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Fourth Annual ‘Show of Shows’ Art Exhibition Opens October 5
Artists may submit their works by September 29; Opening reception takes place Friday, October 9 in the Fickes Art Gallery on the Upper Bucks Campus Bucks County Community College is pleased to announce the fourth annual “Show of Shows” exhibition at the Fickes Art Gallery in the North Building of the Upper Bucks Campus from October 5 – November 20.
Open to all members of the community, the exhibition invites artists to showcase their creativity by submitting their work for consideration by Tuesday, September 29. Each artist can enter up to three pieces of art for a nominal $20 fee. Artists of all levels are encouraged to participate.
An opening reception will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, October 9. Attendees will enjoy light fare, beverages, and entertainment. Awards will be presented to the top three selected pieces chosen by Jane Ramsey, artist and owner of Simons Fine Art Framing and Gallery in Dublin.
As a testament to its commitment to education and community engagement, the Upper Bucks Campus will designate 25% of the proceeds from the sale of each artwork to the Bucks County Community College Foundation in support of student scholarships.
Kevin Murray, Upper Bucks Campus Director, expressed excitement about the upcoming show.
“This is an opportunity for local artists to show their best works and for the community to appreciate art and creativity in various mediums," Murray said. "We look forward to welcoming both artists and visitors to our gallery to experience the richness and diversity of artistic expression in our region."
Bucks County Community College’s Upper Bucks Campus is located at One Hillendale Rd., Perkasie, Pa., where there is ample free parking.
The Fickes Art Gallery continues to be a dynamic cultural space that fosters artistic growth, community connections, and inspiration for years to come. For further information about the "Show of Shows" exhibition, submission guidelines, and event details, please visit The Fickes Art Gallery website or contact Kevin Murray at kevin.murray@bucks.edu or 215-258-7752.
Bucks Live! Presents 'The Great American Songbook Piano Sessions'
Bucks Live! invites you to step into an evening of timeless music and unforgettable artistry with “The Great American Songbook Piano Sessions” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Bucks County Community College.
The intimate contemporary concert experience honoring America’s 250th anniversary takes place in the Zlock Performing Arts Center on the Newtown Campus. This special event features four of Bucks County’s premier piano players delivering a monumental celebration of our nation's musical heritage.
“Each artist brings their own distinctive style and interpretation to a 30-minute set of specially curated songs drawn from the rich legacy of the Great American Songbook, creating the cozy ambiance of a private, late-night performance shared among friends,’ said Peter Chiovarou, director of community programming and college events. “Every performance is backed by an exceptional, world-class rhythm section that promises elegance, spontaneity, and inspired musical conversation all evening long.”
The featured pianists are Charlie Ernst, Steve Kramer, Eric Mintel, and Tom Lawton. The all-star rhythm section consists of Lou Volpe on guitar, Motoki Mihara on bass, and Mark Pultorak on drums.
Tickets for “The Great American Songbook Piano Sessions” are only $30 and free for BCCC students with a current student ID.
The performance takes place in the Zlock Performing Arts Center on the Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., where there is ample free parking. The Zlock lobby bar opens at 6 p.m., offering a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks (cash only). Learn more and purchase tickets online.
“The Great American Songbook Piano Sessions” is part of the Bucks Live! series of innovative programs that entertain, inspire, and enrich Bucks County’s cultural landscape. For a full schedule of Bucks Live! performances, visit the Zlock Performing Arts Center.
Bucks County Community College Earns PA CARES Designation
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has recognized the College’s mental health support and suicide prevention plans Bucks County Community College is proud to announce that it has received the PA CARES designation for the 2026-27 academic year from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for its efforts to implement plans to support students’ mental health and to prevent suicide.
PA CARES stands for Connect, Access, Respond, Encourage, Support. The designation recognizes Bucks as a leader in implementing the state’s Act 110 mental health and suicide prevention plan.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that there are 1,100 suicide deaths annually among college students nationwide. Researchers at Prevent Suicide PA estimate that suicide is the second-leading cause of death on American college campuses.
“It is critical that institutions of higher learning proactively identify and implement policies, practices, and strategies for addressing mental health issues and preventing student suicide,” said Lynette Kuhn, Ed.D., deputy secretary and commissioner for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
"We recognize that student mental health plays a vital role in academic progress and personal wellbeing," said Samuel Coleman IV, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs. "Bucks County Community College provides resources to support our campus community through a variety of challenges."
The College’s Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan includes warning signs and risk factors of suicide, how to access counseling services at Bucks, local and national resources for suicide prevention, and much more. The plan can be accessed by visiting the colleges prevention plan web page.
Visitors Step Back in Time at ‘Seeing Stella’ Art Exhibition
Bucks County Community College celebrated the opening of “Seeing Stella: An Installation by Jen Blazina” on September 9 on the Newtown Campus. The stunning solo exhibition features an immersive tableau of glass, bronze, and plaster sculptures by Philadelphia-based artist Jen Blazina. The works examine the life, taste, and legacy of Stella Elkins Tyler (1884 - 1963), on whose historic estate the Newtown Campus was built. Carol Tyler, widow of Stella Tyler’s grandson George F. Tyler III, and her daughter Amy Shea joined members of the College and the community for the event. The exhibition is on display through October 17 at the Hicks Art Center Gallery.
Bucks County Community College President & CEO Patrick M. Jones, Ph.D. (left) welcomed (left-right) Carol Tyler, Jen Blazina, and Amy Shea to “Seeing Stella: An Installation by Jen Blazina” to the Hicks Art Center Gallery Wednesday, September 9. The exhibition, which pays homage to the style and legacy of Stella Elkins Tyler, runs through October 17. Carol Tyler is the widow of Stella’s grandson George F. Tyler III; Shea is Carol’s daughter and Stella’s great-granddaughter.
“Poof,” a cast glass sculpture of two perfume bottles, is part of the immersive tableau of glass, bronze, and plaster sculptures on display in “Seeing Stella: An Installation by Jen Blazina” that runs through October 17 at Bucks County Community College’s Hicks Art Center Gallery.
Carol Tyler (second from right), the widow of Stella Elkins Tyler’s grandson George F. Tyler III, chats with Philadelphia-based sculptor Jen Blazina (right) at the September 9 opening reception for “Seeing Stella: An Installation by Jen Blazina.” Blazina was inspired by the décor and personal collections that are on display in the College’s historic Tyler Hall to create an immersive tableau that examines Stella Tyler’s life and legacy.
Bucks County Community College President & CEO Patrick M. Jones, Ph.D., discusses the life, art, and legacy of Stella Elkins Tyler with Carol Tyler, widow of Tyler’s grandson George F. Tyler III in the College’s Hicks Art Center Gallery. Stella, a patron of the arts, became a prolific sculptor herself in her forties. The exhibition “Seeing Stella: An Installation by Jen Blazina” runs through October 17 on the College’s Newtown Campus.
Photos by Eric Parker, Bucks County Community College
Learn About Compassion for Animals and the Environment
Bucks County Community College invites the public to the annual Compassion for Animals and Environment (CAE) conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 26, at the Newtown Campus.
Sponsored by the College’s School of Business and Legal Studies, the CAE is the only conference whose goals are to respect animals' emotions and intelligence; increase reliance on plant-based foods; be kind to Earth, its inhabitants, and ourselves; and strengthen the human-animal bond.
The conference features speakers who are prominent leaders in animal welfare, rescue, science, law, and social justice. In addition, workshops invite participants to examine their personal relationship with animals and encourage participants to be open to adopting plant-based eating in small ways.
The program includes:
Nadia Steinzor, Project Coyote – “Be Kind to Earth, Her Inhabitants, and Ourselves”
Carolyn Shultz and Tiana Thomas, Tabby’s Place – “Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond”
Delaware Riverkeeper Network – “Respect Animals’ Emotions and Intelligence”
Lisa Payne, The Humane League – “Increase Our Reliance on Plant-Based Food”
Cheryl Baldi, Former Bucks County Poet Laurate and member of the Volta Writing Center, presenting an original poem
Attendees can also learn from a myriad of exhibitors who share the conference goals, including:
American Anti-Vivisection Society
Bucks County Community College Vet Tech Program
Bucks County Community College School of Business & Legal Studies
Delaware Riverkeeper Network
The Humane League
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary
NJ Veg
Pennsylvania Voters for Animals
Revolution Philadelphia
Rowdy Girl Sanctuary
Tabby’s Place
Volta Center for Writing Arts
...and many more
The $30 registration fee includes all speakers, workshops and exhibitors and a donation to an animal rescue organization, as well as a vegan breakfast bar, a vegan boxed lunch by V-Spot Restaurant of New Hope, and cookies from Fat Badger Bakery. The student registration fee is $20 and there are scholarships available.
Register online by September 19.
The conference takes place in the Gallagher Room, located in the Rollins Center building on the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940. Parking is free. To learn more about the conference, and to inquire about student scholarships, contact Associate Professor Chris Little Simcox, Esq., at chris.simcox@bucks.edu.
Bucks County Community College Hosts Vaccine Clinics Sept. 15-17
Bucks County Community College (BCCC) has invited the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) to each of its campuses to offer vaccine clinics over three days in September. The seasonal clinics are fully open to all members of the local community looking to secure protection for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
Hosted in partnership with BCHIP and Giant Pharmacy, the clinics will offer shots to prevent the flu and Covid-19.
The clinics take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations.
Tuesday, September 15Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks, Room 1051304 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA 19007
Wednesday, September 16Upper Bucks Campus, Room 157One Hillendale Dr., Perkasie, PA 18944
Thursday, September 17Newtown Campus, Gateway Center275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940
Residents should bring a valid ID and their insurance, Medicare and pharmacy cards to verify coverage. Most health insurance covers seasonal immunizations completely. In alignment with BCHIP's mission to eliminate healthcare barriers, support options are available to help protect those who may be underinsured or uninsured. For more information, email info@bchip.org.
