UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — The whimsical creations of local artist Bruce Pipman return in November for the third consecutive year to the Penn State New Kensington art gallery. The solo show runs until Nov. 28.
Blending images with words, Pipman’s art reflects the emotions of desire, romance and love. “Magic Realism” is a series of artworks that serve as metaphors for the nature of man. More than 50 acrylic and ink pieces, featuring people, places and things, are on display.
“I believe that the truth in life lies beneath the surface, and in my paintings I try to scratch at that surface,” said Pipman, who has been painting for 12 years. “I try to create a more focused experience for the viewer by writing on my paintings.”
A resident of New Kensington, Pipman previously exhibited at the campus in July of 2013 and 2014. Tina Sluss, art gallery director, visited Pipman’s home studio in the summer and was impressed with his body of work. With a fall slot available, Sluss moved the artist to the fall.
“Bruce's work is full of life and introspective thought, joyful, fun and Picasso-like,” said Sluss, who chairs the campus art committee that recently sold a Brussels tapestry at Sotheby’s auction house for $10,000. “As he describes each piece and his thought process in creating them, he will look at you and ask, ‘what do you think?’ and always with a smile.”
Bud Gibbons, professor emeritus of visual arts at the campus, was the art gallery director in 2013 when he “discovered” Pipman. While perusing local art galleries, Gibbons came upon Pipman’s work at Art After Dark in Lawrenceville, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and suggested a one-man show on campus.
“I was excited then and I am excited now about having an opportunity to exhibit my paintings in my hometown,” Pipman said. “Bud Gibbons has been an inspiration to me as a local artist. I have been attending his art shows for years.”
Pipman holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kent State University. He worked as a consultant and recruiter in the technology and engineering fields with various companies in the region before retiring and devoting his time to painting.
The artist has ties to Penn State. His wife, Millie, was an adjunct professor of English at the campus, and their sons are Penn State graduates.
A reception for the artist is set from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, in the gallery. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. It will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26.
For more information, call 724-334-6056.