The campus is currently displaying 32 works of art on loan from the Friends of HAS (Hôpital Albert Schweitzer), Haiti. The Friends of HAS, Haiti, is a Pittsburgh-based organization that supports the operation of the rural Haitian hospital through the sale of Haitian artwork. The organization?s goals, along with its support of the hospital, are to educate the public about Haiti, the genius of its creativity, and the medical needs of its people.
The organization?s curator, Ms. Josie Pellier, organized the Penn State Greater Allegheny display in cooperation with Dr. Verónica Montecinos, Professor of Sociology, and Dr. Margaret Signorella, Professor of Psychology and Women's Studies, who are coordinating the campus?s current Teaching International Program with a focus on food security and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Haitian artwork will be exhibited throughout the current academic year at various campus locations. The J. Clarence Kelly Library displays a variety of styles of Haitian art including Saint Soleil Paintings, Village Scenes, and Village Ceremonies.
The Frable building?s Conference Center houses paintings with the theme of Haitian local life and the role of the hospital in improving health in Haiti, which is considered an impoverished nation. The Office of Academic Affairs displays two decorative flags.
The third location is the Student Community Center (SCC). Paintings in the Ostermayer Room depict the history of Haiti and images related to food and food security.
Throughout the 2008-09 academic year, Penn State Greater Allegheny has scheduled a series of academic and cultural events based on the current Teaching International theme. A speakers? series, exhibits, and musical events, all of which will be open to the public, and a film series, field trips, a common reading and civic engagement activities planned for PSUGA students are publicized through the campus?s events calendar.