William Scharf: The Journey is the Destination

American painter and educator William Scharf (1927-2018) was compelled to create. His lifelong drive produced a remarkable body of work ranging from small figural and representational drawings to giant abstract canvases. Juniata College presents a first-ever, career-spanning exhibition including archival materials that document and illustrate the artist’s vision, process and philosophy covering more than sixty years. Scharf developed his own visual language that incorporated organic forms, rhythmic movements and suggestions of universal symbols and personal mythologies. He gave mysterious titles to his works that reflect his love of language. The combination of video, studio materials, teaching notes, drawings and finished work provides a unique opportunity to observe and discuss how an artist’s interests and perspectives intersect in their production.

Making art was Scharf’s first love, but he also developed a passion for teaching. His decades-long teaching career led him to the San Francisco Art Institute, Stanford University, Pratt Institute and the Art Students League of New York. This workshop will focus on his teaching notes and their relationship to his process and output. We will consider what Scharf models for students and how we can leverage a study of his work to promote imagination, curiosity and experimentation alongside discipline and analysis.

The workshop includes individual hands-on activities and group brainstorming to develop possible classroom strategies.

Check out the exhibits at https://www.juniatapresents.com/jcma-exhibitions

Street parking is available near the Museum on 17th Street or behind the Museum via the alley off 18th Street. A ramp entrance is available at the rear of the building.

Participants will receive 2 hours of Act 48 credit.

Host or Publisher The Pennsylvania Art Education Association