T
his July, Feathers Artist Market will
feature the detailed, hand-drawn work
of local artist and Vietnam veteran Jack
Otto for the second year in a row.
The market is located in downtown
Irwin at 102 4th Street. It opened in
October 2017 and is owned by Tracy
Alaia. “It’s been a dream of mine to own this type of
shop,” she says. “It’s more than a gift shop—it’s an art
gallery and a painting studio too.”
The shop has unique gifts that can do everything from
make people laugh to comfort someone with inspiring
words, or even provide a little sparkle. It offers items
from a variety of vendors including Moonglow jewelry,
Pura Vida jewelry, Modern Moose Clocks, Blue Q
socks and much more. “Someone can come in and find
that perfect little gift for any occasion, or just a treat for
themselves at any time,” adds Alaia.
She grew up in Manor and went to Hempfield High
School, and still lives in the area. Her kids are Penn
Trafford students.
“I grew up with my parents always shopping in
downtown Irwin and I’ve been a member of the
Northern Art League since 1997,” Alaia notes. “I have
always thought that Irwin is a great little town.”
Alaia teaches painting classes for kids and adults, and
offers group events for six or more people at a time. She
had been teaching for about 10 years on her own when
she noticed a “For Lease” sign in Irwin. She walked in,
looked at the space and knew exactly what she wanted
to do with it: make one half a gift shop, and the other
half an art gallery and studio.
Every month, Feathers Artist Market features a local
artist. An opening night reception introduces him or her
to the community, and provides an opportunity for the
person’s artwork to be seen in a venue.
“I absolutely love to showcase local artists in my
studio, and love watching my gallery transform month
after month with displays of unique and different items,”
says Alaia.
The featured artist for July this year is the same
artist she welcomed in July last year—Jack Otto. “He is
pretty special,” she says. “He’s a Vietnam veteran and an
incredible artist—the detail in his pen and ink drawings
is pretty amazing.”
Otto, 74, of Hempfield, has been putting pen to paper
since his days as an “A” art student at Hempfield Area
High School. He is a graduate of the Art Institute of
Pittsburgh, and served as a military police officer from
1967 through the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam.
This year’s opening night
reception for Jack Otto
at Feathers Artist Market
will be Wednesday, July 3,
from 6 to 9 p.m.
Refreshments will
be offered during a
celebration of art that
honors veterans.
Otto draws—by hand—every unit that served in the
Vietnam War and will display each piece in the Feathers
Artist Market Gallery, switching them out until all units
have been represented. He does not sell his artwork, but
instead donates it to the men and women who served
in the units. He also gives his drawings as gifts to the
veterans at the Westmoreland County Tet veterans
dinner. Otto also does pen and ink drawings of train
stations in the area. They are historic renditions.
Last year, Alaia showcased Otto’s work in July and
August to give everybody an opportunity to appreciate
the art and take a moment to honor the men and
women who served in Vietnam.
She recalls, “When I looked in my gallery last July, it
brought a tear to my eye thinking about the men and
women who sacrifice so much—it is truly worth seeing.”
For more information about Jack Otto’s featured work
and details about his opening reception this year, visit
www.feathersartistmarket.com. ■
NORWIN ❘ SUMMER 2019
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