Allen and Liza Linder have different ways of approaching their work.

"I just kind of jump in and figure it out once I'm in there," Allen Linder said. "Liza does a lot of research and then wades in. We both end up in the deep section very quickly."

The Linders are artists. She mainly does mosaics. He specializes in sculpture. The College Park residents explore similar themes, which they describe as "beauty, truth, freedom and above all, love."

Allen Linder, 49, is a full-time artist whose work has been displayed at numerous galleries including the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel. Several of his bronze- and marble-based human form sculptures are regularly featured at the Klaudia Marr Gallery in Santa Fe, N.M.

Liza Linder, 50, is a full-time art teacher at Berwyn Heights, Riverdale, Seat Pleasant and University Park elementary schools. As part of the interrelated arts program, she visits classrooms and incorporates art projects into the students' lessons.

"She can hear what you're saying and then move on that," said Carol Cantu, principal at Riverdale Elementary. "She loves the kids. She brings out the creativity in them."

As artists and teachers, the two were asked to contribute to the Maryland Artist/Teacher Institute's annual art exhibition at University of Maryland, University College in Adelphi. The institute helps teachers throughout the state to better implement art in the classroom.

The Linders submitted three drawings each, all of which are on display through Aug. 24.

While they said public display and recognition is never their primary goal, it is certainly an honor that they appreciate.

"That's like the icing on the cake," said Allen Linder, who attended the exhibition's opening July 15. "It's always wonderful to interact with other people when they see your work ... you never know what kind of incredible conversations you will get into."

Liza Linder has guided students in creating mosaics at Riverdale and Berwyn Heights elementaries, the most recent of which was a 154-square-foot Chesapeake Bay-themed outdoor mural unveiled in May at Berwyn Heights.

"I've got to tell you, [the murals] bring me a great sense of accomplishment," Liza Linder said. "They're beautiful because they're naÔve. They're innocent. They're children's work but they're huge."

Her husband also teaches part-time at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold and Montgomery College in Rockville and has taught "on and off" for nearly 25 years.

The Linders have two sons, one of whom, Isaac, 23, graduated college this spring. The other, Theo, 20, is currently attending Watkins College of Art, Design and Film in Nashville, Tenn.

When asked why they chose to dedicate their lives to art, the two gave a rather simple answer — their creativity and imagination gave them no other choice.

"It's the standard cliché of most artists, but there's no choice in the matter," Allen Linder said. "You've just got to express yourself."

The Maryland Artist/Teacher Institute exhibition runs through Aug. 24 at the UMUC Marriott Inn and Conference Center, located at 3501 University Blvd. East in Adelphi. The gallery, located on the lower level, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is free.