Everhart Museum in Scranton displays ‘Meaningful Objects’ from staff and board through June 5
From a press release:
“Meaningful Objects: Art and Artifacts from the Homes of the Everhart’s Board and Staff,” which showcases beautiful, eclectic, and interesting objects from board and staff members that hold special sentimental value, is on view at the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art in Scranton through Sunday, June 5.
Each piece in the show, whether a practical everyday object or a work of art, is joined by a narrative text illuminating why it occupies a special place in the owner’s heart and mind. Through this exhibition, the community may better understand the people who drive the Everhart’s mission and what matters to them.
“I invited the Everhart Museum’s staff and board of trustees to lend up to three objects for an exhibition, with the only caveat being that they must share a story about why the object is meaningful to them,” said Everhart Museum Executive Director Kathy Johnson Bowles.
“‘Meaningful Objects’ is the result of the invitation. … The participants’ generosity and their willingness to share personal stories have been touching, and I’m profoundly grateful for it. In looking at the objects and reading about them, I’m astounded by the breadth and depth of human experience and how objects can bring joy, shape identity, connect us to each other over time and space, facilitate healing, and serve as beacons of hope and resilience.”
Featured objects include everything from early sound machines, French Impressionism, and Currier and Ives prints to Mickey Mouse memorabilia, an antique truck grille, and contemporary art.
Everhart Museum trustee Debbie Pann lent “From Out of the Blue,” a 1980 oil painting by Louis N. Pontone of Factoryville.
“This painting hung in the office of my late husband, George A. Pann, who was the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Third National Bank in Scranton,” Pann explained.
“It was first purchased as part of the remodeling of the office, which took place in the mid-1980s. Coincidentally, it was chosen for the office by local architect John Palumbo. When I began working at the Everhart in 2003, John was the museum’s board president.
“When our home was built in 1987, we were looking for a piece of art to display over our fireplace, and the first thing that came to mind was this piece. George and I both loved it, and I especially liked the bird, which appears to be flying out of the painting. We ultimately purchased a beautiful piece by another local artist to take its place in the office, and ‘From Out of the Blue’ was hung over our fireplace and became the backdrop for many family and friend photos over the years. It holds many memories, both from the bank, where I worked alongside George for over 20 years, and in our home.”
The Everhart Museum (1901 Mulberry St., Scranton) is open to the public from noon-5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for children 12 and under, Everhart Museum members, and members of the military and their family.
The Everhart was founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, a Scranton physician and businessman with a keen interest in natural history. Located in Scranton’s historic Nay Aug Park, the Everhart is the largest general museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to the collection, care, and display of a diverse array of objects and specimens, including natural history, science, and fine arts. Through its exhibitions and programs, this not-for-profit institution has been an invaluable regional resource for educational and cultural opportunities for over 100 years.
General support for the museum is received from the Lackawanna County Office of Education and Culture, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the city of Scranton, and contributions from individuals and businesses. For more information, contact the museum at 570-346-7186 or email general.information@everhartmuseum.org.
