New exhibition showcases and celebrates the work of Penn State Berks artists and creators

WYOMISSING, Pa. — A new exhibition in the Freyberger Gallery running this fall will highlight and honor the works of art created by Penn State Berks students and faculty.

“Signature,” an exhibition sponsored by the Freyberger Gallery and Penn State Berks Art Club, will showcase the vision, talent and voices of Penn State Berks students and the campus community. Works ranging from paintings and drawings to photographs, sculpture and mixed media pieces will be on display, representing the diversity that makes Penn State Berks such a lively and vibrant campus.

The exhibition runs from Oct. 4-Nov. 12, with an opening reception during Penn State Berks Homecoming on Oct. 4.

The idea for the exhibition stemmed from Penn State Berks’ history with art. At one time, the Commuter Lounge served as the campus gallery and offered a space for students and community to come together and celebrate creativity.

“While that tradition eventually faded, the spirit of art never left our campus,” said Samayun “Sam” Uday, president of the Penn State Berks Art Club. “’Signature’ was created to revive that legacy and establish a new tradition where students, faculty and community voices can be seen, heard and celebrated.”

The vision has been in motion since last semester, but took shape after Uday lived in New York over the summer.

“Exploring the city, every street, every corner, I saw art in its rawest forms,” he said. “I felt that New York was a hub of people striving to create their own legacies. If I were to host an exhibition there, each piece would carry its own theme, its own story, its own signature. That realization inspired the concept behind this exhibition: that every individual leaves behind a unique mark, and together those marks create something greater.”

Abbey Muza, visiting artist and director of the Freyberger Gallery, said they hope this exhibit will encourage more students and members of the Penn State Berks community to discover the gallery.

“This is the first student exhibition I’m working on since I’m here, and I hope it will lead to greater engagement with the gallery on campus,” she said, adding, “Art is a great way to bring all areas of the campus together. I engage with students from all majors, and I really get to see that in some way, all students are connected to art. This exhibition really celebrates that and all the disparate students across campus.”

Uday hopes viewers walk away with a deeper appreciation for the boundless creativity and different perspectives within the Penn State Berks community.

“Art has a unique way of connecting people, sparking conversations, and inspiring new ways of thinking. From a visitor’s perspective, seeing a spectrum of works — different shapes, colors and mediums all sharing the same walls — should create a sense of belonging, like a society where every voice has a place. More than celebrating technique or awards, this exhibition honors expression, individuality, and the courage to create. If even one person leaves feeling inspired or more connected, then the exhibition has exceeded its expectations.”

For more information on the Freyberger Gallery, visit the gallery’s webpage.