IN Greensburg Salem Winter 2019 | Page 13

Thomas. Past Present Future J iminez. Crouching Woman Rocky Mountain and subject matter that local artists have created.” The Westmoreland is western Pennsylvania’s only museum dedicated to American art. Founded in 1959, the museum offers a place to share compelling and meaningful cultural experiences that open the door to new ideas, perspectives and possibilities. The Cantilever Gallery is a recent addition from its 2015 renovation. “The Westmoreland Museum of American Art has long been a proponent of regional artists and their work,” says AAP Executive Director Madeline Gent. “I could not be happier to be returning to the museum and for the opportunity to host an Annual in the beautiful Cantilever Gallery. Moreover, the museum has been incredibly receptive to helping us introduce a strong and emerging curatorial voice. I think Juana and the curatorial staff at the museum are going to put together an amazing show.” “The roster of artists selected for the 107th Annual offers a broad range of approaches to both subject and medium,” says Chief Curator of The Westmoreland Barbara Jones. “Unfamiliar with the work of a number of these artists, I am excited to get to know more about them and see their work in person.” The 107th Annual Exhibition is featuring 53 artists who work and live throughout western Pennsylvania, including Canonsburg, Carnegie, Erie, Fairview, Gibsonia, Girard, Glenshaw, Greensburg, Grove City, Indiana, Johnstown, Mercer, Millvale, Murrysville, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, Slippery Rock, Trafford, and Wilkinsburg. Pati Beachley of Greensburg has been honing her craft for more than 25 years, working in metal casting of aluminum, bronze and iron. “I’m excited to have work in the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh’s Annual at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art,” she says. “Students are always so curious about what kind of work their professors make—so they will be able to get an eyeful. The juror selected a very timely work of mine, titled ‘Liar’—a rope iron casting that I made during the Cavanaugh hearings last fall.” Scott Lloyd, 45, also of Greensburg, works in a variety of mediums. “It’s so nice to walk out my front door, down the street five blocks, and see my work on display at one of the country’s premier small American museums,” he says. “It adds to the creative culture of our time with a meta-critical message of life as luck— ultimately a roll of the die in spite of the cleverest plans.” Sheila Cuellar-Shaffer, 45, feels lucky to have such a remarkable institution where she works and lives—in Greensburg. Her work, titled “Candyman,” is acrylic on canvas and featured in this year’s exhibition. “The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh unites the most interesting Heitzenrater. Hindsight working artists in the region at any given time under one roof,” she says. “There are people living near the museum who may not have the ability to travel to Pittsburgh often, so they’ll get to experience all of this great work right in their backyard.” Admission to The Westmoreland is free, and the AAP Annual Exhibition is open to the public. For more information, call the museum at 724.837.1500 or visit thewestmoreland.org. n Bonnet. Sts. Peter and Paul Church GREENSBURG SALEM ❘ WINTER 2019 11