Arts and Culture Thrive at The Village at Penn State

From painting and wood carving to poetry and the written word, The Village at Penn State is home to a vibrant arts scene. Whether residents are chiseling and sanding in The Village’s woodshop, honing their pastel and watercolor skills in a class, or simply enjoying the talents of their peers, the arts provide opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and social connections to flourish.

Artistic expression is at the heart of life.

At The Village, artistic expression is woven into daily life. Residents enjoy classes led by visiting instructors, a well-equipped workshop offers artisans tools to create elegant carvings, and the poetry group offers a space for literary minds to discuss poetry and share their work. Rotating exhibits curated by Patricia House, former Executive Director at the Bellefonte Art Museum and Village resident, display works of art for everyone to enjoy.

The craft of wood carving

Bob Carline’s wood carvings have been featured in the display case. His craft started as a hobby while he made his living as a fish biologist, but took off after he attended a course in carving hardwoods such as black walnut, cherry, and sycamore in the 90’s. His carvings take dozens of hours to complete—from cutting the initial shape with a bandsaw to refining the piece with a series of chisels and files to sanding it smooth and applying the finish.

“You certainly can’t rush it,” he says with a laugh.

Bob has a deep appreciation for the benefits of creativity. “We have several people do either pastels or watercolors. It’s really been good therapy for all of us, whatever the art form is,” he says.

A shared love of poetry

Geoffrey Godbey has been writing poetry since he was 18, and his work has been published by numerous magazines, including The Nation. He was also a featured poet at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. He’s found a new literary home with other poetry lovers at The Village.

“I’m happy that I can continue the work that is important to me and to witness the gifts of others,” he says.

Geoffrey attends the 15-member poetry group led by Anne Riley, a retired teacher and authority on poet Theodore Roethke. “She’s a remarkable person,” he says. “She draws people in. There’s no snobbishness—everybody participates.”

Goeffrey, the author of several poetry books, including Lean Toward the Light, Past That, Still There, and Finding Home, is grateful to be part of the literary scene at The Village. “There’s a lot of talent here,” he says. “And the people in the poetry group have advanced tastes.”

A community enriched by the arts.

At The Village at Penn State, art isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. By fostering creativity and participation, the arts inspire, enrich, and connect residents, transforming artistic expression into a shared experience that strengthens and nourishes the community.