Sculpture exhibition graces Bridgeville Public Library

Through the end of October, Bridgeville Public Library is serving as home to an intriguing collection of artwork.

On the patio outside, patrons will find pieces with titles such as “Achromatic Modules On Polished Aluminum Platform” and the ironic, given its location, “Interior Reflections I.”

And positioned atop bookcases are the likes of “Saprotroph,” “Princess of Possibilities” and “Quarks” I and III.

Teaming with the library, Public Art Bridgeville, the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors is featuring work by 14 members in a monthlong exhibition.

“It’s really nice to be able to welcome in outside groups and sort of rethink what the library is doing,” library director Ben Hornfeck said at the Oct. 7 opening reception. “We’ve been doing it for a while, but we’re trying to get that message out to the community.”

During the reception, the society presented Judges Awards to four artists: Amy Short, Ronald Nigro, Duncan MacDiarmid and Dan Droz. Others with pieces on display are Guy Bellaver, Isaac Bower, Dino DeIuliis, Emily Elliott, Howard Goldfarb, Sal Greco, Gadi Leshem, Mark McKenzie, Lisa Platt, Sarah Simmons and Kara Zuzu.

Bellaver and his wife, Bitsy, spearheaded the formation of Public Art Bridgeville and, prior to the library exhibition, organized the display of a series of outdoor sculptures throughout the borough through March 1.

In connection with the library’s designation as the Bill & Grace McDivitt Center for Lifelong Learning, Hornfeck welcomes the exhibition as an educational opportunity for patrons.

“When we talk about literacy, it’s not just traditional literacy in terms of books. It’s multiple kinds of literacy, and part of our mission is to connect people not just to information, but to each other,” he said. “I think it’s mutually beneficial to those involved, so we’re always thrilled to do it.”

He and fellow staff members are enjoying the sculptures’ presence.

“It’s actually really fun to see patrons who come in and don’t know about them, and then are surprised and saying, what’s going on in here? What are these? And having those conversations with folks,” Hornfeck said.

For more information, visit bridgevillelibrary.org, publicartbridgeville.wordpress.com and www.societyofsculptors.org.