Stories Behind Sculptures on Campus Inspire Art Exhibit
“Jacob and the Angel” by Arlene Love will be among the pieces in “Imagination and Spirituality: Public Sculpture on The University of Scranton Commons” exhibit. The collection of historic art and artifacts will be on display in The Hope Horn Gallery from April 5 to May 10.
University of Scranton students looking for art in Scranton might not realize the treasures right under their noses.
“Something so close can be overlooked and taken for granted,” said Darlene Miller-Lanning, Ph.D., director of The Hope Horn Gallery.
What are these hidden gems? The public sculptures throughout campus.
The sculptures are the subject of “Imagination and Spirituality: Public Sculptures of The University of Scranton Commons,” on display at The Hope Horn Gallery from Friday, April 5, to Friday, May 10.
The University commissioned several large-scale public sculptures in the past 30 years, including “Jacob and the Angel” by Arlene Love; “Christ the Teacher” by Trevor Southey; “The Doorway to the Soul” by Lisa Fedon; and “Metanoia” by Gerhard Baut. According to Dr. Miller-Lanning, these diverse structures represent different aspects of the University’s identity as a Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher learning, such as the Ignatian concept of magis and education of the whole person through the liberal arts.
“Everybody sees these sculptures on campus, but not many people understand them,” Dr. Miller-Lanning said. “Behind each there is a story that helps bring these structures to life.”
The exhibit will showcase the creation of the sculptures and the ideals represented, with detailed photographs and information about each structure. Walking tours of the sculptures on campus are also being planned.
Dr. Miller-Lanning said exhibit also celebrates the opening of The Jesuit Center at The University of Scranton, which promotes Ignatian spirituality within an interreligious context and fosters faculty and staff participation in the University’s Jesuit higher educational mission.
As part of downtown Scranton’s First Friday, Dr. Miller-Lanning will give a lecture on the exhibit Friday, April 5, at 5 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall. A public reception will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Hope Horn Gallery.
The exhibit is part of The Hope Horn Gallery’s “Landmarks and Milestones” 2012 -2013 series, celebrating significant dates and architecture in the region.
The Hope Horn Gallery exhibits and lectures are offered free of charge and are open to the public. The gallery, located on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall, is open Sunday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For additional information, contact The Hope Horn Gallery at 941-4214.
