As design class tours, gallery again proves curricular relevance

Product design was the object of exploration for industrial design students visiting The Gallery at Penn College on Wednesday afternoon. Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial design, engaged his Introduction to Industrial Design (BIX110) class in an examination of “Tech Vanitas,” the photography exhibit on display through Tuesday on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Madigan Library. Showcasing Brooklyn artist Jeanette May’s artwork alluding to historical paintings, product photography and advertising imagery, the show offers numerous avenues for educational and artistic analyses. “It brings a lot of nostalgia to viewers,” said Nolan R. Frederick, a freshman from Blossburg. “It’s an interesting way of recycling materials and showing off how times have changed.” Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director, gave students an overview of the gallery and a list of ideas to consider related to aesthetics, function and memory. The class visit was one of a number of times Penn College students have taken advantage of the gallery’s 2021-22 exhibitions, including a meet-and-greet with May last month. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. (The gallery is closed on Saturday.) Admission is free and open to the public. Prior to visiting, guests should view the college’s Continuity of Operations page for guidelines related to the pandemic.