The Upstairs Artspace proudly presents a special exhibit commemorating the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the recent oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Katrina to Deepwater Horizon: Tragedies of Cash, Climate and Culture opens Friday, Aug. 27 and continues through Sept. 25. A public reception to meet the artists will be held Saturday,&bsp; Aug. 28, 5 to 8 p.m.

Each artist in the exhibit has been deeply affected by the events in the Gulf and has responded by making powerful art. They are:

Connie Bostic, Fairview, N.C., oil paintings

Sam Lovelace, Tryon, photographs and an installation

Chris Riddle, Tryon, a documentary film. Riddles film will run continuously throughout the exhibit.

William W. Rosen, Franklin Tn., photographs. Rosen, who is a Katrina survivor, will give an informal talk preceding the reception Saturday at 4 p.m. A panel discussion with the other artists is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 7 p.m.

The Upstairs Artspace is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. Check www.upstairsartspace.org for details.