(KINGSVILLE, November 13, 1996) -- Vibrant and colorful images of bugs and metals are merely a sampling of what is to be discovered at this year's Nikon 1995 "Small World" Annual Microphotography Contest exhibit at Texas A&M University-Kingsville's John E. Conner Museum.

The exhibit, which will be on display from Monday, Nov. 11, to Saturday, Dec. 21, in the West Gallery of the museum, features the works of the top 20 contest winners from all over the world, including Canada and Sweden, according to Museum Educator Brian Volkmer, and is a traveling exhibit that tours the United States.

The photos, which include wood samples, bacteria, metals and insects, are taken by a camera affixed to a microscope, explained Volkmer, who described the vivid images as "almost surrealistic." Contest entries were judged on originality, technical proficiency and visual impact.

"This (photo display)," Volkmer said, "will appeal to both the science-minded in the community and also the art-minded."

The Conner Museum, located at 821 West Santa Gertrudis Ave. in Kingsville, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information about the exhibit call (512) 593-2810.

-TAMUK-
-Mary McAdam