PNC Celebrates the 16th Anniversary of Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series

Photos of the Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series 16th Anniversary can be seen here!

Purdue University North Central held a reception and opening of its multi-piece contemporary sculpture exhibit at the main campus in Westville to celebrate the 16th anniversary of its Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series on Saturday evening.

 The evening began with a book signing for Chancellor James Dworkin new children's book, "The Dog and the Dolphin". He along with the book's illustrator, Michael Chelich were there to sign the books and speak on it's background.  It is newly released and guests were able to purchase it that night. 

"We've had hundreds of pieces at the campus throughout the years, and tonight we're here to celebrate art," Chancellor Dworkin said. "And as for my book, I created it from an observation that I had on the beach one day at Sanibel Island...proceeds from the book go to programs and students are studying early childhood education. I am totally passionate about reading at an early age so anything that I can do to enhance students' interests in reading at an early age is something I'm very happy to do."

Chancellor Dworkin then opened the program along with Judy Jacobi, PNC Assistant Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Campus Relations, who introduced new exhibiting sculptors and artists.

"In October 1998 I came to this campus and thought that this beautiful campus should have sculpture. It seemed only natural. I spoke to the then Chancellor, Dr. Dale Alspaugh, and shared my thoughts with him," Jacobi said. "I just thought it made sense... I knew that it would be a great differentiator for us and for the students. We all need to have more exposure and I thought that if we could get sculpture into the students then we could go further and have young school kids come and see the sculptures at the campus."

Chancellor Dworkin revealed a delightful surprise when he awarded Jacobi with the Chancelllor's Distinguished Award of Excellence.

"She has developed a network that is the envy of other supporters of the arts and through it all she has earned an excellent reputation as a leader in the importance of art," Chancellor Dworkin said. "It's very safe to say that Judy Jacobi is passionate about art. She loves it, and all the forms it takes."

That evening, Tom Scarff, Odyssey curator emeritus, was honored for his work with the Odyssey series through the years.

In the Odyssey 2014 – 2015 exhibit, 42 sculptures can be seen at PNC's Valparaiso and Westville locations, five of which are new to the collection. At the evening's event, different exhibits were open to guests for self-guided tours. On display were works by 20th century artist George Sugarman, photographs by Joel DeGrand, a collection of lithographs commissioned by the International Rescue Committee, exhibit works by Chicago-based artist Kenrick McFarlane, a section of a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center in New York during September 11, 2001, the oil paintings of Jason Poteet, and more.

Sculptors who will have work in the Odyssey 2014 – 2015 are:

Bill Barrett - "Lexeme VIII"
Matthew Berg - "The Underwater Guy Who Controlled the Sea"
Richard Kiebdaj - "Chrysalis"
Bruce Niemi - "Celestial Trio"
Charles Yost - "Pipe Trapped Apparitions #2: Cut Us Loose"

Some of the sculptors were there to talk about their pieces during the program.

"I want to say how grateful I am to be a part of this," Berg said. "You've created a context for work and Judy is the best committee that I've ever worked with."

After that a video was shown from the PNC Memorial Service and Dedication of Bill Barrett's LEXEME VIII Sculpture . It was created by Ideas in Motion Media. Click here to read the article about the Memorial Service at PNC!

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