Automotive Artisan Volunteers Time, Talent

Published 11.05.2014

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Collision Repair & Restoration
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School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies News

Jillian Rossi's ready smile reflects an artist's love for her work.Among the crafter's tools are precision and a steady hand.Schooled by a pro, Penn College students put those pointers into practice. A Williamsport Area Middle School student watches a demonstration of an English wheel, among the machinery in the college's automotive restoration lab.Collision repair instructor Loren R. Bruckhart (left) checks out middle school students' attempts at pinstriping.Students from Penn College and Williamsport Area Middle School got an eye-popping look at a professional pinstriper's craft during a recent campus visit from Florida-based Jillian Rossi, AKA "Hell Cat." The appearance was arranged by Shaun D. Hack, a faculty member in collision repair and automotive restoration, who met the St. Petersburg resident several months ago. "She had some free time after (an auto show in Hershey) and showed interest in seeing our restoration and auto graphics program," Hack said. "I invited her up to check it out and asked if she would demo her skills." She volunteered several hours of her artistry with instructor Michael R. Bierly's class and in working hands-on with students on brushed pinstriping. The middle school students also tried their hand, as well as exploring the equipment in the College Avenue Labs' instructional space. The college's Outreach for K-12 Office is in the final year of a three-year 21st Century Learning Grant that funds such after-school opportunities.
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