Austin Burke’s art to be featured at The Gathering Place

CLARKS SUMMIT — This month at the Gathering Place, area residents will have the pleasure of viewing the artwork of Austin Burke, who brings to life the unique architecture, churches, landscapes and celebrations which are the legacy to generations of people who lived and worked in the area.

The exhibit which kicks off on Nov. 11, is entitled “Familiar Places.”

Austin, who describes himself as “a product of the region and hard-working immigrant ancestors,” is working to record the history and accomplishments of immigrants who made their homes in the Scranton area and beyond.

Burke was always interested in art, so when he retired as head of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, he knew he wanted to use his time painting and learning about art.

“When I was president at the Chamber, I actually sponsored the development of some art,” he said. “I wanted to depict the Scranton community.”

Even before his retirement, Burke began becoming increasingly aware of the beauty of the buildings that surrounded him and wanted to help other people appreciate them.

So, he began painting them.

“I started essentially recording the iconic buildings and events in Scranton,” he said. “The Courthouse, City Hall, the Scranton Cultural Center.”

Burke also memorializes events and activities, including the Steamtown marathon and the area’s various parades and celebrations, including the annual St. Ubaldo Running of the Saints in Jessup.

‘Impressive images’

Burke looks back at a ski trip to Vermont during which he came upon a small town with its tiny main street filled with shops that made artwork depicting the local area available to the public.

He knew that although Vermont had great mountains and ski areas, Lackawanna County had equally impressive images.

“Scranton and Lackawanna County enjoy unique architecture, inspiring churches, inviting landscapes and joyful ethnic celebrations which are legacies of generations of immigrants who brought their special talents, beliefs and creative energies here,” he said.

Burke remembers painting clouds with water paints on a family vacation in Florida, having fun with images and color.

“Then I got serious about it and started taking some classes,” he said.

As President of the Scranton Chamber, it was necessary for him to be very serious, focusing on helping local businesses prosper.

Early in his career, he studied engineering with its hard line and precise measurement.

Now, in retirement, he is focused on creating and inspiring — still bringing information about the area to others, but in a different way.

He is always learning, and has taken about a dozen courses at Keystone College.

Gathering Place

Burke is happy to be able to bring his artwork to Clarks Summit, making it available to local residents.

“I have great respect for the Gathering Place, a most appropriate name.

It strengthens our community by bringing us together through art and education,” he said. “I’m honored and looking forward to being part of the discussions that ‘Familiar Places’ will generate at this show.”