BRYN MAWR.- In a salute to the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The American College is pleased to present landscape paintings by Kenneth Dirsa and Elizabeth Wilson graduates of the Academy, from February 13 to April 10, 2005 in The American College’s Gregg Conference Center Gallery in Bryn Mawr, PA, at 270 South Bryn Mawr Avenue. The American College will hold a reception in honor of the artists’ exhibition, Landscapes, on February 13, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Gallery.

Kenneth Dirsa uses the medium of pastel to create the magic of color and atmosphere in landscape paintings. Dirsa stated, “The pastels in the show were painted on location in Vermont, Pennsylvania and Delaware. My intent was to create an awareness of light and space for the viewer to experience”. Dirsa’s work has been displayed in solo exhibitions and group exhibitions. His works are also part of corporate and museum collections. Dirsa also has received a variety of awards and honors from organizations including the prestigious Butler Institute of American Art award. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where he received a Cresson award and has also studied at the Vermont Studio Center, The University of the Arts, and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. Dirsa’s studio and residence are in Bryn Mawr, PA
Elizabeth Wilson’s work has been featured in eight one-person exhibitions as well as in over 30 selected group exhibitions. Wilson’s gouache paintings in this exhibition are part of a series of small paintings in which she has incorporated scenery from her travels in the British Isles. She has received many honors and awards for her paintings including first prize from The American College for her piece in the Multi-Media Competition held in 1998.

“My work has always been a direct response to my environment and the drama of the British landscape fits seamlessly with my sensibilities”, stated Wilson, one of the two featured artist’s for the Landscapes exhibition. “The gouache paintings in this exhibition are part of a series of smaller paintings, primarily focusing on landscapes, from when I visited the UK”.

The art exhibitions in the Gregg Conference Center Gallery are sponsored by The American College throughout the year as part of The College’s on-going efforts to provide service to the surrounding community. The exhibitions are planned for the enjoyment of all, therefore, the public is welcome and there is no admission charge. The regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.