2015 LC Spring Magazine

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is the success of the opening
for the gallery’s first exhibition, selections from the Barbara
and Leonard Sylk collection. The event was held Oct. 24 and
featured Lycoming students, faculty and staff mingling with
Williamsport dignitaries and arts representatives as they
discussed their appreciation for the museum-quality work in
the museum-quality space.
The display was a rare chance to see artworks from a
renowned collection that is normally not seen anywhere
outside of the home of Barbara and Leonard Sylk. The pieces
included everything from rural landscapes and classic nudes
to works of pure abstraction. Barbara, a Lycoming College
alumna and trustee, was happy to not only loan the art, but
also to take part in the organization of the exhibition and
the opening of the gallery. “Working with the faculty and
the students to curate, organize, install and light the work
proved to be very rewarding for me,” she said. “I also was
thrilled to be involved in the beginning of this endeavor to
integrate the college and the town through the new gallery.”
The “town” wasn’t shy about showing its approval as
well. Many people who have no direct connection to the
college have told President Trachte that the art gallery was
a great idea. “Merchants, community leaders,
arts council members, the mayor, any number
of different people have come up and expressed
their positive feelings towards the gallery,”
Trachte said.
Far from seeing the new venture as
competition, John Yogodzinski, co-owner
of the professional art gallery in downtown
Williamsport, Converge Gallery, sees it as a boon
for the neighborhood and his business. “I think
the new space is a nice addition to the downtown,”
he said. “We at Converge welcome other galleries
to the neighborhood because it only enhances our
position as an art destination.”
Adding to the choir of supporters was Judy Olinsky,
vice president of the Lycoming County Celebrates the Arts
Alliance, who said, “I think that Lycoming College opening
a gallery downtown enriches the life of the community. To
bring this touch of elegance and to share it is wonderful. I
think it really makes the community better.”
It seems that no matter which way you look at it, the
Lycoming College Art Gallery is a resounding success.
Trachte said, “It’s clear that the gallery has given Lycoming
some very good recognition and that people are appreciative
of the college having a presence downtown.” •
Situated right at the apex of West Fourth
and Court Streets, the Lycoming College Art
Gallery is convenient for artgoers out for a
stroll during First Fridays (Williamsport’s
monthly arts extravaganza) and is within
walking distance for Lycoming students as
well. It’s the perfect setup for a confluence of
college and community.
Exhibit A
different people have come up and expressed their positive feelings towards the gallery.
F E AT U R E S
Among those in attendance
were Lycoming College
Trustees Pete Sides ’60,
Frank Pellegrino and Robert
Shangraw ’58 (emeritus);
Williamsport Mayor Gabriel
J. Campana; Pennsylvania
College of Technology
President Davie Jane Gilmour;
State Representative Rick
Mirabito; County Commissioner
Tony Mussare; and Vice
President of the Lycoming
County Celebrates the Arts
Alliance Judy Olinsky.