Tioga Arts Council (TAC) is pleased to present Stop. Look. Listen. An Exhibition of Sculpture by Rebecca Dunn-Penwell and Photography by James Dunn. The show opens on First Friday, August 4, from 5 – 8 p.m. at 179 Front St., Owego in the Main Gallery. During the opening, enjoy an Artist Talk by Rebecca and James at 6 p.m.

Rebecca Dunn-Penwell
“My sculpture is a journey of discovery, exploring line and form to simplify wood and stone to its essence. I seek a balance that reflects the natural rhythm of the universe. One viewer sees a landscape, another sees an animal, and I see a human figure. This brings into focus our connections with each other and our environment. I am drawn to working in wood and stone—both holding life’s energy, but moving at different vibrations. Wood is warm and alive, gathering the strength from the generations. Stone holds the story of the ages, keeping the secrets of nature’s mysteries. I open myself to unexpected accidents that take me in directions not imagined. As I carve, the sculpture begins to share its story. I listen and unveil its internal spirit. My work serves as a portal for myself and others to listen with our heart and begin to see our reflection, our story.”

James Dunn
“The day I received my first Kodak Instamatic camera, I was in heaven. I took pictures of all kinds of things. Then, the anticipation, the waiting for the developed photos to come back to the drugstore. And seeing the result of your effort, a finished photo that you can hold in your hand. It was magical. I was hooked.

Some years later, at SUNY Albany, it happened again. I enrolled in a basic photography class and this time the photo lab was the magical place where black and white images came to life in a
developing tray. I wanted to learn more. I took advanced classes and ended up with a minor in photography. I thought my future was set.

But, as someone has said, life is what happens while you are making other plans. My plan for a career in photography was set aside when I sensed a call to ministry. I enrolled at Boston University School of Theology. Three years later, after graduation and ordination, I was in my first parish setting in western Massachusetts. That was followed by serving churches in Pennsylvania and New York, and eventually becoming a hospice chaplain.

When I retired after 38 years in ministry, I returned to my love of photography. But what was different was the advent of computerized digital technology. Just think, the subject of a
photograph can be manipulated and shaped and transformed in creative, new ways. My imagination expanded and evolved. New possibilities opened for me. The result, as seen in my
photos, is bold, vibrant colors and abstract images that highlight lines, curves and textures found in everyday objects. The magic that began with an Instamatic camera many years ago is still happening today.”

Dates
- Opening Night: Friday, August 4, from 5 – 8 p.m.
- Artist Talk: Friday, August 4, at 6 p.m. (Be prepared to walk around the gallery.)
- Exhibit Duration After Opening: August 5 – 26, Wednesday - Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m.
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Thank You August Sponsors
- Hollenbeck's Feed & Coal, Inc.
- New York Forest Owners Association