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

Published 11.12.2019

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“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.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Tim Wegman, student photographer

Repko prepped pieces for future projects during his residency …

… and gifted three small samples destined for large-scale assemblages to Lutz and Makerspace staff Jeremiah C. Johnson and Roberta Schwenk.

Gathered in the gallery lobby, workshop participants listen to instructions by the artist (second from left).

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.

Freshmen graphic design students Toni E. Novosel (standing at left) and Justin R. Guthrie (seated) paint their bridges in the gallery lobby.

Artistic experimentations

During “Digital Doorways for K-12 Art Educators,” Repko and Nicole Hoinowski, an art educator at C.E. McCall Middle School in Montoursville, prep digital files to be exported to the CNC (computer numerical control) router.

A cool blue hue is applied to an art educator’s wood sculpture pieces.

At the CNC router, Andrea McDonough, a Williamsport Area High School art educator, removes sawdust from her work-in-progress.

Art teachers at play! Montoursville Area School District educators enjoy their time in the college’s makerspace.

The “Digital Practices for College Students” workshop in the makerspace explores the effect of digital fabrication tools on contemporary studio practices.

The Pittsburgh-born artist utilizes small wooden bridges to discuss Pennsylvania’s changing industries and history of innovation.

Penn College students explore infinite options!

Like puzzle pieces, small wood cutouts are combined to create larger sculptures (like the one in the background).

The blur of patrons moving among Repko's imaginative pieces marks a Nov. 7 gallery reception.

Surrounded by striking examples of his work, Repko talks to guests about the exhibit's genesis.

Visitors are greeted by "All Hail" near the exhibit's entrance.

Lutz introduces Repko as a prelude to the artist's gallery talk.

Apropos the college's hands-on focus, Repko employs tactility with "Portamento."

Roger D. Shipley (left), an emeritus professor of art at Lycoming College, joins Penn College art faculty David A. Stabley (center) and Keith A. Vanderlin.

Repko talks with Frederick T. Gilmour – a professional artist, retired college employee and alumnus – and grandson Beckett Gilmour around the tabletop 2017 creation, "Bend."