WAHS Student to Display Ceramics in Gallery Lobby

The Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Madigan Library, will host an exhibit of ceramics by Williamsport Area High School junior Rachel Kempf in its lobby from May 2-13.



Kempf was the winner of The Gallery at Penn College Artistic Excellence Award, presented during the Williamsport Area School District's first Williamsport Junior/Senior High School Juried Show (open to students in the high school's junior and senior classes), held at the District Service Center in January. The award is given to a student who demonstrates skill in his or her selected medium and knowledge of the artistic process.

A central Pennsylvania native, Kempf has spent much time experiencing both nature and the ever-encroaching urban sprawl. Although she often appreciates urban-influenced beauty and the allure of the human figure, she is most inspired by the simplicity that can only be found in nature. She seeks to combine these elements in her work.

The current theme of the work to be displayed at Penn College is a focus on natural simplicity and beauty in imperfection, concurrent with the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy.

Kempf has been interested in art from a very young age and is pursuing this interest through classes at Williamsport Area High School, where she is taking a course in 3-D studio art. She has exhibited work at several shows sponsored by the Williamsport Area School District and at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. Although she is interested in many other media, she feels ceramics is her true calling.

Kempf's award was accompanied by both the solo exhibit at the gallery lobby and a gift certificate to the college's student-staffed fine-dining restaurant, Le Jeune Chef.

Also on exhibit May 2-13 in the main gallery will be works from the portfolios of senior graphic-design students at Penn College, including posters, books, magazine spreads, corporate identity, logos and more.

In addition, The Key of V, made up of sibling duo and Penn College students Erin M. and Valerie A. LaCerra, will perform a concert in the gallery Monday, May 5, from 8-9:30 p.m.

For more about this exhibit and The Gallery at Penn College, visit online, e-mail or call (570) 320-2445. For general information about the college, visit on the Web, e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.