Constance Garrow Diamond's "Sustainability in Painting," opens with a reception and talk by Diamond, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Jan. 17, Payne Gallery, Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus, Moravian College, Bethlehem, where the exhibit continues through Feb. 17.

The exhibition includes 35 works of art constructed as collage using acrylic-mixed medium on paper. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibition supports Moravian College's "Sustainability In Focus" themed programming for the 2012-13 academic year.

"Sustainability is, by definition, a concern with the future," Diamond said.

"The means of enhancing and protecting that future are various. Creativity, innovation, making fresh and sometimes unusual connections between supposedly disparate ideas is basic.

"This definition of art and the definition of sustainability are the same protecting the future through providing the conditions for growth is the goal of both of sustainability and art. Being aware, alert to consequences, unafraid to try new ideas, and open to failure are the operative ideals."

Diamond was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Long Island where she now lives.

She received a B.A. in art from New York University, Master's degree from Queens College, and Ph.D. in art from New York University.

She has taught art in high schools for many years and more recently has taught college level art at SUNY.