New exhibit to debut at La Salle University museum next week

A new exhibition is set to debut at La Salle University’s art museum next week. 

Located in the lower level of Olney Hall on La Salle’s campus in Germantown, sits an extensive collection of art. The galleries contain art from the Renaissance to modern times. 

The newest exhibit, hitting the floor on Sept. 19, features the sculptures and drawings of Howard Tran, an artist based in Williamsport, Pa. He’s an art professor at Lycoming University. Tran was trained as a sculptor and often incorporates repeating motifs in his pieces. He likes to add texture to his two-dimensional work by layering the piece with different components such as Buddhist offering papers.

The museum’s most recent exhibition was the 5th Annual Faculty Art Exhibit. It displayed artwork from five professors in the Fine Arts Department completed in mediums from photography to Raku clay (a type typically used in Japanese pottery.) 

Vendelin said choosing local artists is a priority for the museum.

“We generally select mid-career artists who live in the area,” said Vendelin. “I choose artists whose work I have seen somewhere else that piques my interest or whose work is represented in our permanent collection.”

The museum is small and there is a staff of only four people so the museum isn’t open on weekends, with the exception of four Saturdays a semester. 

Scarborough said the museum’s size is a part of its charm. “It is small yet intimate and outstanding. We have collectors who make pilgrimages to see the works. It is a hidden treasure in many ways,” she said.

School groups and tours are welcome but asked to call ahead. The museum provides supplemental art education lessons for various age groups. There are activities for each gallery, such as studying portraits, learning what materials were needed for certain works, and in-gallery drawing activities. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The opening reception of the Howard Tran exhibition will be held Sept. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The museum is located at 1900 W. Olney Ave. Admission is free and tours are available.