By Marissa Massare, Living and Arts Editor
Susquehanna’s Lore Degenstein Gallery opened its first exhibition of the school year titled “Selections From the Permanent Collection” which showcased a variety of pieces from Susquehanna’s own private art collection on Sept. 7.
The exhibition was put together by Dan Olivetti, the curator and gallery director for the Lore Degenstein Gallery.
“I spent much of the summer going through our permanent collection of art and chose a wide variety of work so that there would be something for everyone’s taste,” Olivetti said.
“I selected work that was visually appealing to me and had never been shown publicly in the past. Many pieces are in the art deco style.”
The exhibition included paintings, drawings, prints, photography, sculptures and mid20th century French posters. Many of the recent works by contemporary artists acquired by the gallery came from the annual figurative drawing and painting competitions hosted by the gallery.
Other works were acquired from artists who had previously been featured in a gallery exhibition. Notable works in this exhibition include those from American regionalist prints by artists such as John Steuart Curry, Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton.
The exhibition also features polaroids and prints by Andy Warhol, which were previously donated to the gallery by the Andy Warhol foundation for the visual arts.
“In 2011 I curated a show, ‘Warhol and his Imitators,’ with a twist,” Olivetti said.
“Warhol often used his photographs as source material for other projects, such as his famous screen prints of Elvis, Marilyn and Jackie.”
For those looking for a different medium of art than prints, two sculptures made from Italian carrara marble were also on display during the opening.
Junior gallery assistant Sydnie Chin and first-year gallery assistant Jacob Brenner expressed their excitement for the opening of the exhibition.
“I hope that people can get an idea of just how much awesome art our university owns and how diverse our collection is,” Chin said.
“As assistants we hang and organize the entire show. I think we are lucky to have such a great collection, and it’s amazing that it’s finally open.”
Brenner agreed, adding, “Even though this was my first gallery show, I can say a lot goes into putting together the space for a show. I especially hope attendees noticed the historical photographs showing off moments from previous Susquehanna students, and the differences between now and then.”
“Selections From the Permanent Collection” will be on display in the gallery until Oct. 6.
The Lore Degenstein Gallery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during campus recesses.
It is located in the upper level of the Degenstein Campus Center. Admission to the gallery is free and is open to the public.
