YORK, Pa. – York College’s Center for Community Engagement and Division of Art will host “The Art of Giving: Honoring the Legacy of Louis J. Appell, Jr.” from October 6 -26. The public opening for the exhibit is First Friday, Oct. 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and will be held in the Gallery Hall exhibit space on the third floor of York College’s downtown Marketview Arts facility at 37 West Philadelphia Street.

The exhibit honors perhaps the single most important patron of the arts in York, Louis Appell, Jr. Appell has supported countless artists, arts organizations, and arts efforts for decades. He was also one of the driving forces behind the acquisition of what is now Marketview Arts and its development into a space dedicated to fostering the advancement of the arts and artists in York, making it especially appropriate that this show is hosted at this location.

Dominic DelliCarpini, dean of the Center for Community Engagement (which operates this downtown facility), noted his commitment to “honoring the legacy of Mr. Appell not only with this show, which features many of the artists that have been supported by Mr. Appell, but also continuing the agenda that Mr. Appell worked tirelessly toward — making York and its arts district a vibrant hub of activity.”

The show was planned, curated, and executed by York artist Carol Oldenburg and Matthew Clay-Robison, director of York College Galleries, with the help and support of Appell’s wife, Jody. They sought to create a show that Appell himself would have enjoyed, bringing together works by artists with a wide range of styles, but who had all caught the eye of this generous patron of the arts.

“The title of the exhibition, “The Art of Giving,” represents both Mr. Appell’s visionary philanthropy and the work made by artists he has supported,” said Clay-Robison. “This exhibition demonstrates Mr. Appell’s patronage for artists in various stages of their careers and the incredible impact his patronage made on the vitality of York’s art scene.”

“Over the past 25 years I have been honored and delighted to work on a number of projects for the Appells, said Oldenburg. “Each has been a unique challenge to my creativity in bringing Louis vision to fruition. Driving into Millbourne always leaves me with the feeling that I am the luckiest artist in the world to get to work amidst such beauty.”

Artists whose work will be displayed include Helen Appell, Glenn Blue, Rob Evans, Lorann Jacobs, Cliff Maier, Nena Norton, Oldenburg, Polly Stetler, and Brenda Wintermyer. The show will also feature work by Cody Bannon, Anya Felch, Kree Wiede, Rita Whitney, and Dillon Samuelson, York College graduates and recipients of the prestigious Appell Arts Fellowship.

A private college located in southcentral Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,400 undergraduate students. The College also offers master’s programs in business, education and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice. York College students enjoy a high-quality education that emphasizes practical application and a community invested in their success. The College provides a personal plan to help students focus their passions and attain their goals so they are prepared for a lifetime of meaningful careers – ready to meet the challenges of their profession and feeling confident and proud of their achievements.