Drawings line the art gallery walls at Saint Francis University’s Connors Family Fine Arts Center, inviting guests to look at artwork during the building’s unveiling in April 2024. Courtesy photo

Nestled among the Loretto pine trees, Saint Francis University’s Connors Family Fine Arts Center and Resinski Black Box Theatre will hopefully become a “cultural hub” not only for students, but for the community, according to April Beiswenger, associate professor of theater.

Creating a space where residents can experience art without needing to travel shows that art “is not beyond them,” she said, as the facility provides year-round community access.

The $7.5 million building was officially unveiled in April 2024, boasting a 15,000-square-foot space accommodating an art gallery and studio, music room and theater.

Students, alumni and community members can display their work as emerging artists during performances or gallery events.

Funds to build the facility began more than 10 years ago, as some alumni wanted to dedicate a theater space to the late Kenny Resinski, a previous department professor. A university record 525 individual donors contributed to the project.

During the building’s deliberation process years later, adjunct faculty member — and Kenny Resinski’s wife — Bonnie Resinski recalled someone listing “community involvement” as a guiding principle.

One priority was “service to the community” while contributing to student engagement and the space’s flexibility, she said.

As the gallery fits many paintings and the Black Box accommodates about 100 people, she said the building becomes an “opportunity to have another experience.”

The fine arts department has a “beautiful space,” said Jess Campbell, director of the fine arts center. “The fact that we’re brand new will entice people to check out the building.”

Upcoming events

The Resinski Black Box is hosting three events this February, inviting the general public to swing by and enjoy art expressions.

Presented by the America250PA Cambria County project, the “Cambria Quiz” local game show invites community members to fill the Black Box on Feb. 1 while a selected panel answers questions spanning three episodes that will air throughout 2026. Participants should arrive at 1:45, as it’s first-come, first-served.

Providing a space for the event, Campbell said, “It’s nice to collaborate with our neighbors and create a place for a unique event.”

On Feb. 13, SFU alumnus and English professor at Duquesne University, Matthew Ussia, will be reading poetry from his latest chapbook, “Saturday Night on Earth,” at 5 p.m., followed by a Q&A session and a reception.

While SFU is recognized athletically, Resinski said they are also building a reputation in the arts, as an alum’s work is being recognized in Pittsburgh.

Closing out the month, a showing of “The Librarians” — a documentary exploring censorship and book bans in America — and a talkback session is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 21.

The documentary features censorship in Texas, Florida and Louisiana, but it remains relevant in rural communities as well, Resinski said, to “stretch our learning outside of Pennsylvania.”

These events are a part of the department’s 2025-26 season, along with their spring musical performance of “The Addams Family” and a “Why I Served” storytelling workshop for area veterans in late April.

With an 11-month calendar, Resinski said the facility remains open even when students leave for summer break.

“We won’t be limited to an academic calendar,” she said, which further involves the community.

For more information, Campbell can be reached at 814-472-2827 or jcampbell@francis.edu.