Showing posts with label Sweetwater Art Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweetwater Art Center. Show all posts

Friday, April 18, 2008

Celebrate Sewickley at Sweetwater

“Celebrate Sewickley!” partners the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, the Sewickley Valley Historical Society and the Old Sewickley Post Office Corporation for and exhibit and auction of works of art. All of the artists represented in the exhibition either reside in Sewickley or create work that is depictive of the area. Artists range from well-known established professionals to students who take classes at Sweetwater and the instructors who teach them.
Among the instructors represented are Deborah McLaren, Joyce Werie Perry and Lisa Rasmussen. It is always encouraging to see instructors exhibiting—it’s a inspiration to their students and may even lead to future enrollment. Sweetwater offers a wide variety of classes (including cooking and yoga!) for all ages.

“Celebrate!” reflects the diversity of Sweetwater’s academic schedule and includes traditional arts, crafts and state-of-the-art computerized work. Will C. White’s “Broad and Beaver Streets” falls into the traditional category. This colorful watercolor captures the hustle and bustle of a crowded street and it’s energy reminds one of such urban painters as Isabel Bishop and Paul Cadmus. The inclusion of a famous “Pittsburgher” in the multitude adds a touch of local whimsy. Many of the pieces on display will be included in a silent auction; Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sewickley Valley Cultural Center. Some works have been donated by the artists others by local businesses. The latter is the case with the hand-knit sweater created by Sasha Kagen for Yarns Unlimited.

Richard Thompson’s “Allegheny Country Club” is a panoramic “giclee” print on canvas. This form of digital photography has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Another form of computer art is to be seen in the work of Elizabeth Douglas. Her digital paintings are done without the benefit of a photographic image and the resulting pieces more closely resemble traditional painting (and stained glass.)
The Auction will be held on Saturday, April 26 (5:00-8:00pm) and will feature delicious food, drink and live piano jazz by Howie Alexander.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Ceramics in Sewickley


This is the “Year of Ceramics” in Pittsburgh so it is fitting that the Sweetwater Center for the Arts is hosting a Ceramics Open Studio this Sunday, February 24 from 1:30-3:30. Artists, children and adult, are invited to participate in this charitable event and create bowls for the Empty Bowls Dinner. A studio assistant will be there to help aspiring potters with a variety of methods and techniques; the bowls will be glazed and fired by the center’s staff.
Empty Bowls is a unique family-friendly event presented annually by Just Harvest and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to remind us of those whose bowls go empty. Enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread and every ticket holder chooses an original handmade ceramic bowl donated by schools, community arts, programs, and potters from across the community. The event also features music, kids' activities, and a silent auction of selected ceramic art. For more information and tickets visit www.justharvest.org.