Though the inspiration propelling two artists' work is quite different, the people behind them have something in common.

They are former Penn State classmates and they are both moving their work out of the studio to parade their pieces as part of this fall's Hub-Robeson galleries.

Anna Handy's, Class of 2007, exhibit begins today, and Maria Martinez's (senior-drawing and painting) opened Friday.

Handy's nine-piece painting exhibit is on display on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center and is titled Ambrosium, which was inspired by the word ambrosia, or "food of the gods." She said her art depicts human response, features warm tones and depicts close-ups of people with honey dripping on them.

She said her work is inspired by saints and their experiences with a higher power. She said the honey is a reflection of the conflict of their inner feelings.

"I wanted to show the experience of ecstasy and how it is both pleasurable and painful," Handy said.

Handy also said her paintings carry a feeling of sensuality and are cropped closely to enhance what she wanted people to see in her work.

Handy said that although her art depicts a certain subject, it is free for personal interpretation or even solely for personal enjoyment of the paintings' aesthetic qualities.

The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 7 before moving to the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on Oct. 9. Martinez's exhibit, currently on display at Pasquerilla, will be available for viewing until Sept. 23.

Martinez, a former studio mate of Handy's, said her art is geometrical in nature and reflects personal feelings.

"[My art] shows my inner thoughts and coping with stress and emotions," she said.
She also said her 25-piece art exhibit was repetitive with reoccurring themes of certain lines, shapes and colors. She hopes her art will inspire other artists, especially those in the beginning stages.