Penn State Great Valley Chancellor Jim Nemes in the Henry Gallery with Camphill Village Kimberton Hills residents.
MALVERN, Pa. — On Wednesday, July 13, Penn State Great Valley celebrated its latest gallery exhibit, Works by the Village Residents, featuring artwork from local Camphill Village Kimberton Hills community members. The village of over 100 people includes adults with development disabilities and is dedicated to recognizing the talents and contributions of each individual. Residents of all abilities work together to garden, farm, and create works of art. About 30 community members attended the opening.
“Camphill Village Kimberton Hills strives toward each person developing to the best of his or her ability,” said Chancellor Jim Nemes at the Works by the Village Residents opening. “The unique, beautiful pieces in this exhibit are an amazing byproduct of that philosophy, and we are happy to have the opportunity to showcase them here on campus.”
Mosaics, paintings, ceramics, and fiber arts are currently on display at the campus’ Henry Gallery. For some residents, crafts are seen as a vocation while others simply create art in their spare time. Some pieces are a collaborate effort between the mosaic and pottery studios, which require the craftsperson to use multiple techniques to create one mosaic. The arts create an avenue for self-expression and building self-esteem, and the campus hopes this show will encourage others to utilize pencil, paper, paintbrush, clay, fibers, tiles or other art media to create a more peaceful world.
Located in Penn State Great Valley’s Conference Center Building, The Henry Gallery is an asset for both the campus and the community, exhibiting local and regional art since its opening in 2010. Works by the Village Residents will be on display through Wednesday, Aug. 3. For more information, please visit greatvalley.psu.edu/gallery.