Artists & Life Long Friends
On October 4th, the Patricia M. Nugent Gallery at Rosemont College welcomed two distinguished alumnae artists and lifelong friends, Sarah Barr and Pam McLean-Parker. Sarah & Pam both graduated in 1990. Their participation in the Alumni Reunion Exhibition drew attention from fellow alumni, faculty, and visitors.
Sarah Barr presented a retrospective of her work from the two person exhibits she and Pam McLean-Parker have had in the Nugent Gallery spanning over three decades. The two gum bichromate prints, Through a Glass Darkly (Diner Series III) and Tied to the Tracks are from their senior BFA exhibit, Beyond Boundaries, in 1990.
The two mixed media pieces from their 2001 exhibit, Of Saint and Souls, include Saint Christopher (Michael) and Saint Veronica (Pam). While speaking with gallery visitors, Sarah gestured toward the piece and shared, āPam was the model for this artwork.ā Barrās series, Saints and Mortals, was an interactive project between the artist and her models who were asked to choose a saint to portray by considering: āFor what, or for whom, do you sacrifice?ā This piece depicts Pam as Saint Veronica, the patron saint of photographers, who offered comfort and wiped the face of Jesus on the road to Calvary. It is set in Valley Forge Park.
The last two pieces, a large pencil drawing, Chicken Wire Cradle, and an acrylic painting, Farewell my Friend, were exhibited in their 2024 show, Stay Awhile Among the Trees.
Class of 1990 alumnae artists Sarah Barr and Pam McLean-Parker
Admiring the Artwork
The depth of their friendship was evident as the two artists stood together for a photograph in front of Sarahās collection. Their shared artistic history and mutual admiration created a powerful moment for those in attendance.
The celebration continued with a visit to Pam McLean-Parkerās artwork, which was also prominently displayed. Pam posed for a photo in front of her recent piece titled Passageway: Relics and Gifts (2025), a mixed media work incorporating silver leaf and photo transfers.
President Jim Cawley, in conversation with Art Department Director and gallery curator Michael Willse, remarked, āI really like this,ā while pointing to Pamās artwork. Michael responded with enthusiasm. āThere is a reason why you like it,ā he said. āThe piece outside your office was created by the same artist.ā
President Jim Cawley and Director Michael Willse
Artwork Made for the Presidentās Office
That earlier work, titled Rathalla, is a mixed media series Pam created in 2020 which was on view in Concerning the Spiritual in Art, Rosemont Collegeās 2021 Centennial Art Exhibition in the Nugent Gallery. It features photo transfers of intricate vignettes that capture the spirit of Rosemontās iconic Main Building, Rathalla. In Gaelic, Rathalla means āhome of the chieftain on the highest hillā. Although she was uncertain where the piece would be displayed, Pam expressed at the time that it belonged at Rosemont.
A poignant moment followed when Pam stood with President Cawley and former President Sharon Hirsh in front of the Rathalla series. The gathering reflected Pamās enduring connection to the college and highlighted the lasting impact of her work. Both presidents expressed their appreciation for the piece, which now welcomes all who visit the Office of the President.
