The Palmer Museum of Art possesses a sizeable collection of baroque art, all due to benefactors Morton B. and Mary Jane Harris.

As baroque art is a critical component in the history and influence of art, Penn Staters have easy access to such a collection, which is located in the second gallery on the first floor of the museum.

On Sunday, the Palmer Museum of Art will be honoring the Harrises with a recital of classical Italian arias and songs followed by a reception to celebrate the naming of the museum's baroque art gallery.

"We're honoring a couple, husband and wife, a team, by renaming the museum's baroque gallery," museum director Jan Muhlert said.

Although Morton Harris passed away in 1995, Mary Jane Harris resides in New York City and will be present at Sunday's reception.

"They gave us a number of baroque paintings and drawings," Muhlert said. "The reception will celebrate current art and promised art, as well."

Baroque art is a fundamental component of the history of art and was developed in Europe during the early 17th to mid-18th century.

It stylistically emphasizes a dramatic and often strained effect that gives off an overall balance of disparate parts.

One can easily recognize its bold, curving forms and elaborate ornamentation.

Palmer membership and public relations coordinator Robyn Seymour said Penn State is fortunate to have such an extensive collection of these paintings.

"Some museums in Pennsylvania only have a few of baroque paintings," Seymour said. "It's rare for a museum of our size and location to have paintings like these."

Muhlert said Mary Jane Harris, a Penn State alumna, was a member of the Museum Administrative Board for more than 10 years.

Although the gallery was renamed The Morton B. and Mary Jane Harris Gallery a few months ago, the celebration was postponed due to Mary Jane Harris' health.

"She had an accident and was ill, but is recuperating magnificently," Muhlert said.

Seymour said she is excited to honor the Harrises because of how much they've contributed to the museum.

The recital and reception is free and open to both museum members and the general public.

"There are a lot of people in the community that know [Mary Jane Harris] and will be there," Seymour said. Joyce Robinson, museum curator, planned the recital, which will precede the naming reception.

"The program starts off with a vocal recital of Italian baroque music," Robinson said.

The program features vocalist Norman Spivey, a music professor.

Harpsichordist Amanda Maple, who is also the Pattee Library Arts and Humanities head will be accompanying Spivey.

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and is located at the Palmer Museum.