CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Wilson College will present “there are no graves here: the work of Mathew Samuel,” a special exhibition honoring the life, work, and legacy of the late artist and educator Mathew Samuel. The exhibition opens on Oct. 1 in the Bogigian Gallery in Lortz Hall with a public reception from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and will remain on view through Jan. 29.
Samuel passed away on July 26, at the age of 49. Throughout his career, he served as an associate professor at Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and Kutztown University. The exhibition’s title reflects a central theme of his work and life: the belief that influence, love, and human connection transcend physical loss.
“There are no graves here, for nothing truly ends,” reads the exhibition statement. “What we call death is only a passing through, a changing of form…. A grave is made to hold the body, but it cannot hold the life, the love or the influence of a person….”
Curated by close friend and fellow artist, Adam DelMarcelle, MFA, assistant professor of graphic design at Wilson College, the exhibition offers visitors an intimate look not only at Samuel’s finished works, but also at the creative process and personal reflections that shaped them.
Alongside artwork, visitors will Samuel’s drafting table and elements of his workspace, providing a rare glimpse into the private spaces where his ideas took form.
“In preparing for this exhibition and the permanent archiving of my dear friend’s work, I was able to spend time with and care for not only his amazing finished and unfinished works, but also his vast library of sketchbooks, journals and correspondence,” said DelMarcelle. “What I discovered was a man deeply concerned for the world and his place in it.”
Drawing inspiration from Samuel’s personal copy of Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”—a small first-edition volume that the artist had painted, altered, highlighted and annotated throughout his life—the exhibition incorporates passages that resonated deeply with him. Visitors will find these reflections woven throughout the gallery experience.
The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit https://www.wilson.edu/there-are-no-graves-here-work-mathew-samuel.
