Exploring the life and work of contemporary Pennsylvania sculptor, Marshall D. Rumbaugh (1948-2023), Carved from Our Roots features artistic works in wood and stone inspired by the folk art traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The exhibition opened June 29 and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the gallery at the DeLight E. Breidegam Building, Headquarters of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University.
Blending his love of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art with his formal training in modern and traditional sculpture, Rumbaugh carved a diverse range of figural, geometric and functional works of art that explored his roots as a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Marshall is best known for his polychromed figural sculptures celebrating diverse American heroes and visionaries whose humanity influenced the soul of the nation. Two sculptures depicting Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks and Quaker Abolitionist Benjamin Lay are part of the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution; and his works have been celebrated internationally in institutional and private collections.
Marshall studied under American sculptor Hope Cumming Horn (1920-2001) of Scranton, as well as master carver of altarpieces and nativities Herbert Schneider (1929-2023) of Oberamergau, Germany. Through his iconic portrayals, dynamic composition and devoted attention to detail, Marshall’s works embody his sacred and contemporary influences, depicting the folk-cultural stories of American communities with reverence and humanity.
Admission to the exhibition is free to the public. Visitors can explore the exhibition during regular gallery hours 10 a.m. to noon, and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the DeLight E. Breidegam Building, 15155 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA, 19530. The exhibition will be open to visitors during the Kutztown Folk Festival June 29 to July 7. For more information, visit https://www.pagerman.org/, follow PGCHC on Facebook, call 610-683-1589 or email heritage@kutztown.edu.
