HIGH POINT — Pennybyrn opened a new fine arts gallery within the retirement living community center building on Sept. 15.
This new gallery aims to bring high-quality artwork into the Pennybyrn community as a means of culture and enrichment. It is the passion of Sister Lucy Hennessey, Mission Leader and Chair of Pennybyrn’s Board of Directors. The gallery was included in the plans as part of the recent renovations to the community.
“As our permanent collection is built thoughtfully over time, we will supplement the gallery with loaned and borrowed pieces,” said Kitty Montgomery, chair of the Art Gallery Committee and Pennybyrn resident. “We are delighted to have purchased our first two paintings from nationally and internationally recognized artists, Marcy Dunn Ramsey and Matthew Hillier.”
Pennybyrn’s Art Gallery Committee is primarily made up of residents along with Jeff Horney, executive director of Theater Art Gallery, who is serving as the gallerist and curator.
“I am pleased to work with this committee of passionate, dedicated, and hardworking Pennybyrn residents who wanted to begin a permanent collection to be enjoyed by this community and its visitors,” Horney said.
As part of the events leading up to the full gallery opening, Pennybyrn invited artist Marcy Dunn Ramsey to come and share her inspiration and motivation behind her work “Circle Dance,” which is now a part of Pennybyrn’s private collection. In addition to the future exhibits, Pennybyrn plans to invite other artists whose work is displayed in the gallery.
“We are thankful for those who are blessed with the talents of painting and drawing, which inspire us all and provide a glimpse of God’s beauty. Through the sharing of beautiful art, this new gallery offers another avenue to meet our mission of ‘Demonstrating God’s love for the lives we touch,’” said Sister Hennessey.
— Catholic News Herald