The Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University hopes to awaken the inner railfan in everyone with “The Ties That Bind: Railroading in NEPA.” This art exhibition, held in partnership with the Back Mountain Railroad Club, will focus on the historical significance of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which stretched from Buffalo, New York, to New York City, New York, during its run from 1846 to 1976.

This exhibit features train-themed photography and artwork by regional artists, including Bloomsburg-based artist Oren B. Helbok. A model train layout of Dallas Borough and surrounding areas of the Back Mountain will be displayed from the late 1930s through the late 1940s. Also displayed are artifacts from Wilkes Barre’s historical trolley that used the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Other artists include Sue Hand, Bob McCormick, Dan Troy, and Eric Williams.

The Gallery will host MU’s Ticket To Ride Board Game Night on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Board Game Night is co-sponsored by Chick-fil-A Express at Misericordia University, operated by Metz Culinary Management. This event will feature different versions of the beloved classic train-building board game, “Ticket to Ride.” Beginners welcome. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Preregister as a single player or a table of 4 players on the gallery website.

Beginning and experienced photographers are invited to spend an afternoon with Oren Helbok, the Chasing the Train Cellphone Workshop on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oren will share the stories of how he captures the trains in his photography while participants hone their own composition and timing skills with our in-gallery model railroad.  Recommended for ages 12 and up. Preregistration is required, but space is limited.

The public is invited to meet Oren and other artists at a free reception on Thursday, July 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The University Welcome will be given by Joe Curran, Ph.D., professor and chair of Religious Studies; director of the Medical and Health Humanities program; Associate Director, Honors Program, and Train Enthusiast. Dean Mastrangelo will perform live piano music.

Gallery Summer Hours are Wednesday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other times and free Director-led tours are available by appointment. The gallery is closed during university closings and holidays. Admission is always free to all. Please call or check the gallery website, www.misericordia.edu/art, to confirm your visit. For a free tour, private appointment, or more information, please contact the Gallery director Lalaine Little, Ph.D., at (570) 674-8420 or email llittle@misericordia.edu.