David Bruce, MFA

David Bruce is an artist and rock climber living in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania whose work explores the human condition via landscape-subject-object relationships; expressed through a playful but carefully considered manipulation of materials, images and forms. Products of a practice, situated somewhere between field and studio, that lend themselves to an expansive study of landscape historically as subject of the arts, and as fundamental to the human condition, cognition and expression. His work has been exhibited as installation, sculpture, ceramic object and photographic print nationally and regionally.

“My art work and my process exist somewhere between the brut physical and the immaterial. The outputs of a consistent drive to explore the landscape around me and the socially constructed ideas that surround it. The works themselves exist in connection with one another but they are spread out distributed within the space and time I co-inhabit with others; between existing permanently as artifacts or impermanently as an expression of the art apparatus itself. Together they present a bridge between my life as a climber and artist, through constructed daydreams of other places, objects and experiences. Appearing to me as land and mark; navigable, spatial, and conceptual but only really existing in the folds between sensation, cognition and material reality.”

- David Bruce (2026)

EXAMPLE | CURRENT PROJECT | ERRATICS

RESUME | CV

2009 – 2011 || Temple University | Master of Fine Art: Ceramics & Glass
2005 – 2008 || Virginia Commonwealth University | Post-baccalaureate Studies: School of the Arts: Sculpture, Craft and Material Studies
1998 – 2002 || East Carolina University | Bachelor of Science: Urban & Regional Planning, Minor: Biology / Ecology
1995 – 1996 || Clemson University | Summer Seminars | Architectural design and modeling
2026 - Present || Gallery Associate
- Peter’s Valley Center of Craft | Layton, NJ
2021 – Present || Owner / Independent Guide & Instructor
- Mantle Climbing llc., Delaware Water Gap, PA
2009 - Present || Artist / Owner
- David Bruce Studios llc | Philadelphia PA - Delaware Water Gap, PA
2014 - 2021 || Climbing School Director / Head Guide
- Philadelphia Rock Gyms, Philadelphia, PA
2011 - 2014 || Independently Contracted Exhibition Preparator
- Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Haverford College, The Print Center: Philadelphia, PA +
2009 – 2011 || Gallery Manager | Tyler Galleries / Exhibitions and Public Programming
- Temple University: Philadelphia, PA
2009 || Resident Coordinator
- Cub Creek Foundation: Appomattox, VA
2007 – 2008 || Director of Exhibitions
- Plant Zero Project & Event Space Galleries: Richmond, VA
2004 – 2009 || Artist & Freelance Graphic Designer
- David Bruce Studios: Asheville, NC – Richmond, VA
2000 – 2002 || Trip Leader/Facilities Supervisor
- ECU Recreational Services Adventure Programs; Greenville, NC
2000 || Engineering Assistant/Draftsman
- Carolina Benchmark; Greenville, NC
1996 – 1997 || Engineering Assistant/Draftsman
- B & B Consultants; South Hill, VA
2025 - 2025 || Instructor of Art+Media+Design
- East Stroudsburg University / School of Art+Media+Design / East Stroudsburg, PA
2014 - 2016 || Adjunct Professor: 3D Studio
- Temple University / Tyler School of Art / Department of Foundations: Philadelphia, PA
2011 - 2014 || Adjunct Professor: Sculpture, Ceramics & Art History
- Cumberland County Community College: Millville, NJ
2009 - 2009 || Teaching Assistant: Glass Blowing
- Temple University / Tyler School of Art: Philadelphia, PA
2006 - 2006 || Teaching Assistant: Glass Casting & Ceramics
- Virginia Commonwealth University: Richmond, VA
2026 || Sally D Francisco Gallery | Making Matters: Peter’s Valley School of Craft. Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, Layton, NJ.
2024 || Larson Gallery | 42 Annual National Photography Exhibition: Yakima, WA
2018 || West Windsor Art Gallery | Steam Series, [sin ‘Thedik] Landscape: Princeton, NJ
2011 || Cumberland County Clay College | Dirty Work: Millville, NJ
2011 || Temple Gallery | Philadelphia, PA.
2010 || Little Berlin | Zodiac Down: Philadelphia, PA
2010 || Stella Elkins Gallery | Divergence: Philadelphia, PA
2009 || J Fergeson Gallery | Oi; Farmville, VA
2009 || Cross Mackenzie Gallery | The Cup Show: Washington, DC
2008 || Mayer Fine Art Gallery | The Smallest Footprint: Norfolk, VA
2008 || Plant Zero: Event Space Gallery | Emergence: Richmond, VA
2007 || Plant Zero: Project Space Gallery | i: aka. Exposition of Self: Richmond VA
2006 ||Richmond Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition | Richmond Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition: Richmond, VA
2026 || Yvonne Shortt + RPGA | NYSCA, Artist/Project Micrgrant
2009 || Temple University, Graduate Fellowship
2008 || Cub Creek Foundation, Resident Artist
2007 || Virginia Alliance of Local Arts Agencies, Public Art Certification
2005 || City of Asheville North Carolina Parks and Recreation, Volunteer of the Year Award
2004 || Newport News Public Schools Summer Institute for the Arts, Resident Artist
2011 || Ursinus College, Department of Art and Art History
- Presenting Artist: Advanced Sculpture: Intersections of Art, Technology & Landscape
2011 || Temple University, Tyler Gallery
- Panelist: Beyond the Surface: A Conversation Between Art & Architecture
2010 || Temple University, Department of Film and Media Arts
- Presenting Artist: Intersections of Art, Technology & Landscape
2008 || VCU Solvent Space, Sponge Space
- Presenting Artist: Art, Research and Studio Practice
2007 Virginia Commonwealth University Lecturing Artist: Spatial Research
25+ Years Summary of Experience
- 10+ Guiding, instructing, and coaching competitive and non-competitive climbers in key areas throughout the Mid Atlantic East including but not limited to PA, WV, KY, and NC
- 23+ Years on-siting sport routes graded up to 5.12a and traditional routes graded up to 5.11c
2009 - Present || Eastern Pennsylvania
- 5+ Years Director and Head guide; guiding, instructing, and coaching competitive and non-competitive climbers from the Philadelphia region in key areas.
2007 - Present || New River Gorge, West Virginia
- 5+ Years guiding, instructing, and coaching competitive and non-competitive climbers from the Philadelphia region in key areas including but not limited to, NRG crags, Summersville Lake, Upper and Lower Meadow
2014 - Present || Red River Gorge, Kentucky
- 5+ Years guiding, instructing, and coaching competitive and non-competitive climbers from the Philadelphia region in key areas including PMRP, Miller Fork, and other locations
2014 - Present || The Gunks, New York
- 5+ Years climbing primarily in an Onsite Traditional Style in key areas including the Trapps, Near Trapps, and other locations
1998 - 2004 || Western North Carolina
- 5+ Years Climbing and 3 years guiding, instructing, and coaching competitive and non-competitive climbers from the Greenville region in key areas including but not limited to; Moore’s Wall, Stone Mountain, Pilot Mountain, Looking Glass, Rumbling Bald, Linville Gorge, Boone Area
Materials Advanced use of multiple materials in art production and fabrication
Ceramics, Glass, Wood, Metals, Polys +++
Tools Hardware and Software for multiple processes and applications.
Construction & Fabrication, Design & Planning, 3D Design & Fabrication, Audio/Visual Imaging & Editing, +++
Techniques Traditional and Contemporary techniques for production of artworks
Diverse background in traditional PDS+C techniques including Mold Making & Casting for multiple materials.
Logistics 15+ Years Exhibition Experience in highly professional settings
Research, Planning, Documentation, Installation, Accessioning, Registration +++

Independent Artist | Hire

Operating professionally as an artist and climbing guide, I also maintain a commitment to assisting local art institutions; facilitating the exhibition of artwork throughout the region with over twenty five years of experience handling and installing art for some of Pennsylvania’s most reputable museums and galleries including ICA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and The Fabric Workshop and Museum

I offer 20+ years of experience working with art; fabricating, handling and installing major works and exhibitions for some of the regions most respected art institutions.
I am happy to share my experience through service to local galleries, businesses and institutions that need assistance with the exhibition or fabrication of art.
I am open to assisting with the exhibition or fabrication of art. Generally services include but are not limited to the following.
- Layout and design consultation
- Accession and deaccessioning procedures
- Art handling, crating and shipping
- Installation and Deinstallation
- Custom architectural, prop and mounting fabrication
I enjoy working on projects that involve a bit more nuance in their design and construction. If you have art works that require specific modifications or additions to the existing architecture of your home or business I would be interested in working with you to achieve your vision. This typically includes but is not limited to the following.
- Large format art hanging.
- Architectural modifications and additions for works requiring specialized hanging or display.
- Load bearing additions; anchors and rigging for larger works.
- Custom mounting hardware fabrication and installation.
Every project begins with an idea and a vision. I approach each with an open mind and a listening ear. Ultimately I am here to help you achieve the proper space, atmosphere and experience of the work you are showing.
So it begins with a phone call and an assessment of whether or not I am capable of assisting you at that point in time. From there we discuss your goals and begin to define the scope of my service and how we move forward with your project. I offer complimentary consultation to all new clients.

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