With immigration and border patrols in the news this month, a provocative new exhibit at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a timely look at a national topic.

The exhibit, which examines global immigration through the prism of the U.S.-Mexican border dilemma, will be on display April 9-May 3 at the UW Oshkosh’s Allen Priebe Gallery, Arts and Communication Center, 926 Woodland Ave.

“Borders: A Multi-Artist Project” will feature the artwork of Jeff Lipschutz, a UW Oshkosh professor of art, and artist Fred Stonehouse. In addition to the paintings, film works by Wisconsin filmmaker Dan Banda and fiber arts by Chilean artist Ximena Soza will be displayed.

“We are a nation of immigrants,” said Lipschutz. “This show is not taking a position, but we are trying to humanize the story. We hope to have a really thought-provoking and unusual chemistry among the types of work on display.”

Added Banda, “With renewed interest in the immigration debate, this show is very timely.”

An artists’ reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. on April 16. In addition to the exhibit, a symposium on immigration will be held from 2-4 p.m. April 22 in the Allen Priebe Gallery.

Photo: Artists present their work for the “Borders” exhibit at the Allen Priebe Gallery. They are, from left, Dan Banda, videographer; Ximena Soza, fabric artist and poet; Jeff Lipschutz, painter and UW Oshkosh art department professor; and Fred Stonehouse, painter. (Photo by Don Stolley, UW Oshkosh faculty)