Artist's perspective beneficially expands beyond gallery walls

The Gallery at Penn College kicked off its new season this past week with the art, inspiration and activism of metal sculptor Lynden Cline. “We are so fortunate that our visiting artist could share new perspectives on art and the creative process through interactive experiences with students, faculty, staff and the community,” said Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director. In addition to delivering an artist’s talk in the gallery Thursday evening, the Washington, D.C.-based visual artist visited a graphic design class earlier in the day to discuss “Artists as Activists” and conducted a public workshop, titled “Creativity Grows on Trees,” in The Dr. Welch Workshop: A Makerspace at Penn College on Wednesday afternoon. Cline’s “Unavoidable Intimacy,” an exhibit of steel sculptures, continues through Oct. 12 in the gallery on the third floor of The Madigan Library. On display in the gallery lobby is “The Carnival,” featuring photographs by Elle Cee. Admission is free and open to the public. Hours are: 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 and Saturdays.)

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor,
and Alexis M. Burrell, student photographer

A range of campus and community members gathers in the Makerspace to explore creativity with Cline (second from left) and Lutz (far left).

The artist engages participants in creative strategies, tools and fundamentals.

Kat A. Valentine, manager of makerspace operations, introduces visitors to the workshop’s colorful components.

Chloe N. Taylor, a gallery attendant and graphic design senior, shares her creative perceptions.

Students enviably experience one of the institution's hallmarks: a classroom visit from a talented practitioner in the field.

The class reviews examples of artistic expression, from Shepard Fairey's "We the People" series ...

.. to a co-opted Uncle Sam in a "practice every day" image.

Graphic design instructor Nicholas L. Stephenson (in blue shirt), joins his students in appreciation of Cline's insights.

The gallery offers spaces for creative discussion and reflection.

The first artist’s talk of the 2022-23 season draws a crowd of interested listeners.

In the glow of Cline’s work, “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence”

The artist shares personal stories and professional explorations.

“Bound,” a work of hand-forged steel and ebonized walnut, fronts a group of gallery-goers.

The sculptor discusses a self-portrait.

An illuminating close-up from the piece, “Violations of the human spirit are never forgotten”

Carnival photographs are on display in the gallery lobby.