“Create Influence” Continues to Create Buzz

The Art Garden at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is home to “Create Influence,” a sculptural installation created by nationally-known designers Gail Anderson and Joe Newton.

Gail and Joe certainly dressed the part for the September 2, 2014 dedication, too (see them in photo, below). Gail wore orange, while Joe sported blue, echoing the bold colors of the Art Garden’s newest addition. PCA&D staff, faculty, Trustees, and students joined the celebration, as did many of our community partners. Take a look at our photos on Facebook.

The concept for the installation emerged after Gail Anderson visited PCA&D and conducted a listening tour with staff, faculty and students. Anderson, a nationally acclaimed designer and recipient of the 2008 AIGA Medal, the most distinguished national award in the field of design, was impressed with PCA&D’s students, faculty, curriculum and the institution’s strategic plan. In conversation with PCA&D President Mary Colleen Heil, Anderson observed, “What you really do here is create influence.” And the concept was born.

Working with partner Joe Newton, Anderson developed an inventive piece that combines typography and lenticular imagery. The message of the sculpture appears differently, depending on the position of the viewer.

“Gail Anderson’s installation in our Art Garden is part of the plan to clearly identify our college campus,” explained Heil. “Creating influence is at the core of what art is about and what PCA&D is about. We share a deep history that supports a cutting-edge arts scene and a spirit of entrepreneurship. We were very excited that Gail Anderson and Joe Newton agreed to work with us and bring their exceptional design sense to the project and that we have the generosity of our donors, the Schrotbergers.”