The Octagon Center, 427 Douglas Ave., is offering a special guided tour of the Octagon Center’s current Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal and Wood Exhibition.

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, John Cunnally, ISU associate professor of art and design, and participating artists J.R. Campbell and Daniel Weiss will be on hand to give their insight about the works. The tour will last approximately one hour.

Teresa Albertson, executive director of the Octagon, described the work as varied and modern.

“It is a national competition that draws in submissions from coast to coast,” Albertson said.

“Cunnally does a good job explaining why [individuals] like a piece,” says Albertson. He is able to explain the background behind certain styles and pieces.

Campbell has two works on display in the exhibit. Both works are digitally dyed fabric, a relatively new process that Campbell will talk about on the tour.

Weiss also has two assemblages on display. He will share his inspirations and influences during his portion of the talk. An assemblage is a collection of items that is similar to a collage.

Albertson said what makes this exhibit different from other exhibits is the variety, including a large amount of fiber art.

The judge that selected the winners has a background in fiber art. Generally more pieces are submitted that are in the judge’s medium explains Albertson.

“Since this was a cash award show the quality of work is high,” said Albertson. The submitted work is also quite modern.

Albertson said a work that is 10 years old probably would not stand up against newer pieces due to a change in style.

“This is a good grasp of what is happening in art today,” she said.

These works also show new trends that are just beginning to emerge in the art world.

Admission to the tour is free and people are encouraged to ask questions and give their impressions of the works. Refreshments will also be served.

The Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal and Wood Exhibition will be on display until March 29.