The Bruce Gallery on the Edinboro campus of PennWest University has announced a new exhibition, “Understanding Animals/Understanding Ourselves,” which opens Wednesday, Nov. 20, with an opening reception beginning at 4 p.m.

Curated by Dr. Cindy Persinger, professor of art history at PennWest, “Understanding Animals/Understanding Ourselves” explores the ways in which artists have represented the roles of animals in society. Featuring selections of artwork from the 1500s to the present, the exhibition includes over 30 works from the Bruce Gallery’s permanent collection along with works lent by PennWest Edinboro alumni, professors and regional artists.

Persinger designed the exhibition in conversation and collaboration with PennWest students.  

“Representations of animals both reflect and shape our understanding of animals, as well as of ourselves,” Persinger said. “This exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through artists’ representations of animals, allowing us to explore the ways in which art shapes our understanding of the world around us.” 

“Understanding Animals/Understanding Ourselves” will be on view in the Bruce Gallery through March 9, 2025.

“This exhibition highlights the incredible breadth and depth of the Bruce Gallery Collection,” said Mara Ferguson, director of Bruce Gallery. “Dr. Persinger and her students have uncovered threads that will connect the viewers with a broad range of disciplines, including literature, religion, history and science.”

The Bruce Gallery’s current exhibition, “All That Remains,” will be on view to the public through Sunday, Nov. 10.  “All That Remains” features forensic art, and features pieces from a variety of high-profile cases, both recent and historical. The first-of-its-kind show was conceived, organized and curated by PennWest faculty member Michelle Vitali to showcase the breadth of forensic art.

The Bruce Gallery exhibitions and programs are generously funded through university facility and staffing support, as well as Edinboro’s Student Government Association, the university’s Art Department and by special grants and partnerships.