The Nicolaysen Art Museum is having its opening celebration for the Andy Warhol Dream America exhibit tonight. The opening will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The 88-piece exhibit started its two-year tour in Billings, Mont., and will hit seven cities. The Dream America tour includes complete print portfolios or suites of some of Warhol's most well-known work.

"It's a very large and complex exhibition," said Ben Mitchell, curator of Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center.

A gallery talk will be held before the opening by the owner of the collection, Jordan Schnitzer, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"I think you'll find that he will talk about his own interest and involvement in art and then why the Andy Warhol exhibit means so much to him," Mitchell said.

Admission to the exhibit is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Members are admitted free of charge. Admission will be reduced by $1 for guests who bring a can of Campbell's Soup for the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission.

The exhibit will be displayed tonight through Nov. 8. The Nic is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Monday.

Mitchell said the Nic wanted to make this event family friendly and educational. "We wanted to make the exhibit accessible to young people."

The Nic also has made a program called Nic Discover. It's a chance for young people to learn more about art and Andy Warhol. The program can be found throughout the museum.

Various educational programs and special events will take place in the Discovery Center throughout the exhibition. Anyone interested in attending a program or special event can contact Linda Lyman at (307) 235-5247.

Andy Warhol's Dream America tour is being sponsored by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation and the Laura Jane Musser Fund. Local support came from Target, the Wyoming Arts Council, and the Natrona County Travel and Tourism Board.

Reporter Emily Zimmer can be reached at (307) 266-0619 or emily.zimmer@casperstartribune.net.