Iona College's Council of the Arts to Present Exhibition of Internationally Acclaimed Pencil Artist Dalton Ghetti

New Rochelle, NY (August  2010) - A pencil is just for writing, unless it's in the hands of the internationally acclaimed artist, Dalton Ghetti, who has been carving miniature sculptures from the graphite in pencils for more than 25 years. The public will have the rare chance to view some of these unique creations at the exhibition, "The Micro-Sculpture of Dalton Ghetti", from Tuesday, September 7 until Thursday, October 7 at the Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle. It is being presented by Iona's Council of the Arts. Admission is free.

Among the amazing pieces on display will be a sculpture of Elvis Presley carved from a single pencil including the King of Rock's signature shades; a hammer; key; heart locket; saw; button; boot; chair; mailbox and screw.

The 49-year-old Ghetti, who immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil to become a carpenter, uses only a razor blade, sewing needle and sculpting knife to chisel very detailed creations from number 2 pencils, arguably the cheapest medium in use by a sculptor. He can spend several months meticulously and carefully turning his vision into reality on the tip of pencil.

Gallery director Madalyn Barbero Jordan said: "Ghetti is unquestionably one of the most original sculptors working today. His body of work comprises miniature masterpieces that will simply amaze."

An opening reception will be held at the gallery from 1-3 PM, Sunday, September 12 and a closing reception at noon, Thursday, October 7. The gallery is open from noon to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday and 6:30 to 8:00 PM, Thursday and from 2-5 pm, Sunday. It is closed Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. For more information, call (914) 637-7796 or visit www.iona.edu/artscouncil.

The Iona College Council on the Arts is dedicated to sponsoring artistic and cultural programs for the enrichment of the Iona College community, particularly the student body. Consisting of Iona  faculty, administrators, students, and alumni, the Council on the Arts seeks to expand and deepen the cultural life of our student body.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu