Art of ‘Collaboration’ honors Penn College president’s service

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A new sculpture visually honoring the art of collaboration and the service of Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour graces a wall in the Student & Administrative Services Center.

Created by Gilmour’s husband, Frederick T. Gilmour, a professional artist, retired college employee and alumnus, the 23-foot metal sculpture was recently installed on the third floor of the campus building, near the college’s executive offices.

“From an aesthetic standpoint, the piece represents collaboration and collegiality on the part of an administrative team,” Fred Gilmour said. “It embodies the give and take, the polishing and redirecting of ideas, and the willingness to explore numerous concepts to create a meaningful, cohesive outcome. The addition of color, texture and reflectivity allow for visual interest. They also are representative of the occasional divergent idea that seems not to ‘fit,’ but ultimately has great influence on the final result.”

The art piece was commissioned in 2008 by then-Board of Directors Chairman Robert E. Dunham, now chairman emeritus, to recognize and commemorate President Gilmour’s 10th anniversary at the college’s helm.

“The concept for this piece actually evolved over a period of several years,” Fred Gilmour explained. “The availability of materials and components, engineering considerations, and the need for an appropriate environmental space finally led to where ‘Collaboration’ now lives. The conception, development, fabrication and final installation of the piece were also the result of a collaborative effort.”

“Collaboration” is a fabricated piece using chromed aluminum tubing, clear and colored Plexiglas mirror, and texturized aluminum sheet.

Of the sculpture, Gilmour, who is now in her 17^th year as Penn College president, said: “I love it! Symbolically, it represents the movement and diversity of my first 10 years as president.”

“Collaboration” is the third sculpture created by Fred Gilmour on display on campus. The other two are: “Interface,” a stainless steel centerpiece in the college’s Remembrance Garden, and “I’ll Be There In a Minute,” a mobile hanging in the atrium of The Gallery at Penn College. The artist also has other mixed-media works displayed on campus as part of the college’s "Art on Campus" initiative.

Regarding the initiative, Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events, said: “We’re proud to display throughout our campus a diverse collection of over 300 works of original art. Our 'Art on Campus' initiative exposes our students, employees and visitors to a wide variety of art in all media. These pieces are meant to stimulate the creative thought process and open a world of discovery beyond what is taught in our physical classrooms.”

Fred Gilmour studied technical illustration at the college’s predecessors, Williamsport Technical Institute and Williamsport Area Community College, and received a bachelor’s degree in art education from Mansfield University. He retired from Penn College in 2001 after 20 years of service, holding such positions as director of instructional technology and distance learning, assistant professor of advertising art, and executive director of the Penn College Foundation.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.