Funded in part by the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation and a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development, the exhibition showcased works by Jewish artists such as Richard Avedon and Helen Frankenthaler from their personal collection.

The exhibit is available now through July 5 at the Altoona location, 1210 11th Ave., Altoona.

Portrait photography by visual artist Nancy Baron, called “Into The Light: Survivors of the Holocaust,” was chosen to supplement the exhibition, which is available now through June 12.

The exhibition invites reflection on shared histories, cultural memory and the importance of preserving and understanding the experiences of the Jewish communities, SAMA Altoona site Director Jodi Peachey said.

Penn State Altoona associate professor John Eicher gives a presentation about the systematic looting of Jewish art and property by the Nazi regime during the Holocaust while guests listen. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

While pictures can say 1,000 words, she said that hosting a luncheon lecture in conjunction with the exhibition also incorporates that educational element.

“It’s an overlap of history and art, like the perfect merging of all of those things,” she said.

About 30 guests viewed the pieces while getting lunch before John Eicher, Penn State Altoona associate professor of modern European history, presented his lecture following the systematic looting of Jewish art and property by the Nazi regime during the Holocaust.

Eicher used photos, artwork and videos from the early 20th century to show the history of art surrounding the Holocaust and how art historians are now responsible for completing art restitution.

History buffs John and Renee Leszczynski were intrigued by Eicher’s presentation, as they learned more about Rose Valland, an art curator who risked her life to save looted art from the Nazis.

“She’s a national hero in France, but she’s really a hero to anybody who loves art and what is right,” John Leszczynski said. “She saved so much at the risk of her own life.”

The couple drove from Greensburg to SAMA Altoona’s lunch and lecture Thursday morning because they were intrigued by the program. They planned to look at the art exhibit after the lecture as well.

Renee Leszczynski said the educational sessions, in conjunction with the exhibition, can inspire further thought in attendees.

The exhibition and the lecture complement each other as well, Penn State associate professor of history Jared Frederick said after the lecture, as history and art are the stories of people.

“He (Eicher) offers the details behind the story, and the exhibit gives you the human face behind the same story,” he said.

Hosting a lunch and lecture session at SAMA Altoona gives people another reason to stop by and support the museum once again, he said.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.