Trustees open new student art gallery

With the opening of the Bob and Penny Fox Student Art Gallery in Logan Hall comes a new venue for Penn students to display their creative talents. Beginning in the fall, the Gallery will be open to all Penn students. Space and time for display will be arranged through the Office of Student Life, which currently handles reservations for student groups in other University facilities -- such as the Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall. The gift for the gallery's creation was made by University Board of Trustees member Bob Fox, a 1952 College graduate who is president and chairperson of the board of R.A.F. Industries. Penny Fox, his wife and co-donor, is a 1953 Education School graduate. Fox said he donated the money with the hopes that "more and more students will see an opportunity to expand their interests, as I have, and express their creative talents." Fox was also the inspiration behind the Gallery's inaugural exhibition, "Works by Members and Spouses of the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees." On display through July 3 will be three dozen paintings, collages and photographs by eight Trustee-artists, including Bob Fox. "I wanted to challenge my colleagues to show their art," he said. At the gallery's opening, University President Judith Rodin called Fox's idea " just one of many creative and insightful suggestions he has offered the University through the years." "Penn is fortunate to benefit from Bob and Penny's loyalty and counsel, and I know I speak for the entire University when I express my gratitude," Rodin said. Many Trustees and University administrators were on hand for the grand opening. "Penn students have always found a place to exhibit their art? on non-recognized kiosks, hallways, doorways," Rodin explained. "[A] creative spirit is important and Bob and Penny recognized the need that we had". She also added that she "can't wait to see what students do." Students seemed equally encouraged by the gallery's creation, which is a part of the continuing Perelman Quadrangle project. The $69 million undertaking will link Logan, Williams and Houston Halls with Irvine Auditorium and yield a new student center. "I am impressed," College sophomore Matthew Abeysekera said. "This is a splendid manifestation of the excitement and intellectual curiosity that pervades this University." While many questioned why the opening was not reserved for student artwork, it was made clear that this will be the only exhibit to feature non-student work. "The procedures aren't tightly in place yet," said Joanne Hanna of the University's Development Office, a fundraiser for the Perelman Quad project. And Fox agreed that student work would be the focus. "The art by students is going to come into this soon, it isn't here yet" said Fox. "The Trustees are less well-known for the wealth of their personal talent and insight", said Architecture lecturer Susan Snyder, the show's curator and designer. "This exhibition serves as a window through which the University community can glimpse the creative outlets of some of the Trustees and their spouses." The current exhibit's hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Friday until July 3rd. Student artwork display will begin in the fall.