New Mercer, Pa. artist exhibit to open at Thiel College's Weyers-Sampson Gallery

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Jan. 7, 2019 - PRLog -- The work of Mercer, Pa. pastel and drawing artist Bill Simon and sculpturist Nancy Connelly will be on display at Thiel College's Weyers-Sampson Gallery from January 17 to February 17.

The opening reception and artists' talks are at 11:15 a.m. January 17.

The Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2–4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to noon and 1–4 p.m.; and Fridays from 9–11 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.

Connelly's bird sculptures involve an element of chance. She uses found wood shapes to suggest the initial inspiration. She builds the whole composition adding a patina of milk paint to finish it when needed. She says, the birds are not a true likeness, but rather a gesture or pose that emotes the feel of the real thing. Connelly is a graduate of Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists and exhibits her works at Gallerie Chiz in Pittsburgh, Bottle Brush Gallery in Harmony, Pa, and most recently was honored at the 81st Mid Year Show at the Butler Institute of American Art.

Simon's pastels and drawings of figures and landscapes come from a long tradition of working from observation.  According to Simon, "The canons of drawing dictate—though not by way of a dogma—expression of the science of nature." Simon is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Art in Philadelphia, Pa.  His works have been exhibited in various galleries in Philadelphia and in juried shows including the 81st Mid Year Show at the Butler Museum of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

About Thiel College

Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 25 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 900 students. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.