Sci-fi work of Paul Lehr on exhibit at The Gallery at Penn College

“Paul Lehr: A Hidden Universe,” on exhibit through Nov. 22 at The Gallery at Penn College, offers a rare look at the work of the late science fiction artist, bringing together his best-known paintings and a body of sculpture that remained outside the public eye during his lifetime.

Vistors to the gallery can explore Lehr’s artistic range and enjoy a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of his work. The artist died in 1998 after spending 30 years producing cover art for hundreds of books, including titles by authors Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein and H.G. Wells. Lehr’s rarely seen sculptures, however, were created in isolation and reveal a lesser-known side of his artistic practice.

Paul Lehr, "March at the Butte," not dated, acrylic on Masonite, 32 inches x 24 inches

“I am grateful to Paul Lehr’s daughter, Diana Lehr, for generously loaning so many works from her family’s collection to Penn College,” said Penny G. Lutz, gallery director. “This retrospective offers visitors the opportunity to experience the breadth of Lehr’s creative exploration through original science fiction paintings, metal sculptures and wood sculptures. These works provide insight into Lehr’s practice and illuminate a lifetime of artistic vision.”

Lehr was born in White Plains, New York. He studied art history at Wittenberg University before attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. In addition to creating book covers, Lehr’s work was featured in leading science fiction magazines. Nearly a decade before humans landed on the moon, Lehr imagined the historic event in one of his paintings. The work is now in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.  

A gallery reception will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 in The Gallery at Penn College. Lehr’s daughter will offer a lecture from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 1056.

The Gallery at Penn College is open from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and Saturdays and will be closed Sept. 6 and Oct. 15-18.

The Gallery at Penn College serves as an educational and cultural resource for Pennsylvania College of Technology and the surrounding communities. It offers opportunities to engage with contemporary art, fostering appreciation, critical thinking and meaningful experiences through diverse exhibitions and programs.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.