“Lifted in Light” Widmann Gallery Exhibit

The April Widmann Art Gallery exhibit titled, “Lifted in Light”, features oil, charcoal, pastel, and graphite pieces from local artists Julia Gwen Poncavage and Omar Rodriguez Jr, both of whom are from Northeastern Pennsylvania. The exhibit is available until April 23, 2025.

Julia Gwen Poncavage is a contemporary realism artist primarily working in oil paint and charcoal. Poncavage is an art honors graduate of Sue Hand's Imagery, Dallas, Pa., where she also teaches seasonally. She is also an active student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, where she will receive her BFA in painting this May. Poncavage’s art has been appreciated with publications in the Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing magazine, a finalist in the Art Renewal Center (ARC) annual salon, and displays in exhibitions and galleries including Lovett’s Gallery in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Mainstreet Galleries in Kingston, Pa.

Omar Rodriguez Jr., born in Scranton, Pa., graduated from Luzerne County Community College in Fine Arts and Illustration and has contributed to the school’s art department as an instructor for seven years. He is also an alumnus of Ani Art Academy Waichulis and a former student of artist Joel Carson Jones. In addition, Omar has displayed at the Rehs Gallery in Manhattan. In addition, Roderiguez is a professional comic book artist that displays at comic conventions and is represented by multiple comic book agencies.

Both Julia and Omar have been recognized by the Art Renewal Center (ARC) in past salon competitions as finalists and award winners. Both are also represented by Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa, Oklahoma and are instructors for Penn State’s summer art program.