Penn College News

Gallery to Display ‘Worlds Collide’ Paintings by Merrill Steiger

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library, will host “Worlds Collide,” featuring paintings by Merrill Steiger, from March 19 to April 18.

The exhibit is informed by Steiger’s belief that there is a cosmic energy permeating everything, whether it be a rock, an amoeba or a galaxy.

“This work examines religion and science in contrast, provoking the viewer to contemplate and question their own belief systems,” Steiger said.



“Ancestral Journeys,” 2010, acrylic on canvas, 72 inches by 144 inches.By juxtaposing the sacred art of diverse cultures with scientific imagery, including magnified views of cells, geologic structures and stars, the exhibition explores the ostensible dualities of science and religion, nature and culture, and the macrocosmic and the microcosmic.

The visual collision of the contrasting realms of science and religion asks whether there is an inevitable conflict between the two or if they are actually connected on a deeper level.

“Worlds Collide” offers viewers a new perspective on humanity, putting into visual terms the ever-changing universe and the evolution of human consciousness.

Steiger holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Lehman College. She has exhibited her work across the United States in solo and group exhibitions at museums, college and university galleries, art centers, and commercial galleries. Her work is included in public and corporate collections. Steiger lives and maintains studios in New York City and Woodstock, N.Y.

The gallery will host a Meet the Artist Reception on March 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 5:30.

The gallery is open Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 2 to 7 p.m.; and Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Saturday and Monday). The gallery is closed March 29-31.

For more about the exhibit and The Gallery at Penn College, email or call 570-320-2445.

For general information about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.