The free opening reception and artist talk for "Struggling in Sand" will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the branch campus for SUNY Oswego in the Atrium building, 2 Clinton Square.

The artist, whose husband, Mushari, is from Kuwait, teaches online for SUNY Oswego's art department. She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design and in 2011 with a master of arts in teaching degree.

"Many miles from the rolling hills of her New York hometown, Alesha M. Hall has encountered many dazzling and discomforting things," she said in an artist's statement. "Redefining her home and family leaves her stuck in a constant state of doubt, which is amplified by the engaging and fleeting connections with other expats. Her self-portraits and digital illustrations depict the inner dialogue she struggles to understand each day."

SUNY Oswego Metro Center's gallery hours include 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, although the center often is open for additional hours. For more information, call 315-312-2321.