Workshop, artist talk heighten gallery exhibit's impact

A full day of exploring sacred geometry was observed on Pennsylvania College of Technology’s campus Thursday with a seven-hour workshop in The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace followed by an artist talk in The Gallery at Penn College. Reni Gower, professor emerita of painting and printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University, was the featured presenter at both events, part of the mixed-media exhibition, “Geometric Aljamía: A Cultural Transliteration,” on display through Dec. 2 in the college’s gallery on the third floor of The Madigan Library. Designed to reveal cross-cultural affinities, the sessions examined the spiritual and ethnic dimensions of pattern, light and color and reflected on the commonalities of cultures often portrayed as clashing instead of connected at deep and fundamental levels. The Gallery at Penn College is open 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed on Mondays, Saturdays and during college holidays and breaks, including Nov. 23-28.)

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

 

 

 

Hands – industrious and beauteous – at work in the college’s Makerspace

With creative and cultural insights, Gower guides workshop participants.

Venessa Lechler (at right), an art teacher at Montoursville Area High School, enjoys the opportunity for creative exploration.

Two of Penn College’s math faculty – Lisa D. Jacobs and Nathan D. Trick – engage in the geometry workshop.

The exhibition and gallery offer a quiet, contemplative experience.

Gallery Director Penny Griffin Lutz (left) converses with Gower before her artist talk.

An engaged gathering listens to Gower describe the longevity of the “Geometric Aljamía” project, which began in 2012.

Considering one of the exhibit’s sculptures are graphic design seniors Katrina L. Blood (in blue sweatshirt) and Jessica D. Aviles; along with Aviles’ husband, Ben G. Pace, ‘21, industrial design.

Visitors enjoy creative conversations in the inspiring space.

The Gallery at Penn College: a cultural asset encouraging critical thinking and meaningful experiences

Gower (at podium) discusses the Fibonacci spiral (on monitor) as part of her talk on sacred geometry.