‘These Days: Prints by Mark Ciocca’ Art Exhibit Addresses Contemporary Social Issues

From Sept. 9 through Oct. 7, 2016, the Hope Horn Gallery at The University of Scranton presents the exhibition “These Days: Prints by Mark Ciocca.” The exhibition includes numerous works addressing contemporary social issues.

“My current body of work is a reflection of personal, social and political observations through the media of linocut prints, illustrations and mixed media,” Mark Ciocca said. “As I look around at events unfolding and the plight of individuals, communities and nations, I am passionate in channeling my energy into creative visual statements. Strongly held feelings are reflected throughout my visual imagery. This is life as I see it daily.  It is difficult to stay silent in such a time of social and economic unrest and change.”

Ciocca holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Kutztown University and a master’s equivalent in education from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Education. The artist produces silkscreen and linoleum prints, pen-and-ink illustrations and murals, which have been exhibited at local, state, national and international levels.  He has taught in the Pocono Mountain School District for 30 years.

Ciocca believes artists must sensitively facilitate difficult and controversial dialogues through visual representation.  “It is difficult to stay silent in such a time of social and economic unrest and change,” he explained.

Darlene Miller-Lanning, Ph.D., director of the Hope Horn Gallery, noted that printmaking has been used for centuries as a preferred medium for social commentary.  “Mark Ciocca is a person who has worked in Scranton for a long time and has a wonderful reputation,” she said. “He’s carrying on the tradition of a time-honored medium.”

Opening events for “These Days: Prints by Mark Ciocca,” will take place on Friday, Sept. 9.  Ciocca will present an artist’s lecture discussing his work from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. A public reception will follow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hope Horn Gallery, on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall.

The lecture and exhibit are open to the public, free of charge. The gallery is also open to the public during the following hours: noon until 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Hope Horn Gallery, devoted to fostering the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania, offers exhibitions and programming designed to complement the University’s curricula, encourage campus and community collaborations, support regional artists, provide arts-in-education opportunities and showcase student work. During the 2016-2017 exhibition season, shows at the Hope Horn Gallery will highlight active regional artists.

For more information, contact Dr. Miller-Lanning at 570-941-4214 or darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Visit the Hope Horn Gallery website at www.scranton.edu/gallery.