LINCOLN, NE.- The Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery announces its October First Friday event,  "Sweet Dreams and Nightmares:  Interpretations" with University of Nebraska-Lincoln psychologist Dr. Robert Portnoy from 5:30-7p.m. on Oct. 3 in conjunction with the Edwin Dickinson: Dreams and
Realities exhibition.

Dr. Portnoy, clinical psychologist and Department Head of Counseling and Psychological Services at the University Health Center, will speak to the fascinating process of dream interpretation and its evolution through the years.  Participants will be challenged as to how they think about dreams.

He will also discuss the philosophies of dream interpretation and individuals can apply it to their own lives.  Dr. Portnoy says that dreams can help people find clarity and understand about issues in their daily lives.

Consistently, research has shown that there remains a set of universal symbols in dreams that represent significant aspects of the dreamer’s life. From animals to death,  Dr. Portnoy proposes the significance of these images.

Participants for the evening will also have an opportunity to have some of their dreams interpreted.  Example dreams will also be elaborated upon to help participants think about their own dreams.

Edwin Dickinson: Dreams and Realities, currently on exhibition at the Sheldon, will provide a backdrop for this presentation.  The collection of more than 80 pieces of representational and beautifully abstract compositions, landscapes, nudes, still lifes, figures and portraits display dreams and nightmares as captured in a solid medium.  Dr. Portnoy’s talk will enlighten participants on some of Dickinson’s more highly symbolic pieces through the delicate process of interpretation.

A reception will also be open during the exhibition showing. A full espresso bar serving Latte, Cappuccino, Americinos, Mocha and Espresso, as well as a variety of cookies, will top of the evenings’ events. The exhibition is organized by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery with major funding from The Henry Luce Foundation.  Locally, this exhibition has been made possible with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Arts Association, Harold and Dessa Spidle and the Rogers Foundation.