The Speer Gallery has a series of rotating exhibits throughout the academic year, sponsored by the School’s Fine Arts Committee. Traditionally, the April/May show features one or more artists who are alumni of the School, followed by a show in late May and June of works by the School’s Advanced Placement art majors.

Jeff Hanna’s Artist’s Statement

sunlight dances and plays with a boat’s wake during a sunset cruise

water is peppered unmercifully when rain pours in sheets during the peak of a thunderstorm

a shimmering glow visits and reflects on beach collapsing waves, recrudesce, moments before the sun breaks the horizon at the dawn of a new day

These watery moments possess sublime sensuality. My works investigate these moments in paintings which explore my travels and experiences below, on, and above the surfaces of seas, lakes, puddles, pools, and rivers.

Although water covers over two-thirds of the world’s surface and supports life, it can be a threat and a formidable barrier. 

One’s juxtaposition with water can be a mystical experience. In these paintings I strive to recreate these mystical memories. A large portion of my life has been spent with water, prompting my great interest, love, and respect for this fundamental, yet mysterious. element. 

With the application of paint—poured, contrasted with brushed strokes—I grope for a rhythm to capture these feelings. Rhythm, when attained, further mirrors the most fascinating property of water—its ever-changing nature in response to its surrounding light and environment. To naturally reflect this process, I adhere to a progression through many stages before reaching the sought-for emphasis and impact. My paintings speak to capturing the specific memory and mood of a sublime watery experience.

The Speer Gallery is open between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Shipley is located two blocks from the intersection of Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and Morris Avenue. At this intersection, turn north onto Morris and proceed two blocks to Yarrow Street. Turn left, to the main building of the Upper School, second on the left. If traveling from the east or west on Montgomery Avenue, turn north onto Morris Avenue and proceed one block to Yarrow Street.

For further information about current art exhibitions at Shipley, phone (610) 525-4300.