BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The line wrapped around the halls of Zoellner Arts Center.
The DJs kept the beat steady, and the trendy crowd shimmered in — bold prints, sparkly dresses and wide-brimmed hats.
For a moment, it felt more like a lit college party than an art exhibition.
"What an extraordinary moment this is for us to gather and celebrate all that your creativity provides.”Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble
Outside, food trucks lined the street as families spilled out, turning the evening into a block-party vibe.
Yes, there were 100 reasons to celebrate Lehigh University Art Galleries’ centennial, which held its "Light Up LUAG!" kick-off event on Friday.
The birthday bash coincides with the "Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists" exhibition, which runs through May 22 and highlights the works of local creatives.
Inside, the gallery was buzzing — 100 artists and 100 works.
The party drew a crowd that rivaled lines at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble said earlier in the night.
“When I came here as a student many decades ago, I had no exposure to art museums,” Helble said.
"It was the presence of art everywhere on campus — the sculptures, the paintings — that opened my eyes to different ways of seeing and understanding the world.
"What an extraordinary moment this is for us to gather and celebrate all that your creativity provides.”
'Tom Sawyer' existence
The exhibition draws together artists from across the Lehigh Valley, spanning different mediums, generations and cultural backgrounds.
Among the featured artists: Francisco Aguilar, Theo Anderson, Katie Arnold, Berrisford Boothe, Michael Brolly, Angela Fraleigh, Lucy Gans, Arta Birto, and Nestor Gil.
"It’s an honor to be in an exhibition this prestigious.”Artist Douglas Wiltraut
Also, Winifred Helton Harmon, Femi J. Johnson, Lydia Panas, Jill Odegaard, Michiko Okaya, Doug Roysdon, Charles Stonewall, Anthony Viscardi, Rhonda Wall, and Peter Ydeen.
Many of the artists were at the opening, including award-winning painter Douglas Wiltraut, a Kutztown University alum, who pointed to his 2009 portrait, "Old Salt."
Wiltraut has won awards for his work with egg tempera and drybrush watercolor.
"It’s an honor to be in an exhibition this prestigious,” he said.
“I grew up just 10 miles from here along the Lehigh River. Back then, it was kind of like a Tom Sawyer existence, so it's extremely meaningful to be included."
'More important than ever'
Local leaders, including state Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, echoed Wiltraut's sentiments.
Others spoke about the eclectic paintings adorning the walls, joining wide-ranging installations and sculptures.
“Throughout human history, the way a community treats its artists is a reflection of that community,” Collins said. “Right now, it’s more important than ever that we have spaces like this.”Bethlehem Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins
Bethlehem Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins said "Here and Now" reflects the diversity in the Lehigh Valley.
“Throughout human history, the way a community treats its artists is a reflection of that community,” Collins said. “Right now, it’s more important than ever that we have spaces like this.”
The exhibition was juried by guest artist Curlee Raven Holton, a Lafayette College professor emeritus and owner of Raven Fine Art Editions, a private printmaking studio in Easton.
"Here and Now" was born out of an open call this year that drew more than 800 submissions from artists residing within 40 miles of the region.
'Can't think of a better way'
As the Nite Liters spun a mix of funky and hip vinyl tunes, art fans, students and locals mingled over free bites and drinks, caricature portraits and arts activities.
Before leaving, some of them picked up some free LUAG swag.
"I was talking with some of the artists in the exhibition earlier, and saying really what an honor it is for us to get to see their art," LUAG Director William Crow said.
"To go into the galleries and see such a spectrum of creativity, of perspectives, of ideas and approaches to making art, and I just can't think of a better way to celebrate such a big birthday."
Admission to LUAG is free.
As part of the exhibition, LUAG has partnered with the SouthSide Arts District to bring the exhibition outdoors along South Bethlehem Greenway.
Sixteen artists are featured on billboard-style reproductions that stretch for two miles from South New Street to the skate park.
Each includes a QR code that links to short video interviews conducted by Lehigh University students, offering passersby a glimpse into the artists’ creative practices.
For more information, including a full list of participating artists, visit LUAG's website.
