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Vanderlin and Wilson: Penn College faculty to present 2D and 3D works at Station Gallery

By LAURA JAMESON 4 min read

LOCK HAVEN -- The Clinton County Arts Council is set to bring a unique invitational exhibit to The Station Gallery, with an opening reception set for this Friday night.

"One of the kinds of exhibits we curate at the Station Gallery are Invitational Exhibits. We select artists who have noteworthy works, unique outlooks, expert use of media and creative approaches. They are specifically asked to come into our city to exhibit their art and talk about their process and or inspiration for creating it," a release from the CCAC said.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the gallery will welcome two regional artists to show sculptures and photo imagery pieces -- Mark Wilson and Keith Vanderlin.

"There is a wonderful harmony in showing 3D works with 2D imagery on the gallery walls, and this exhibit will be one of those wonderful experiences for the viewer," the release said. "Mark Wilson and Keith Vanderlin will bring fluid wooden sculptures with simple lines to join a group of thoughtful imagery and a surrealistic window of ideas."

Both artists have been instructors at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

Wilson's creative practices bridges fine art, graphic design, photography and education. His artistic journey began in 1996 as a member of the Lycoming Art League. Under the mentorship of artist Edward Steinhilper, he developed a strong foundation in drawing and painting.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic design and a minor in photography from Penn College, he established an independent creative practice that specialized in wedding and portrait photography while providing branding, logo, design, print and web design services.

In 2013, Wilson joined the faculty at Penn College as an adjunct instructor, teaching digital photography then expanding into graphic design.

He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design at Marywood University and later became a full-time faculty member at Penn College in 2017.

Much of Wilson's work centers around wood, which he says is a living record of time, growth and resilience.

"My connection to it began long before I became an artist. As a child, I spent countless hours wandering the forests near my home, finding both inspiration and a sense of peace beneath the trees. Those early experiences continue to shape the way I see the world in every piece I create," he said in an artist statement.

Wilson creates abstract sculptures with wood, which he says celebrate the "natural character of the material rather than conceal it."

"The grain, knots, cracks and imperfections become active participants in the creative process, guiding each form as it evolves. Instead of forcing wood into predetermined shapes, allowing its history and inherent qualities to influence the final composition," he said.

Wilson said his work is also inspired by the visual language of traditional African art, particularly its emphasis on simplified form, symbolic expression and the ability to communicate powerful human experiences through abstraction.

Vanderlin is a 1966 graduate of Williamsport High School and, during his time in high school, was more interested in sports than art or photography.

After graduating, he attended Gettysburg College and majored in biological sciences. As part of his liberal arts education in college, he took several art and literature classes, including drawing and modern dance.

"Suddenly art became important to me. My parents gave me a 35mm camera as a graduation gift. I still have it," he said in an artist statement.

That love would see him continue to further his education and understanding of photography, while traveling throughout the country before eventually finding his way back to Williamsport.

While working as a freelance photographer, Vanderlin would begin searching for teaching jobs at Williamsport Area Community College (now Penn College) and would go on to teach photojournalism. He was hired full-time at Penn College in 1989 in its graphic design department.

After 33 years of teaching students and sharing his love of photography with them, Vanderlin retired at 73 from his position.

"People often ask me if I am enjoying retirement. It has taken me three years to develop a positive attitude regarding retirement. I miss the collegiality of teaching, but I miss the students most of all," Vanderlin said in his artist statement.

Those interested in learning more about Wilson and Vanderlin's work can do so at an opening reception this Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Station Gallery, 2 E. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven.

If you're unable to attend the reception, the exhibit will run until Saturday, Sept. 26. Regular gallery hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

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