The Shippensburg Arts Programming & Education Gallery (SHAPE gallery) reopened its doors Friday night after the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic shut it down for months.
SHAPE hosted community members at its 15th annual membership exhibit, “Perception: The Journey of Our Senses.”
The exhibit focused around the five senses and showcased different forms of artwork that correlates to touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing.
SHAPE Gallery members presented their artwork in various displays.
Gallery officials were diligent in ensuring a safe environment while abiding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Officials checked attendees’ temperatures as they arrived and provided hand sanitizer stations throughout the entire exhibit.
Inside the art gallery were different variations of artwork. There were photographs, sculptures, paintings and clay — all that related to one of the five senses of the human body.
Some artists allowed guests to touch the artwork to get a better sense of what each piece was portraying by feeling the textures. Guests interacted with the art at the exhibits using their own senses. This interaction was welcomed as many were separated from others during the pandemic.
One of my favorite pieces was a painting that centered around ocean pollution. Artist Jim Mackey created the painting, called “Environmental Injustice.”
This particular piece incorporated actual trash pollution that one may see in the ocean.
Chloe Smith, Shippensburg University senior, attended the opening exhibit as well. She said she was happy to have found a place where she can go to appreciate artwork and hopes to have some of her own artwork displayed.
“I thought it was a very nice gallery and the SHAPE organization seems very welcoming. I enjoyed the art exhibition and I am excited to return for the abstract exhibition in October.” Smith said.
The SHAPE staff was very welcoming and informative to the guests. Officials were able to answer guests’ questions and provide background information on the pieces in the gallery.
After my experience and seeing how the other guests reacted, I will definitely be returning to SHAPE. It was a fun and safe experience that I would enjoy spending with my friends and family.
SHAPE is located at 19 E. King St. The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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