Pauly Friedman Art Gallery
Upcoming Exhibition
The Mark: Graphic Design and Consumer Culture Since 1800
April 1 - May 11, 2024
Through a close look at historical prints and objects, this exhibit traces the evolution of graphic design, telling a story of how trademarks became meaningful symbols of trust and reputation in American consumer culture. In advertisements, package designs, and creative logos, advertising professionals learned to use eye-catching visuals and salient cultural references to speak to the public through print media. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, they refined these strategies, helping to create America’s modern consumer society. This exhibit coincides with the publication of Jennifer Black’s book, Branding Trust: Advertising & Trademarks in Nineteenth-Century America (University of Pennsylvania Press, Dec. 2023)
Join us for a reception and exhibition tour as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery on Thursday April 4, 5:30pm. Live piano music by Dean Mastrangelo.
In the early nineteenth century, the American commercial marketplace was a chaotic, unregulated environment in which knock-offs and outright frauds thrived. Appearances could be deceiving, and entrepreneurs often relied on their personal reputations to close deals and make sales. Rapid industrialization and expanding trade routes opened new markets with enormous potential, but how could distant merchants convince potential customers, whom they had never met, that they could be trusted? Through wide-ranging visual and textual evidence, including a robust selection of early advertisements, Branding Trust tells the story of how advertising evolved to meet these challenges, tracing the themes of character and class as they intertwined with and influenced graphic design, trademark law, and ideas about ethical business practice in the United States. Author and Misericordia History Professor Jennifer M. Black will give a book talk and signing. Light refreshments served. Free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase.
For more information on any of our exhibitions or programs please contact Gallery Director Lalaine Little, llittle@misericordia.edu, or call (570) 674-6250.
Plan your visit
Spring 2024 hours: April 1 to May 11, 2024
Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
noon-5pm |
noon-5pm |
10am-7pm |
noon-7pm |
noon-7pm |
noon-5pm |
noon-5pm |
Other times are available by appointment.
Closed for reinstallation March 11 to March 31.
In case of inclement weather, calling in advance of your visit is appreciated. Please leave a message at (570) 674-6250 or email ArtGallery@misericordia.edu to request a free private appointment or tour. All ages welcome.
The gallery is closed during university closings and holidays. Admission is always free to all. To schedule a free tour or private appointment, or for more information, please contact the Gallery Director Lalaine Little, PhD, at (570) 674-8420 or email llittle@misericordia.edu.
Off-campus visitors are encouraged to call or email in advance of visit. Please follow us on Instagram (MisericordiArt) or Facebook (PaulyFriedmanArtGallery) for updates, exhibition images, and fun facts!
To schedule a free tour or private appointment, or for more information, please contact Dr. Lalaine Little, by telephone (570) 674-6250 or email llittle@misericordia.edu, or request a specific time here:
Accessibility
- Page magnifiers are available at the gallery entrance.
Health Guidelines
- Social distancing of at least 6 ft. between other visitors should be followed.
- Hand sanitizer, masks, and disinfectant wipes are available at the gallery attendant desk.
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Directions and Location
The galleries are located on the second floor of the Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.