Penn College News

Open invitation: Tuesday talks by alumnus, illustrator

Friday, September 6, 2024

Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor

“Full Circle” illustrates the professional journey of Pennsylvania College of Technology alumnus and accomplished illustrator Brian Lutz. Lutz's professional and personal work is on display through Oct. 4 in The Gallery at Penn College. A reception, set for 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, will feature an artist's talk at 5:30 p.m. Prior to that, Lutz will deliver a 3:30 p.m. lecture in Penn's Inn. The events and exhibit are free and open to the public.

The Gallery at Penn College reminds the campus community and public of two opportunities to hear from accomplished illustrator Brian Lutz, a Pennsylvania College of Technology advertising art graduate. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Lutz will deliver a 3:30 p.m. lecture in Penn’s Inn, on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center, and a 5:30 p.m. artist's talk in the gallery, on the third floor of The Madigan Library. The gallery talk will occur during a reception (set for 5 to 6 p.m.) celebrating his "Full Circle" exhibit, on display through Oct. 4. The events and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Illustrating Lutz's professional journey, “Full Circle” opens The Gallery at Penn College's 2024-25 season. 

The artist, whose work has been published by Time and New York Magazine, will also visit two Illustration classes during his two-day visit to his alma mater.

The Gallery at Penn College’s hours are: 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 4 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed on Mondays and Saturdays.)

As a Penn College student, Lutz attended exhibits here, including the gallery’s grand opening in 2006 and a 2008 show by influential illustrator Brad Holland. Those experiences and the passion of his professors were among the inspiration Lutz garnered from his alma mater.
One wall shows the artist's process and product, creating a skateboard deck for Toy Machine skateboards.
Conan O'Brien signed this illustration, thanking Lutz for the work, which was published in New York Magazine’s Vulture section.
Works include the popular TV series, "The Bear"
While he has been drawing his entire life, the illustrations and drawings found in the Penn College exhibition were created between 2018 and 2024.
A close up of a Danny DeVito portrait
Coastal Living Magazine hired Lutz to illustrate an article on author James Patterson.
The only drawing in the show not created by Lutz is this sketch (at center) by his former Penn College professor, the late Patrick Murphy. As Murphy drew this, Lutz says "it was in this moment ... that I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to creating artwork to complement storytelling."
The artist at work on a self portrait