Gallery on Gazebo Faculty and Student Exhibition

Echos of Color, an SFU Faculty and Student Art Showcase at Gallery on Gazebo in Johnstown, Set for October 2025

When Jess Campbell, Director of the Connors Family Fine Arts Center and Assistant Professor of Visual Art at Saint Francis University, was invited to host a solo exhibition at the Gallery on Gazebo in Johnstown, she saw an opportunity to share the spotlight. Instead of showing alone, Campbell extended the invitation to one of her students, Karin Johnson, to exhibit alongside her.

Echoes of Color Exhibition

The result is an exhibition, titled Echoes of Color, which will run from October 5 - 31, 2025, with an opening reception on Sunday, October 5, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy live music by Bo Moore while experiencing the unique visions of both artists.

"Gallery on Gazebo is proud to shine a light on Jess Campbell. Her work with arts organizations across many counties is highly regarded. We welcome the collaboration," said Rosemary Pawlowski, Development Director at Gallery on Gazebo.

Oil & Cold Wax Workshop

As part of the exhibition, Campbell will also lead an Oil and Cold Wax Workshop on Saturday, October 11, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cold wax is an oil painting medium made of beeswax mixed with a small amount of solvent and resin. When combined with oil paint, it creates a buttery paste that adds body, transparency, and depth while speeding up drying time and increasing workability-all without requiring special ventilation. Cold wax also pairs beautifully with other materials such as dry pigment, charcoal, marble dust, pastel, graphite, and oil sticks. Participants will work on Arches Oil Paper to create abstract designs and explore the expressive qualities of this medium. The cost is $30, and all materials will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring an apron, a box to transport wet work, water, and snacks if needed.

The exhibition, reception, and workshop are sponsored by SFU's Connors Family Fine Arts Center and the University's School of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free to the public. The Gallery on Gazebo is located at 140 Gazebo Park, Johnstown, PA 15901. Learn more at galleryongazebo.org.

Gallery on Gazebo

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free

Gallery on Gazebo
140 Gazebo Park, Johnstown, PA 15901
galleryongazebo.org

About the Artists

Jess Campbell
Jess Campbell is a dedicated arts educator, advocate, and practicing visual artist. She earned her B.F.A. in 3-D Media from Seton Hill University and served nearly two decades at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA), where she managed grant funding and directed Arts-in-Education initiatives. In 2021, Jess earned her M.Ed. from Saint Francis University, where she now serves as Director of the Connors Family Fine Arts Center and Assistant Professor of Visual Art.

As a professional artist, Jess creates abstract paintings that emerge organically, guided by intuition and exploration rather than premeditation. Her choice to bring a student into this exhibition reflects her belief in the importance of mentorship and creating real-world opportunities for young artists.

Karin Johnson
Karin Johnson, a Cambria Heights graduate and current Saint Francis University student, is pursuing dual majors in Psychology and Social Work with a minor in Visual Arts. Passionate about both people and creativity, Karin is aiming to continue to graduate school and further be an LPC. Karin has always been passionate about art from dimensional mixed media pieces to oil on canvas, nothing has gone unexplored. As her artistic style has matured, Karin focuses on capturing moments of nature as well as portraying stories of people, mostly being young women and children.

Saint Francis University and the Arts

The Connors Family Fine Arts Center at Saint Francis University is a creative hub for students across disciplines, housing the Resinski Black Box Theatre and providing opportunities for both performing and visual arts. As part of the School of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), the Center emphasizes the role of creativity and expression in a well-rounded education.

Through exhibitions, performances, and community partnerships, Saint Francis University continues to highlight the value of the arts in building innovative thinkers and engaged citizens. Exhibitions like Echoes of Color reflect SFU's mission to inspire students not only within the classroom but also in the wider community.