This exhibition catalogue features exquisite, full-color images of all of Avital Sagalyn's paintings, drawings, lithographs, sculptures and textile designs displayed at a 2019 solo retrospective, "Avital Sagalyn: A Life of Exploration," at the University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) in Amherst, Mass., plus loads of additional content.

That includes: The artist's personal statement; the premier of a scholarly article by art historian Karen Kurczynski, PhD, on how Avital's works relate to the New School of Paris art movement, circa 1950; a Foreword by UMCA Director Loretta Yarlow; essays by three writers in Avital's family, describing her extraordinary personal history as one of the first female Fulbright scholars ever sent to study painting in Paris, and her unique creative approach; newly published photos of Avital through these key creative decades; poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke and Avital's friend, the painter/poet Reuben Tam, that inspired some of her works; photos of other breathtaking artworks that relate to those displayed by the museum, but not exhibited; a full index of Avital’s catalogued works; and much more.

This book highlights Avital's wide creative range as shown in the UMASS Amherst student-curated exhibition -- including cubist, abstract, and abstract expressionist styles -- diverse subject matter and scenes from around the globe.

All proceeds from this catalogue go toward the professional restoration and framing of Avital's decades-old artworks.