Gallery

Delicate and delightful, mixed-media exhibit beckons gallery patrons

Backdropped by one of her hand-cut creations, Nguyen shares her process.

Peeking from behind the main work, the shadow of a mythological, horned jackrabbit delights on teal-colored paper.

Hand-cut “ginkgo leaves” spill out from the base of one of the artist’s lace-like works.

The exhibit title on gallery glass invites artistic exploration.

Exquisite, intricate beauty greeted a large crowd of college and community members on Thursday evening at the reception for the first exhibit of 2020 in The Gallery at Penn College. “Gathering the Names,” showcasing work by Missouri artist Sarah Nguyen, offers a delicate dance of hand-cut compositions playing with light and shadow, memory and myth, fable and folklore. Nguyen delivered a talk, sharing her inspirations from Japanese scroll art to French cave paintings, detailing her techniques and answering questions from curious gallery guests. “Gathering the Names” is on display through Feb. 28. The gallery, on the third floor of Madigan Library, is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Photos by Tim Wegman, student photographer

Events Gallery

‘Gathering the Names’ exhibit features intricate cut-fiber panels

“Ginkgo Message” is a hand-cut fiber panel measuring 144 inches by 33 inches.

Gathering the Names” is the first exhibit of 2020 at The Gallery at Penn College, located on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library.

Showcasing works by multimedia artist Sarah Nguyen, who uses folklore as a source of artistic inspiration, the exhibit runs Jan. 14 through Feb. 28. A reception is set for Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with an artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

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Gallery artist-in-residence bridges tradition, technology during workshops

Repko interacts with students during a “Bridging the Gaps” workshop, where participants built bridges representing the past, present and future as they relate to the artist’s work.

“Jeff Repko was the ideal choice for our first artist-in-residence in the ‘Material Matters’ series as his work combines traditional materials with digital fabrication methods,” said Penny Griffin Lutz, director of The Gallery at Penn College. In addition to a public reception for his exhibit, “In Proximity,” Repko’s five-day residency (Nov. 5-9) featured workshops in the gallery and The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College. “His artistic vision was a perfect fit for Penn College’s community of makers,” Lutz added. “He took advantage of the equipment in the makerspace to begin a new sculpture, and he enjoyed the one-on-one time he spent with students, educators and the public during hands-on workshops. Jeff felt so welcomed by our campus community!” “In Proximity” is on display through Dec. 11 in The Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of Madigan Library. Hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery is closed Mondays and Saturdays and will be closed Nov. 27-Dec. 1. The “Material Matters: Past, Present, Future” series will include two additional short-term artist residencies over the next two years and is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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College gallery shines as one of Penn State’s ‘Hidden Gems’

This 2015 exhibit blending medical technology and fiber art, titled “A View Within,” is just one example of the gallery’s displays correlating to Penn College’s array of majors from radiography to automotive technology.

The Gallery at Penn College, a resource for students and a cultural asset to the college and surrounding communities, is spotlighted in Penn State’s “Hidden Gems” series. The online feature focuses on noteworthy aspects of the university’s Commonwealth and affiliated campuses – including notable or unique landmarks, academic programs, research facilities, student organizations and more. Nine photos, judiciously selected from the sweep of presentations since the gallery moved to Madigan Library in Fall 2006, illustrate the newly posted piece.

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‘Material Matters’ series launches with industrial artwork

A detail of “Endless Waltz: Crescendo” (acrylic, paint and wood, 3 feet by 3 feet by 6 feet), which is among the industrial artwork on display in Jeff Repko’s “In Proximity” exhibit at The Gallery at Penn College through Dec. 11

Pennsylvania’s industrial and manufacturing history will be explored through art and art materials with Pennsylvania College of Technology’s unique series, “Material Matters: Past, Present, Future.” Offering exhibits, artist residencies, workshops and other programming, the series opens with an exhibition of industrial sculptures and paintings by Pittsburgh native Jeff Repko.

Repko’s “In Proximity,” on display Oct. 23 to Dec. 11 in The Gallery at Penn College, includes a public reception Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with an artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. The reception coincides with Repko’s artist residency, featuring four workshops.

Events Gallery

National Endowment for the Arts grant awarded to gallery

A National Endowment for the Arts grant of $15,000 will support “Material Matters,” a series of exhibitions, artist residencies and workshops focusing on materials from Pennsylvania’s history. The series is developed and presented by The Gallery at Penn College.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of the NEA to develop this exciting program,” said Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director. “The funding will provide three short-term artist residencies over two years, and will enable us to provide art outreach to both the campus and the community.”

The Material Matters series may feature steel, wood, paper or fiber, or current and future materials such as plastics, glass or electronics. The solo exhibitions, focusing on emerging and mid-career visual artists, will be accompanied by public programming, including free workshops.

Events Gallery

Photos document artist’s travels along infinitely open road

The gallery’s glass doors open wide for exploration of “Graffiti Scapes.”

Hower offers insights into his process, including capturing multiple frames for stitching, a homemade panoramic camera tripod (crafted with the assistance of his woodworking father) and high-dynamic-range imaging.

Guests investigate the graffiti-covered landscapes.

The audience listens to the artist describe his ode to “Concrete City,” a now-abandoned housing site constructed in 1911 for anthracite coal workers near Nanticoke.

Photographs printed on bricks are part of Hower’s “Concrete City” installation.

A Harrisburg area photographer who was inspired to apply for a solo exhibit at The Gallery at Penn College after winning the President’s Award at last year’s Regional Juried Exhibition shared his techniques and inspirations with a large audience gathered Thursday night for the reception honoring “Graffiti Scapes.” On display through Oct. 6, the exhibition showcases Michael Hower’s digital photography of 13 abandoned sites in three states. Initially inspired to pursue the craft seven years ago by a toddler son and a rural sign denoting “Distillery Road,” the self-taught photographer described his curiosity-infused journey of endless discovery as he explores deserted historical structures and nature’s attempts to reclaim man-made landscapes. The Gallery at Penn College is open 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery, on the third floor of Madigan Library, is closed Mondays and Saturdays; however, special visitation hours will be offered 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, during Penn College’s Homecoming and Parent & Family Weekend (Oct. 4-6).

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‘Graffiti Scapes’ photography exhibit at Penn College gallery

Graffiti Scapes,” Michael Hower’s exhibit of digital photographs focusing on ghost towns of the Mid-Atlantic – including "Biscuits" – is on display in The Gallery at Penn College through Oct. 6.

A fascination with abandoned buildings and landscapes inspired Enola resident Michael Hower to begin working in digital photography seven years ago. His current body of work, “Graffiti Scapes,” focusing on ghost towns of the Mid-Atlantic, is on display at The Gallery at Penn College now through Oct. 6.

A reception is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, featuring a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

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Wide range of artistic adventures in gallery’s 2019-20 season

Graffiti photography, industrial sculpture, multimedia folklore and vintage comics are among the engaging lineup of artistic adventures offered by The Gallery at Penn College’s 2019-20 season. The gallery’s 14th season will also shine the spotlight on fiber artists, as well as on graduating seniors in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s graphic design and architecture and sustainable design majors.

Gallery General Information

Coming to First Friday: The Hundred Dresses pop-up exhibit!

Hundred Dresses exhibit to make pop-up appearance for Kids' First Friday. — Hundred Dresses exhibit to make pop-up appearance for Kids’ First Friday.

The Hundred Dresses Project will be on display in the Community Arts Center lobby from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2. This special Kids’ First Friday pop-up exhibit will feature a sampling of dress prints created by area schoolchildren for the show, which ran June 4 to July 23 in The Gallery at Penn College. The exhibit is based on Eleanor Estes’ classic children’s book “The Hundred Dresses,” which centers on an immigrant schoolgirl who is teased by classmates for her accent, name, clothes and family’s poverty. The story explores themes of acceptance, inclusion, art, empathy and courage. Inspired by the book, project creator and artist Crystal Cawley invited 200 artists to read the book and embellish a 14-inch-by-11-inch letterpress dress print that she had created and shared. With a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the gallery invited third, fourth and fifth grade students from Lycoming County’s eight school districts to create works of art to add to the exhibit. Art educators from six of those school districts accepted the invitation and received a copy of the book, markers and a dress print for each participating student.

Gallery General Information

‘Bear’-ing witness to art’s allure

Children "ooh" and "aah" upon entry to the gallery, immediately awed by the array of things to see. — Children “ooh” and “aah” upon entry to the gallery, immediately awed by the array of things to see.

Gleefully discovering the book behind it all

An early exposure to art, whether enjoyed in solitude ... — An early exposure to art, whether enjoyed in solitude …

... or shared with friends. — … or shared with friends.

With a crowned "birthday boy" lounging in a place of honor, Simcox reads "The Hundred Dresses." — With a crowned “birthday boy” lounging in a place of honor, Simcox reads “The Hundred Dresses.”

A sleuth of Bears, 3- and 4-year-olds from the Dunham Children’s Learning Center, visited The Gallery at Penn College on Wednesday. Accompanied by Neva E. Simcox, group leader, and Marisa J. Dunn, assistant group leader (and 2017 early childhood education graduate, pursuing an applied management degree), the youngsters excitedly experienced The Hundred Dresses Project. Inspired by the classic children’s book by Eleanor Estes, the exhibit features over 150 dress prints created by professional artists and more than 1,000 prints from classes in a half-dozen Lycoming County school districts. The exhibit can be viewed through July 23 during the gallery’s summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Gallery General Information

Presidential birthday fashionably fills nonprofit’s closet

President Davie Jane Gilmour sits in The Gallery at Penn College, surrounded by donated dresses bound for Wise Options.

In celebration of President Davie Jane Gilmour’s 65th birthday this month, more than 70 children’s dresses are being donated to Wise Options, an advocacy organization of the YWCA Northcentral PA.

The dresses highlighted a small birthday gathering in The Gallery at Penn College where the “The Hundred Dresses Project” is on exhibit through July 23. Invitations to family and close friends of the Pennsylvania College of Technology president included a copy of Eleanor Estes’ classic children’s book “The Hundred Dresses,” which inspired the current exhibition. In lieu of a gift, guests were invited to donate a child’s dress, with many bringing multiple pieces. The party also featured a dress-shaped cake.

Events Gallery

‘Hundred Dresses Project’ grows tenfold through community engagement

A young visitor enjoys an “interactive dress” on which felt shapes can be added to create a design; some of the shapes offer positive words: honesty, respect, kindness, empathy and patience.

“The Hundred Dresses Project” has expanded to more than 1,000 dresses in The Gallery at Penn College, where a reception was held Thursday evening to honor the artistry, empathy and outreach stirred by the engaging endeavor. On display through July 23, the exhibit features more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists and over 1,000 dress prints made by youngsters in six area school districts. The outreach to area schools was initiated by Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director, and supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The creator of “The Hundred Dresses Project” – artist Crystal Cawley – traveled from Maine to offer a gallery talk at the reception and facilitate a Friday workshop on paper and fiber art. An educator at Maine College of Art, she described the inspiration and origins behind the project and discussed the importance of creating art to “cope with hardship,” as the young heroine did in the classic children’s book, “The Hundred Dresses,” and the ability of art to create kindness and community. Outreach efforts will continue with performances of “The Hundred Dresses” by Studio 570 in the gallery on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, June 13-30. “The Hundred Dresses” exhibit can be viewed during the gallery’s summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed Saturdays and Mondays, and will be closed July 3-7.)

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‘Hundred Dresses Project’ features layers of art outreach

The Gallery at Penn College will host “The Hundred Dresses Project: We Are All in This Together” from June 4 through July 23. In addition to more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists, the exhibit will feature those made by third, fourth and fifth grade students from six Lycoming County school districts.

With extra layers of art outreach, The Gallery at Penn College is hosting a unique exhibit titled “The Hundred Dresses Project: We Are All in This Together,” set for June 4 through July 23.

A Meet the Artist Reception will be held Thursday, June 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The gallery is located on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library.

In addition to more than 150 dress prints created by professional artists, the exhibit will feature dress prints made by third, fourth and fifth grade students from six Lycoming County school districts: East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Montgomery Area, Muncy, South Williamsport Area and Williamsport Area.

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Seniors build up hopes of ‘sustainable’ custom

Everett B. Appleby, the student who spearheaded the inaugural exhibition, stands ready with a virtual reality headset so guests can step inside his design environment. Appleby hails from Wilkes-Barre, but is headed to Seattle to work for the Hyatt hotel chain.

Elliot R. Brau, of Coatesville, stands with his impressive project model and its surrounding accessories in the base model near the title wall.

Naim N. Jabbour, assistant dean of construction and design technologies, delivers a short gallery talk that’s long on praise for his students.

Students’ portfolios are offered for exploration on two curved tables along a gallery wall.

Jabbour takes a photo for Cayla L. Erisman (center), of Johnstown, and friends. Erisman earned her associate degree in architectural technology in 2018, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration, and is headed to Penn State to pursue a master’s of architecture.

An institutional emphasis on green building was channeled by architectural majors into Penn College’s first gallery exhibit of students’ sustainable designs, which officially opened with a reception Thursday afternoon. “Sustainable Design 2019,” showcased on the third floor of Madigan Library, challenged students to design and develop a substantial project in an urban setting. Eighteen seniors in the college’s building science and sustainable design programs rose to the task, drawing upon four years of immersive education to present capstones that skillfully encompass their processes, renderings and 3D models. The show, which runs through May 23, follows summer hours in The Gallery at Penn College: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed Saturdays and Mondays.)

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