about 15 years ago , and I ’ ve been an active member ever since because it ’ s become a huge source of inspiration for me ,” says Zampogna . “ I ’ ve written in my bio that we ’ ve been given the gift of this life and the beauty that surrounds us , and I feel an obligation to contribute to this creation and try to express the beauty I find .”
Now with 65 active members , the West Hills Art League offers an array of opportunities for an annual fee of around $ 25 . Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month , September through May , from 7 to 9 p . m . Besides the artist demonstrations , workshops are available for reasonable fees at Robert Morris University and there ’ s an annual art show at Robin Hill Center to showcase the members ’ artwork .
And you don ’ t have to be an art teacher to join . “ Our members share this passion for creative exploration . Regardless of the genre , medium or skill level , we support each other and nourish that passion for creating art ,” says Zampogna . “ I joined because I have an appreciation for the arts , but I ’ ve remained an active member because I ’ m continually inspired by our demonstrators and members alike .”
Mediums represented by the members of the league include traditional and abstract painting and drawing , fiber art , sculpture , mixed media and more .
“ I love the energy of the artists ,” says Cindy Gilberti , the WHAL ’ s president for more than six years . “ The depth of talent has also grown over the years . We used to have painters who only used oil and water colors . Now we have artists like Sarah Simmons , who creates
Painting by member Diane Bauman .
“ I think it ’ s rather amazing that the league lasted so long and is still growing . That is very gratifying and I ’ ve been pleased that it has continued .”
Sculpture by member Amy Short .
sculptures using repurposed library books .” Bush , still an active member who has taught classes for Moon Township Parks and Recreation , Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley and at her home in Moon Township , is dabbling in mixed media art these days . She looks back fondly at her 50 years in the league .
“ The league has very nice people and very good artists ,” she says . “ It ’ s been interesting to see people improve over the years after participating in the workshops and demonstrations . That ’ s what I like best .”
For more information , visit westhillsartleague . com . n
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