SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill will present “My FireFlies – Creating Peacemakers in Our Region,” an exhibition by internationally recognized artist Ibiyinka “Ibi” Alao, from Jan. 11 through Feb. 27. The exhibition will be held in Art Space, located in the Classroom Building, Room 100.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
A “Meet the Artist” night is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., providing an opportunity for visitors to engage with Alao and learn more about his work.
Alao is an architect, artist and author whose work explores themes of peace, childhood memory and renewal. He earned a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Ife in Nigeria and won first place among artists from 61 countries in the United Nations International Arts Competition. He also serves as a United Nations Arts Ambassador.
Along with musician John Lennon, Alao is one of only five artists whose work is globally recognized as representing the original United Nations Charter for Peace. His artwork has been viewed and praised by notable American artists, including Andrew Wyeth.
The exhibition is inspired by Alao’s childhood experiences, which also form the basis of his award-winning story “Ibi’s Fireflies.” The work received the Grand Prize in the nonfiction category of the Scholastic Kids Are Authors Writing Contest and is archived by the Smithsonian Museum Libraries as his biography. The story was adapted from his book, “My Fireflies: Memories of My Childhood.”
Fireflies, Pennsylvania’s official state insect, are a recurring symbol in Alao’s work and connect to the region’s history. Alao has been involved with the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center in Jim Thorpe since 2012 and currently serves as its president and CEO. A large painting he created focusing on fireflies and rejuvenation has been used by the museum to highlight themes of sustainability and environmental renewal tied to the coal region of Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
Prior to the artist reception, Alao will present a LionLaunch Workshop titled “From Artist to Author: How Childhood Memories Inspired a Heartfelt Story” on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 12:30 p.m. The workshop will include a lunch presentation and book reading. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. A light lunch will be provided.
Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill brings diverse artistic voices and meaningful cultural experiences to campus and the surrounding community through rotating exhibitions and public programming. Learn more about Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill.