Keystone College Hosted a “Re-IMAGING of the Arts Celebration”

The arts at Keystone College. For so many years, that phrase has been synonymous with excellence – excellence in creativity and self-expression; excellence in art education; and excellence in bringing people together to appreciate beautiful and thought-provoking works of art in a host of mediums.

Now, Keystone is renewing its commitment to the arts as it reimagines the meaning of art to the current generation of college students and to local communities. Keystone will focus on celebrating the college’s proud history and promising future in the arts with a “Re-IMAGINING the Arts Celebration” on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Theatre in Brooks on campus.

The event will honor the talented artists and educators who have dedicated their lives to making Keystone a recognized leader in the arts for decades and will also emphasize Keystone’s revitalized commitment through a more contemporary program that envisions an integrated environment for creative development and expression.

“Keystone’s tradition of excellence in the arts is legendary, not only in education but also in promoting the work of faulty, students, alumni, and guest artists in the local community,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “Now, we intend to expand upon that tradition and renew our commitment to the arts and all that it can bring to Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.”

During the Nov. 4 event, Keystone will celebrate retired members of its art faculty who played such major roles in developing the college’s excellent reputation for art education in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The event will honor Professor Emeritus Karl Neuroth. A well-known and successful artist in his own right, Mr. Neuroth began his career at Keystone in 1970 and is widely credited, along with his colleagues, for propelling the college’s art program to distinctive levels. He was awarded the prestigious Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Service in 1980 and has also served as Coordinator of Exhibits, Dean of Enrollment Services, and Chair of the Division of Fine Arts. He retired in 2005 after 40 years of proud service to Keystone.

In addition to Mr. Neuroth, Keystone Professor Emeritus William Tersteeg, and Professor Emeritus Cliff Prokop will also be recognized for their longtime achievements as artists and art educators.

Mr. Tersteeg was hired as an instructor in 1971 and granted tenure in 1978. He was promoted to associate professor in 1983 and professor in 1987, and became senior half-time professor in 2005 before retiring in 2011 after 40 years at Keystone. He received the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 1990.

Mr. Prokop joined the Keystone faculty in 1973 and was granted tenure in 1980. He was promoted to associated professor in 1983 and professor in 2002 and was awarded the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 2002. He was awarded the Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Service in 2002. Currently retired, he received the Life Time Service Award in 2018 for 45 years of service to Keystone.

Re-IMAGINING the Arts will not only focus on the past but will celebrate Keystone’s present and, more importantly, its future. For example, Keystone’s renowned glass program and its Mobile Glass Studio are widely recognized for bringing the art of glass blowing to Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Keystone College Glass Studio is the only program of its kind in the region.

Thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Dorflinger Glass Museum, Nivert Metal Supply and many others, the glass program continues to thrive at Keystone and in the local community. Similarly, Keystone’s programs in areas such as studio art, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, digital media, 3D printing, and photography continue to provide students with strong foundational skills and opportunities which are essential to a successful career in the arts. Additional programs will be offered to focus on integrating skills and entrepreneurship in the arts.

While the Keystone’s past successes in the arts are renowned, the future is even brighter as the college reimagines the arts for the future. For more information, reservations, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.keystone.edu/ReimaginingtheArts.