Region's artistic diversity reflected in gallery's pool of talent

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Most photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; others by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

Many visitors drove many miles this past Sunday to view more than 100 works of art created by area artists. The reception for “100 Miles: The 2023 Regional Juried Exhibition” drew nearly 300 art lovers to The Gallery at Penn College, a crowd that included 90 of the 101 featured artists.

“Sunday’s reception was a wonderful celebration of the arts!” said Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director. “I was excited to see the sense of camaraderie among the artists, the support of the artists’ friends and family, and the turnout from the general public. It was a meaningful day for all.”

There's something for all ages in the "100 Miles" exhibit.

“100 Miles” is on display through July 20 in the gallery, located on the third floor of The Madigan Library at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery is closed Fridays and Saturdays, and will be closed July 2-5.

Artists residing within 100 miles of Williamsport were invited to submit work for the exhibition. More than 500 individual works were submitted, with 108 pieces selected.

The reception featured an awards ceremony, casting the spotlight on 11 of the artists. All of the awards were selected by the juror, Elizabeth Gourlay.

First Place ($750)

Carol Ann Simon Cillo, of Williamsport, for “Coat of the Empath,” mixed-media wearable art

Second Place ($500)

Steve Brady, of Trout Run, for “Moment of Zen,” photograph

Third Place ($250)

Brock Dent, of Danville, for “I Don't Blame You,” oil on panel and canvas

Honorable Mention ($200)

Jackie Thomas, of Williamsport, for “Humanity: I Am, We Are!,” textile

Juror’s Award of Excellence (each receiving a $50 gift certificate to an art store):

Meredith Eachus Armstrong, of Danville, for “Moving On,” paper collage
Brian Druckenmiller, of Trout Run, for “The Golden Lining,” oil on canvas
Andrea Finch, of Chambersburg, for “Echinacea Purpurea I,” textile
Michael Hower, of Enola, for “Solitary Watch,” photograph
Philip Huber, of Lock Haven, for “Rift Valley, Thingvellir, Iceland 1,” scratchboard
Shatana M. Griffin, of Lock Haven, for “George Floyd: May 25, 2020,” oil on canvas
Mark Mahosky, of Mifflinburg, for “The Roulette Farm,” acrylic and charcoal on paper

Gallery-goers take in an array of artwork, including (in foreground) “Summer & Winter Cattails,” metalwork by Anne Alexander.

Youngsters are intrigued by Denis A. Yanashot’s sculpture, “Upward Mobility.”

Through a glass lightly: a painting (on left) by Robert Sparrow Jones and mixed-media wearable art (on right) by Carol Ann Simon Cillo.

Many views along “100 Miles”

A close-up of Judy O’Dell’s accordion book incorporates black-and-white images in a handmade volume ...

... and a wider view of visitors enjoying O’Dell’s creation.

The gallery gradually fills with more reception guests eager to take in the images.

The title wall in the gallery lobby was a hot spot for taking photos, like this one of artist Ana Arnabar.

Eye see you: David W. Becker’s painting and Dave Stabley’s ceramic sculpture

Steve Bower’s steel and clay sculpture, “Imperfect, but Standing Still”

Gallery walls teem with talent.

A young guest finds a quiet spot for her own artistic exploration.

Brianna M. Groff’s sculpture casts an artistic reflection.

A display cabinet showcases jewelry.

The gallery evokes its own artistic flair.

Engaging with the art pieces

The crowd begins to gather for the awards ceremony.

Lutz reads words shared by the juror, Elizabeth Gourlay, who said it was difficult to choose a few to honor as “so many pieces were worthy of prizes and mention.”