Enjoy refreshments, curator remarks, and an open house in recognition of the spring 2025 Main Library Gallery exhibit, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive, curated by Rich Dana.

Event Schedule 
4–6 p.m.: Reception and open house with curator Rich Dana
4:30 p.m.: Brief remarks in the Main Library Gallery
6 p.m.: Opening event ends
8 p.m.: Main Library Gallery closes (open late on Tuesdays)

Admission to the gallery is always free. No RSVP required for this event.

About the exhibit:  

In 1897, French Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé revolutionized the world of graphic design with a single poem that forever changed the way we look at words. His work illustrated how text conveys meaning not only through words, but also as visual symbols that contain a deeper meaning. For over 125 years, artists and writers have continued to explore the mystery of Mallarmé’s poem “Un coup de dés jamais n’abolira le hasard” [A throw of the dice will never abolish chance]. This exhibition, curated by Rich Dana, features art, books, and ephemera from the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry that explore the immense influence of “Un coup de dés” since its publication.

The Main Library Gallery is open daily. Learn more about the exhibit and open hours at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery. 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Main Library Gallery in advance at 319-467-1805 or lib-gallery@uiowa.edu.