online.