STATE COLLEGE—The State College Framing Company and Gallery will be celebrating spring with a new exhibit, Secret Gardens, featuring three unique expressions of art. The show will kick off with a garden party themed reception on Friday, May 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The three artists whose works will be featured include Elli Groninger, who creates colorful, whimsical indoor-outdoor sculptures from repurposed metal; Carol Korte, who uses ancient techniques to design intricate pieces of sterling silver jewelry; and Jennifer Philippoff of Sammis Greenhouse, who creates artistic succulent arrangements.
“One thing we try to do with our shows is emphasize the local aspect, from the artists to the food and beverage that we serve and the nonprofit we support,” said owner John McQueary.
The reception will be catered by Brown Dog Catering, with wine provided by Mount Nittany Winery. A portion of proceeds from art sold during the evening will benefit Pixie Dust Wishes, a local nonprofit that makes Disney wishes come true for individuals with special needs and their families.
At the event, Korte will demonstrate the silver chasing and repoussé techniques she uses in hand crafting her jewelry.
“Carol is fantastically talented, and her jewelry is amazing,” McQueary said.
The exhibit, which will be open through the end of May, will be set up to flow thematically around the gallery.
“I want the customers to walk in and see a lush Dr. Seuss-like garden,” said Groninger, who came up with the Secret Gardens concept. “There will be a daytime garden; followed by lighted pieces in a nighttime garden; and then a water garden featuring an octopus, a turtle, and other water creatures.”
Groninger is a former toy designer whose art can be found at the American Visual Art Museum in Baltimore.
“I call what I do ‘metal origami,’” she said. “This is the first time in 20 years that I could sit down and enjoy building a collection—the Secret Gardens, a fantasy of giggly flowers, wiggly birds, just a fun group of insanity.”
McQueary hopes the show will introduce all of the artists’ works to some new clientele, and will draw people in to his shop.
“The reception is a nice way for us to show off our space, and for people to enjoy some wine, have an hors d’oeuvre, talk with some artists and mingle with friends,” he said. “We hope we are building some long-term relationships, so when someone needs framing, we’re top of mind.”
The State College Framing Company is located in Hills Plaza South, at 160 Rolling Ridge Drive.
