Art Exhibition Features Montgomery County’s Natural Assets
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alana J. Mauger, Director of Communications
amauger@mc3.edu / 215-641-6359
Diane VanDyke, PR Coordinator
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Rolling meadows, forests with sparkling streams and favorite park spaces—these are just a few of the special aspects of Montgomery County’s open spaces highlighted in the artwork of more than 50 artists in Montgomery County Lands Trust “Embrace Open Space” art exhibition at Montgomery County Community College’s Fine Arts Gallery, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.
The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, started on Oct. 14 and will run through Friday, Nov. 8. The show reflects MCLT’s mission “to preserve and connect the natural areas, farmland, and neighborhood green spaces, which contribute to our quality of life, to a clean and abundant water supply and to the health of our region’s economy.”
The exhibit provides a unique partnership opportunity for community members in conservation, academic, business and artistic sectors. Sponsors of the exhibit include PECO, Univest Corporation and MCCC Librarian Robert H. Erb.
PECO has been a longtime advocate of conservation efforts in the region.
“PECO’s support of ‘Embrace Open Space’ demonstrates our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, arts and culture, and education throughout the Greater Philadelphia area,” said Romona Riscoe Benson, manager of Corporate Relations, PECO. “PECO understands that green spaces are an essential part of a prosperous region, and we are proud to support this exhibition, which showcases the importance of preservation through education and the arts.”
Similarly, Univest Corporation supports MCLT and its efforts to increase awareness of the importance of preserving open spaces.
“Univest Corporation has supported and been involved with MCLT since its inception and we are proud to continue this support by sponsoring this exhibit,” said Jeffrey M. Schweitzer, president and chief operating officer of Univest Corporation. “This exhibit brings to light – in a fun and educational way – the natural resources, beautiful farmland, and green spaces so important to the our local community and the mission of Montgomery County Lands Trust.”
Through this collaboration, the partners, sponsors and artists jointly foster awareness of the importance of land preservation and conservation of the region’s natural resources.
“The partnership between the College, the Lands Trust, generous sponsors and gifted artists sets the stage for a vibrant exhibition,” said Dulcie Flaharty, Executive Director of Montgomery County Lands Trust. “We call on the viewer to take an extra moment to look below the surface of the impressive artwork, so as not to overlook the message of education about and conservation of our cherished places.”
Additionally, MCCC’s Art and English departments and students worked together to create a sculpture, appropriately named “Connections,” to reflect the collaborative nature of the overall initiative.
A non-profit organization established in 1993, MCLT, through its leadership, assists with the formation of private and public partnerships to find ways to save and preserve the County’s open spaces and natural resources. In July 2012, MCLT became an affiliate of Natural Lands Trust, a regional organization that serves eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
For more information about the exhibition at MCCC, contact Gallery Director Holly Cairns at 215-619-7349 or hcairns@mc3.edu.
You can help support the arts and art education programs at Montgomery County Community College by becoming a Friend of The Galleries. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact the College Foundation at 215-641-6535.
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
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