Penn College News

Retrospective Exhibit Marks Gallery's First Decade

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Artists and art lovers convened in The Gallery at Penn College on Tuesday evening for the opening reception of “Take Ten,” a special 10th-anniversary exhibition celebrating the venue’s commitment to contemporary art. Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director, welcomed the crowd and offered appreciation to the many staff, faculty, students, community members and artists who have championed and supported the gallery and its artistic efforts since its opening in 2006. "Our students are so fortunate to be able to walk through every building on our campus and see original works of art, fortunate to have a gallery to visit either alone or with a class to see changing exhibits, and fortunate to know that the arts are an important part their education,” Lutz said. Featuring new works from 25 past exhibiting artists representing each of the gallery’s 10 years, “Take Ten” runs through Oct. 9.


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor, and Tia G. La, student photographer


Abstract embroidery by artist Amanda McCavour

Abstract embroidery by artist Amanda McCavour

Gallery visitors engage in art and expression.

Gallery visitors engage in art and expression.

Lutz (far left) celebrates with exhibiting artists (from left): Maureen Drdak, Miguel Tio, Antonio Puri, Rachel Sager, Karen Kettering Dimit, and former gallery director Lenore G. Penfield.

Lutz (far left) celebrates with exhibiting artists (from left): Maureen Drdak, Miguel Tio, Antonio Puri, Rachel Sager, Karen Kettering Dimit, and former gallery director Lenore G. Penfield.

A mosaic titled “Monolithic Kin” by Sager tells a story in stones.

A mosaic titled “Monolithic Kin” by Sager tells a story in stones.

“Take Ten” offers ample opportunities to explore.

“Take Ten” offers ample opportunities to explore.

Discoveries in denim …

Discoveries in denim …

… and a detail of James Arendt’s riveting work.

… and a detail of James Arendt’s riveting work.

The opening reception crowd gathers to hear Lutz's welcome …

The opening reception crowd gathers to hear Lutz's welcome …

... while the gallery director is appropriately framed by art.

... while the gallery director is appropriately framed by art.

Jason Godeke is another exhibiting artist who joined the reception celebration.

Jason Godeke is another exhibiting artist who joined the reception celebration.

Guests delve into Dimit’s spellbinding work, “Reliquaries for the 100 Million Cancelled Girls” …

Guests delve into Dimit’s spellbinding work, “Reliquaries for the 100 Million Cancelled Girls” …

a study utilizing trash cans and neon “No” symbols to get its point across …

a study utilizing trash cans and neon “No” symbols to get its point across …

... as well as mosaics in Indian barber boxes that pay tribute to lives lost due to gendercide.

... as well as mosaics in Indian barber boxes that pay tribute to lives lost due to gendercide.

A cozy, colorful corner for artistic inquiry

A cozy, colorful corner for artistic inquiry

Dimit and Puri discuss her mosaic piece, “Women Hold Up Half the Sky.”

Dimit and Puri discuss her mosaic piece, “Women Hold Up Half the Sky.”

Works of three artists complement each other on a gallery wall.

Works of three artists complement each other on a gallery wall.

Ceramics by artist Cheryl Tall invite investigation.

Ceramics by artist Cheryl Tall invite investigation.

A floral arrangement in the gallery lobby appropriately holds

A floral arrangement in the gallery lobby appropriately holds "diamonds" for the milestone anniversary celebration.

The gallery space facilitates collaborative conversations.

The gallery space facilitates collaborative conversations.

A close-up of Sager’s “Political Statement” mosaic

A close-up of Sager’s “Political Statement” mosaic

Ainsley R. Bennett, a gallery attendant and senior in graphic design, is acknowledged for designing the “Take Ten” logo and exhibition catalog.

Ainsley R. Bennett, a gallery attendant and senior in graphic design, is acknowledged for designing the “Take Ten” logo and exhibition catalog.

Photographs by Timothy McCoy – achieved via palladium on translucent vellum – gain an audience.

Photographs by Timothy McCoy – achieved via palladium on translucent vellum – gain an audience.

Impressive oil paintings by Morgan Craig and Ned Martin accentuate a gallery wall.

Impressive oil paintings by Morgan Craig and Ned Martin accentuate a gallery wall.

The gallery’s glass doors stand open, awaiting more visitors through Oct. 9.

The gallery’s glass doors stand open, awaiting more visitors through Oct. 9.