Art Galleries at Our University Mark Milestone Centennial Anniversary in Art History
Lehigh University Art Galleries Celebrate Centennial Anniversary
The Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) are preparing to celebrate their 100th anniversary, marking a century of showcasing art that represents different eras, cultural ideas, mindsets, and mediums.
Established in 1926, LUAG was founded under the guidance of Henry Coppeé, Lehigh's first president. Coppeé, a firm believer in the importance of art in undergraduate learning, made it compulsory for all students to study drawing and offered instruction in painting. This early emphasis on the visual arts has continued to shape LUAG's collection and mission.
The first exhibition in LUAG was organised by Emil Gelhaar, a Swedish-born painter and instructor of freehand drawing. The showcase featured original oil paintings from contemporary American artists and reproductions of paintings by the Great Masters, including Raphael, Rembrandt, and Titian.
Over the years, LUAG's collection has grown into a world-class collection of over 20,000 pieces. Today, it boasts a nationally recognised collection of Latin American art, photography, video, and an outdoor sculpture collection. The contemporary collection features artists such as Günther Förg, known for works like "Trunk Road and Branch Roads," Gregor Hildebrandt who creates minimalist yet romantic collage paintings from cassette tape and vinyl, and Chris "Daze" Ellis, a prolific street artist recognised for his graffiti from New York subway cars and solo exhibitions worldwide.
Key works include Förg's major public collection pieces, Hildebrandt's cassette-based installations, and Ellis's graffiti and urban art reflecting New York's cultural history.
The celebration will feature perspectives from students and alumni who have been influenced by a Lehigh education that includes the arts. The event will also delve into the history of LUAG and discuss future plans for the institution.
Lehigh University, despite its reputation as an engineering school, has recognised the importance of the visual arts since its early years. The centennial celebration is a testament to this commitment and a celebration of the art that has graced LUAG's walls for the past 100 years.
