"A Fly on the Wall, A Story Untold: Objects Imbued with the Human Soul," an exhibit featuring a selection of pieces from Vincent DiCicco’s private folk art collection, will be on display at the Ronald K. De Long Gallery at Penn State Lehigh Valley from Feb. 10 to April 26.
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — The soulful, down-home spirit of American folk art will be on display at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Ronald K. De Long Gallery this spring. The exhibition runs Feb. 10-April 26 in the gallery’s new first-floor location on the Lehigh Valley campus.
"A Fly on the Wall, A Story Untold: Objects Imbued with the Human Soul" will feature pieces from the private collection of Vincent DiCicco, a passionate collector of Americana and American Folk Art. The items featured portray the likeness of people in paintings, photographs and objects that were used in human interaction. Dolls, quilts, furniture and toys are among the many objects highlighted.
This is the first folk art exhibit at the De Long Gallery. Ann Lalik, gallery director and arts coordinator at PSU-LV, said she strives to always feature different types of art. “I like to make sure our gallery represents a diverse body of work. I want to ensure we have a whole scope of art — not just ‘traditional’ works like paintings and sculpture. I’m always interested in different ideas,” she said.
The expansive assembly of nearly 100 pieces are just a few of what DiCicco has collected over 50 years.
“I am fascinated with the creativity displayed by all human beings,” DiCicco said in a statement. “Humans can be complex, or simple. As a result, artistic expression can be simple, raw, untethered, wild, interesting, lame, passionately labored, or even disturbing. What type of objects am I drawn to? I am attracted to color, surface, form, and objects that have evidence of soul.”
Lalik said she excited to welcome art lovers and patrons to the new space.
“We have a larger footprint — about 25% more than the previous space, which really allows visitors to get a great sense of the gallery. We have new windows, a lighting system that is phenomenal with the exhibits, and about triple the wall space from what we had previously. We’re excited to welcome everyone to the new space and learn about this fascinating exhibit.”
The exhibit’s reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the DeLong Gallery. Visit the Ronald K. De Long Gallery website for more information on upcoming exhibits and hours.
