Clayton Merrell

Parabolic Garlands, 2017

Oil on canvas

As we look at the natural world, we have a tendency to not only perceive it as it is, but to also project on to it our notions of what we think it should be. Parabolic Garlands is a representation of that process of observations, abstraction and idealization. Color and light from the sky are refracted through twin lenses of mathematical precision and fantastical inventiveness to create a “natural phenomenon” somewhat akin to a rainbow. The shapes are simple parabolas, forms that respond to gravity and hang like garlands, but also shapes that evoke the ecliptic- the apparent pathway along which the planets and moon move across the night sky. So, this painting hovers between day and night, randomness and order, reality and fantasy.

Artist: Linda Billet

it ain’t easy (being green), 2013

Fused glass

Location: UPC Dialysis Unit

I made a glass circuit board and a life saver and they came together. “it ain’t easy being green” is a mosaic about the part of my life I have the most control over: my thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

always shining, 2016

Glass mosaic

Location: UPC Dialysis Unit

I like combining elements to see parts come together to create a whole. The mosaic, “always shining”, reminds us that the sun is always there and the clouds always pass, even if we can’t see it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

buttoned, zippered, and laced, 2009

Fused Glass

Location: UPC Bridge

My glass work is mostly about combining elements because I like to see distinct parts come together to make a whole. This work, “buttoned, zippered, and laced,” was created to show my love of sewing.

It was temporarily installed in the Harrisburg International Airport and has now found a permanent home here.

Ellen Slupe

“Wednesday”

Archival acrylic paint on gallery wrapped Belgian linen and board

Location: Dean’s Conference Room

A former Penn State College of Medicine researcher in molecular biology, Ms. Slupe has melded her two scholarly passions: molecular biology and art. Science and math form the armatures for her paintings while color and line add emotional responses.