Since 2013, artwork has adorned the walls of Lycoming College’s presidential residence, transforming the first floor into an art gallery. The pandemic paused this practice, but Fall 2022 saw a resurgence with several stunning pieces. The current exposition features a rare copper engraving from Giovanni Battista Piranesi, as well as museum-quality works from Salvador Dali and Pierre Soulages, with faculty and student pieces mixed in. “The exhibition is avantgarde because we have an eclectic mix of art and artists, and it works,” said John McKaig, part-time faculty of art. “There was some knowledge that these remarkable pieces were on campus. A former colleague in the art department located them and brought them to the house, and I reached out to John to help revive and prepare them for display,” said Sharon Trachte, Ph.D., who spearheaded the project and has opened the home to small groups. “The idea is to get the pieces out so that others can enjoy them!” Working in partnership, Trachte and McKaig put together a guidebook to help visitors become acquainted with the artists and displayed pieces. They will continue curating the exhibition together, swapping out pieces as new works present themselves. The reaction from visitors has been highly favorable. “After viewing the exhibit, non-art majors often say they now understand why a piece is good or why something is in a museum. It’s not so easy,” said McKaig. “It broadens minds.” “Not every student studies art, but there is time after work and after school, and how you use that time is impacted by how wide your cultural and artistic appreciation reaches,” said Trachte. “We are all interconnected intellectually, and this is just a little piece to reinforce that, one part of what it means to be educated. It’s supporting our liberal arts mission.” ARTWORK DISPLAYED IN LYCOMING’S PRESIDENTIAL HOME In March 2023, New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary presented lectures at both Lycoming College and Bucknell University about her book, “The Foundling,” an historical fiction novel based on the early history of Laurelton Village for Feebleminded Girls and Women of Childbearing Age in Union County, Pa. The institution, which opened in 1917, was used to segregate and care for “feebleminded” women aged 16-45. The facility was established on the principles of eugenics and the premise that one’s intellect or mental deficiency was hereditary, and the segregation of those individuals was crucial to ensure they did not reproduce and pass down those genetics. “Through my own historical research on the State Industrial Home for Muncy, I became aware of the connections between the real superintendent of Laurelton, Dr. Mary Wolfe, and Bucknell University. With Ann planning to visit the area, it seemed like a great opportunity for her to also speak at Bucknell, which is coincidentally the alma mater of both of her parents,” said Kerry Richmond, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of criminal justice-criminology at Lycoming. “Both institutions were thrilled to have the opportunity to host such a celebrated author, and one that has researched and written about a topic that is relevant to such a broad range of our academic programs.” Leary is the New York Times bestselling author of a memoir and four novels, including “The Good House.” Her work has been translated into 18 languages, and she has written for The New York Times, Ploughshares, NPR, Redbook, and Real Simple, among other publications. Her essay, “Rallying to Keep the Game Alive,” was adapted for Amazon Prime Video’s television series, “Modern Love.” NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ANN LEARY PRESENTS TALK 8 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2023 SPRING MAGAZINE
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