Free interactive art exhibition opening for York residents

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Exhibitions Department is partnering with PCA&D’s Center for Creative Exploration (CCE) on Harmony: Evolving, an exhibition at PCA&D-York open to York County residents of all ages and abilities. 

Beginning with blank 10-inch by 10-inch wood panels forming a grid on the main gallery wall at PCA&D-York, the space will transform over time as participants take panels to complete in their own personal interpretation of “harmony.” As panels are removed from the gallery wall, they will reveal a portion of an image beneath. And, as the panels are returned, they will mix designs and images until finally coming together to form an eclectic array of artworks showcasing the community’s collective interpretation of “harmony.”

This is not the first time the community has been invited to be an integral part of a PCA&D-York exhibition, and the success of that show, it’s hoped, will feed the success of Harmony: Evolving.

“After the success of the 10 x 10 Community Exhibition in 2022, PCA&D-York is thrilled to continue exploring the artistic community of York with Harmony: Evolving,” says Alex Schaufele, the College’s Director of Exhibitions.

And a goal for the exhibition, says CCE Program Coordinator Rachel Yinger, is that it helps build a sense of artistic community.

“The hope for Harmony: Evolving is for residents of York County to see themselves as creatives coming together as a community,” says Yinger. A 2014 Fine Art graduate of PCA&D, Yinger developed the exhibition concept.

“This exhibition invites people of all ages and levels of experience to participate and share their interpretation of ‘harmony’,” Yinger adds. “And as a viewer, we hope that they keep coming back to see how the exhibition is evolving over time. The theme of ‘harmony’ permeates through every aspect of the exhibition, from the relaxation and peace that comes from making art, to the chorus of different pieces coming together as one.”

Artists may either stop by the 133 S. Duke St., York location through April 11 during open studio hours to take the panels home for completion, or stay at PCA&D-York to work on their creation with available supplies. Any medium can be used – and CCE is hosting four $5 workshops so artists who seek a more structured studio experience can explore the following media: 

• March 21: Exploring Paint Markers Workshop: Ages 12 – Adult
• March 26: Exploring Watercolor Workshop: Ages 12 – Adult
• April 4: Exploring Printmaking and Stencils Workshop: Ages 12 – Adult
• April 11: Exploring Collage Workshop: Ages 12 – Adult

The exhibition’s visual design was created by current PCA&D illustration junior Faith Poehner. 

A free public closing reception for the exhibition will take place at PCA&D York on April 26, 4:30-7:30 pm.

More information on open hours, workshop registration, and the closing reception can be found at https://pcad.edu/exhibits_beyond/harmony-evolving/.