NEWS & EVENTS / JAN–APR 2017
Musings... You make it happen. Artists make it happen. Visitors, donors and volunteers make it happen. Board members and staff make it happen. Teachers and community leaders make it happen. So many people working to keep the arts alive and in our communities—we are grateful to those many people who make art happen in one way or another. That is why we’ve named 2017 our Year of Gratitude in appreciation for all those who have contributed to the vitality of our region by placing the arts at its center. Art can happen to you. During the chilling months of winter and the damp thaw of spring, I hope you will visit and find some warmth, good cheer and a place to reflect, absorb and renew. This newsletter is full of art experiences, events and classes that you can take in by yourself or with a group. Stop in for just a moment, or for a few hours; however the urge moves you. Art will be here for you—as changeable, conflicted, complex, beautiful and constant as our own American psyche. Be part of it!
Judith Hansen O’Toole The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO above: Charles Sheeler (1983–1965), The Web (Croton Dam), 1955, Oil on canvas, 22.25 x 24 in.; Collection Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, Gift of Roy R. Neuberger, 1972.04.12; Photograph by Jim Frank; Courtesy American Federation of Arts
01 / January–April 2017
When Modern Was Contemporary Financier Roy R. Neuberger (1903–2010), one of the twentieth century’s most important collectors, built a groundbreaking collection of American modern art, the full impact of which is only now being assessed. thewestmoreland.org / 02
Recognizing the significance of the art of his own time, Neuberger acquired work by a remarkable selection of modern masters including Alexander Calder, Stuart Davis, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Marsden Hartley, Lee Krasner, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and many others. Neuberger said of himself, “I have not collected art as an investor would, I collect art because I love it.” Drawing from this seminal collection, When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection surveys the development of modern art in the U.S., from representational modes in the early years of the twentieth century through the Abstract Expressionist revolution at mid-century. The exhibition begins with work by artists who built upon European precedents, including Max Weber’s La Parisienne (1907), with sinuous lines inspired by Matisse, and Joseph Stella’s Gas Tank, Pittsburgh (American Landscape) (1918), which freely samples from Cubism
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and Futurism to depict the vibrancy of an American city. O’Keeffe, in her Lake George by Early Moonrise (1930), and Arthur Dove, exploring shape and color in his Holbrook’s Bridge to the Northwest (1938), are inspired by organic forms in the American landscape, while industry is celebrated in paintings such as Ralston Crawford’s At the Dock (1940) and Charles Sheeler’s The Web (Croton Dam) (1955), a conceptualization of industrial structures. The collection’s masterworks of Abstract Expressionism include Pollock’s Number 8, 1949 (1949), an exemplary “drip” painting, and de Kooning’s Marilyn Monroe (1954), the only named figure in the artist’s groundbreaking Woman series. Neuberger selected each work for the collection himself, taking artists and artworks on their individual merits, a fact evidenced by the notable diversity of artists he supported. Hartley, represented by the iconic Fishermen’s Last Supper, Nova Scotia (1940), and Horace Pippin, represented by a classic Cabin in the Cotton (1944), as well
opposite: Marsden Hartley (1877–1943), Fishermen’s Last Supper, Nova Scotia, 1940, Oil on canvas, 30.125 x 41.125 in.; Collection Friends of the Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, Gift from the Estate of Roy R. Neuberger, EL 02.2011.67; Photograph by Jim Frank; Courtesy American Federation of Arts right: Mark Rothko (1903–1970), Old Gold Over White, 1956, Oil on canvas, 68 x 46 in.; Collection Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, Gift of Roy R. Neuberger, 1969.01.20 © 1998 Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; Photograph by Jim Frank; Courtesy American Federation of Arts
as significant sculptures by Harry Bertoia, Calder, David Smith and others are among numerous highlights. Often buying work shortly after it was created, with no intention of reselling, Neuberger was at the forefront of collecting art by soon-to-be-canonical artists. He purchased his Pollock from the artist’s November 1949 exhibition at the Betty Parsons Gallery after Parsons phoned him and said, “Roy, you know that painting you liked in the Jackson Pollock show? Would you entertain buying it? He needs money desperately.” Neuberger was also far ahead of his time in recognizing artists such as Forrest Bess and Hedda Sterne, who have gained in stature only in recent years. His practice of donating works to museums ensured that both emblematic and lesser-known artists could be viewed in public collections. In 1969, Neuberger donated much of his invaluable collection to the State University of New York to found the Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College. The exhibition When Modern Was Contemporary is the result of new scholarship and interpretation undertaken by the Museum since Neuberger’s death in 2010, at the age of 107. Viewing the collection and its collector in tandem, the exhibition provides unique insight into the period when the history of modern art in America was being made. When Modern Was Contemporary introduces new audiences to Neuberger’s collection and, for the first time, elucidates his important contribution to one of the most fertile periods in American art.
When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection will be on view from February 25 through May 21, 2017. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 6:30–8pm ($10 members, $15 non-members). The exhibition was curated by Tracy Fitzpatrick, director of the Neuberger Museum of Art of Purchase College, State University of New York. When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection is organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Neuberger Museum of Art of Purchase College, SUNY.
Neuberger Berman is the national tour sponsor.
Additional support is provided by the JFM Foundation and Mrs. Donald M. Cox. In-kind support is provided by Christie’s. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities. Generous support for the original presentation and the accompanying catalogue was provided by Helen Stambler Neuberger and Jim Neuberger. Sotheby’s has provided in-kind support to the Neuberger Museum. Support for the local presentation of the exhibition was provided by the Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
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A View Like No Other The floor-to-ceiling window at the end of our Cantilever Gallery provides a view like no other of downtown Greensburg and beyond. Did you know these interesting facts about some of the buildings and places that can be seen?
First United Methodist Church Constructed in 1833 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1933, a fire gutted the sanctuary, destroying the roof, floor, and furnishings. The building was rebuilt and rededicated in 1935. Today, the Church has 1,704 members and is known to them as “A Light in the City.”
Moose Lodge Among 278 in Pennsylvania and 2,400 in the United States. As of 2016, the society has been active at this location for 103 years.
St. Clair Park Named for Arthur St. Clair, a Scottish-born American major general, politician, and the first territorial governor in United States history.
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Welcome Home Shelter In the mid-1920s, this building served as a garage, repair and print shop. Today, it provides an average of 250 people per year with a clean and safe place to stay.
First Commonwealth Bank Dedicated in 1925 and remodeled in 1958. The painted sign on the side of the building that now reads as “GREENSBURG” used to read: “FIRST NATIONAL BANK GREENSBURG.”
Westmoreland County Courthouse
The Hills of South Greensburg and Rural Hempfield Township These hills are predominantly rural. Hempfield Township has a population of 40,721 over 76.8 square miles, compared to Greensburg, which has a population of 14,892 over 4.2 square miles.
Designed by American architect William S. Kaufman, the renowned dome rises 175 feet above street level.
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Thank You! Thank you to our Big Art Party attendees, co-chairs, host committee members, volunteers and sponsors for making last October’s event such a BIG success! Special thanks to lead sponsors Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, UPMC Health Plan, Sean Cassidy & Gina Sciarrino, Paul & Carol Evanson, Excela Health, and Toyota of Greensburg, and to our media sponsor Trib Total Media. The Big Art Party will return in 2017. Stay tuned!
07 / January–April 2017
Mary Comes Home After a six-month sojourn in two exhibitions in Japan, we will officially welcome home our beloved painting, Mother and Two Children by Mary Cassatt, with a public reinstallation in the Salatka 20th Century Gallery during our January 8th All About You! Free Admission Sunday sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. Join us at 12:30pm, and watch as “Mary” is reunited with her old friends.
Bridging the Gap Update All approvals have been secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the City of Greensburg to move forward with installation of our public art project on the North Main Street Bridge. The first author has been selected and fabrication of the alphabet of aluminum letters is now underway. Installation by the artist, Janet Zweig, is expected to take place in January, weather-permitting. The exact date will be announced in our eNews and on our website so that those interested can watch the process of transforming the bridge.
Museum Shop Presents at Art on Tap Meet artists in the Museum Shop during select Art on Tap events! On Friday, February 10 from 5–7pm, meet jewelry artist Janet Brum and check out her collection just in time for Valentines Day. On Friday, May 12 from 5–7pm, meet fabric artist Nan Loncharich. She creates unique, colorful, natural-looking flower pins that would make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
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ART as FASHION
Kenneth Frazier (1867–1949), Woman with a Veiled Hat, c. 1913, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.57 (detail)
Join Us for a Weekend Full of Art and Fashion! Don’t miss these events hosted by The Committee for The Westmoreland. All proceeds support the Museum’s exhibition and education programs.
Friday, April 28 > 6–9pm Start the weekend off with a cocktail party featuring art-inspired fashions created by Seton Hill University’s Theater & Dance Program and Costume Design & Technology students, plus some celebrity exhibitors. There will also be informal modeling by Larrimor’s of Pittsburgh and Carabella of Oakmont, a pop-up vendor market, style trucks, and many more surprises. Enjoy music by Joshua Ben Quartet, vote for your favorite creation, and shop from a selection of top fashion and jewelry designers. Tickets: $65 members, $75 non-members.
Sunday, April 30 > 1–3pm Don’t miss our Art + Fashion Talk with a special presentation by Pittsburgh fashion designer Lana Neumeyer and jewelry and clothing artist Patty Gallagher, plus other special guests. Seton Hill University’s student fashion designs, inspired by the Museum’s collection, will also be on display. And, be sure to view the featured exhibition When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection. Tickets: $20 members, $25 non-members. Best deal: A special combination ticket for both Friday and Sunday events is $75 members, $90 non-members. Tickets can be purchased at thewestmoreland.org/art-as-fashion or by calling 1.888.71TICKETS.
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Our Volunteers Make It All Possible We are so grateful to our Museum volunteers for their time and dedication to The Westmoreland. In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 23–29, the Museum will be offering a special discount to our volunteers all week long in the Museum Shop plus complimentary thank you totes. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at The Westmoreland, please visit our website at thewestmoreland.org/volunteer.
Share Your Voice Visit The Westmoreland’s Center for Creative Connections and let your voice be heard. Reflect upon the recent, divisive Presidential election and all the issues that came out during it, including differing views on what makes us uniquely American. We are inviting visitors to share their thoughts on how art might be able to bring us together and to think about art’s ability to ignite conversations.
Museum Membership Is Where It’s At Our members support everything we do at The Westmoreland, from our educational programs for children and adults, to worldclass traveling exhibitions of historical to contemporary art. Membership allows us to continue our work while giving you insider access to all that’s happening at the Museum. Our best deal is the Best Friend level that includes everyone in your household plus reciprocal benefits at over 700 museums nationwide. To learn more and become a member, visit thewestmoreland.org/membership or call 724.837.1500 x127.
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from top left: Photograph by Richard A. Stoner Kathleen Mulcahy (b. 1950), Tidal, 2008, photograph by Mark Perrott Jackson Pollock (1912–1956), Number 8, 1949, 1949, Oil, enamel, and aluminum paint on canvas, 34 x 71.5 in.; Collection Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, Gift of Roy R. Neuberger, 1971.02.11 © 2016 The PollockKrasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; Photograph by Jim Frank; Courtesy American Federation of Arts Sylvester Damianos (b. 1933), The City Beyond, 2015 (detail), photograph by Lynne Damianos
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Exhibitions Richard Stoner: Shaping The New Westmoreland Through January 8, 2017 A selection of photographs by Richard Stoner, an award-winning and respected artist, taken during the two-year construction period that shaped The New Westmoreland. Stoner took nearly 1,400 digital images between August 2013 and September 2015, 557 of which were given to the Museum. A catalog illustrating the 36 images selected accompanies the exhibition and the photographs in the gallery are for sale in a limited edition.
Opposites Attract: Kathleen Mulcahy and Sylvester Damianos Through February 5, 2017 Featuring the work of Kathleen Mulcahy and Syl Damianos, two well-known Pittsburgh artists who were selected as The Westmoreland Museum of American Art Exhibition Award Winners from the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Annual Exhibitions in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
America Works January 17–February 26, 2017 An exhibition celebrating the working men and women who made America great.
When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection February 25 –May 21, 2017 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 4, 6:30– 8pm ($10 members, $15 non-members) This pivotal exhibition is drawn from the collection of financier Roy R. Neuberger (1903–2010). One of America’s most important collectors, he assembled a groundbreaking collection of American modern art. The exhibition surveys the development of modern art in the United States from representational modes in the early years of the twentieth century through the Abstract Expressionist revolution at mid-century.
Stay Tuned for a Transformation… Experience the transformation of Robertshaw Gallery in March. Watch and interact with the artist who will paint a mural on the wall. More details to follow in an upcoming eNews.
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Calendar of Events All About You! Free Admission Sundays On the first Sunday of each month, admission to The Westmoreland is free thanks to the generous support of UPMC Health Plan. It’s a great day to bring all of your friends and family! UPMC Health Plan members also receive a 10% discount in The Westmoreland Museum Shop this day.
Sunday, January 8* Sunday, February 5 Sunday, March 5 Sunday, April 2 *January’s All About You! Free Admission Sunday is on January 8 due to the Museum being closed on January 1 for New Years Day.
Announcing New Take Two Programs How might a philosopher and a dancer, a psychologist and a musician, or a scientist and a theologian interpret works of art in an exhibition? What might their conversation sound like as they look at art together? In conjunction with the exhibition, When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection, we invite you to a series of Take Two programs that feature different voices and unique perspectives to explore and interpret the art. Please join them in the Cantilever Gallery to hear their take on the art and be part of the conversation.
Wednesday, March 15 > 6–7pm Saturday, April 15 > 1–2pm Wednesday, May 17 > 6–7pm
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Pop-Up Studios A fun opportunity for adults, ages 18 and above, to get in touch with their inner artist. Each class explores different techniques and media. No previous art experience is needed. Wine, beer, snacks and materials will be provided. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members.
Opposites Attract Wednesday, January 4 > 6–8pm Darnit Pillows Wednesday, February 1 > 6–8pm Become Unraveled Wednesday, March 1 > 6–8pm Terrific Terrariums Wednesday, April 5 > 6–8pm
Art on Tap Experience happy hour at The Westmoreland on the second Friday of every month! Enjoy music, an art scavenger hunt, light bites and drinks, including beer from All Saints Brewing Company. Purchase in advance and save! $9 members, $12 non-members in advance; $10 members, $15 non-members at the door. To purchase your tickets in advance, visit thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS.
Friday, January 13 > 5–7pm
sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region
Friday, February 10 > 5–7pm
sponsored by First Commonwealth Advisors
Friday, March 10 > 5–7pm sponsored by Dollar Bank
Friday, April 14 > 5–7pm sponsored by Milanscape
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Calendar of Events The Westmoreland Jazz Society The Westmoreland Jazz Society concert series provides a venue for America’s classic music art form—jazz. During its season, The Westmoreland Jazz Society presents many of the finest and most respected jazz musicians of the region. Tickets are available at the door, in advance at thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members, $5 students (age 21 and under). Doors open at 7pm.
Eric Barchiesi Thursday, January 19 > 7:30pm The Jessica Lee Jazz Trio Thursday, February 16 > 7:30pm George Clewer Thursday, March 16 > 7:30pm Kevin M. McManus & The Bone Forum Thursday, April 20 > 7:30pm
Children’s Art Classes The Westmoreland offers innovative and engaging monthly art classes for ages 7–10 taught by a professional art instructor, giving children the opportunity to expand and explore their creativity. To register or for more information, contact 724.837.1500 x110 or education@thewestmoreland.org. $15 members, $20 non-members.
Life’s a Box of Chocolates Saturday, January 14 > 10am–12pm Patterns Saturday, February 11 > 10am–12pm White Out Saturday, March 11 > 10am–12pm Everything But the Kitchen Sink Saturday, April 8 > 10am–12pm One Fish, Two Fish Saturday, May 6 > 10am–12pm
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Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals Saturday, February 4 > 10am–1pm Come hear area high school students recite poetry in a regional poetry competition. The champion will advance to the state finals and that champion will compete in the national finals. Visit thewestmoreland.org to RSVP.
Speed Date the Art & SweetArt Dance Friday, February 17 > 7–10pm Did you fail to find love on Valentine’s Day? No romance in your life? Feeling a little lonely at this time of year and in need of something to fill the void? The Westmoreland, in collaboration with Daisher Rocket and the Stage Right! adult players, is ready to help. Art doesn’t need to be taken out for a candlelit dinner or given chocolates, perfume and flowers. Art is always there for you and doesn’t judge you. Join us for this love-filled art fest. Try your hand at speed-dating multiple works of art. Then pose with someone or go it alone in front of a heart-filled background. There will also be a SweetArt dance floor where you can find or fail at love as you dance to some sweet ’80s music. Light bites and a cash bar. Purchase tickets at thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $20 members, $25 non-members.
Opening Reception When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection Saturday, March 4 > 6:30–8pm Celebrate the opening of When Modern Was Contemporary with us. Purchase tickets at thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $10 members, $15 non-members (includes two drink tickets).
Family Day Saturday, March 25 > 11am–3pm Surprises and fun for the whole family! Enjoy free admission, art projects, scavenger hunts, special discounts and more. Visit thewestmoreland.org to RSVP.
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Q &A
17 / January–April 2017
with
Tina Klym-Snyder
Manager of Visitor Services Describe the duties/responsibilities of your position at The Westmoreland. Although I spend the majority of my time at the desk greeting our guests, the bulk of my responsibilities are focused on building a great team of Visitor Services Representatives, coordinating my team with the scheduling needs of the Museum and making sure we are ready for visitors. Please share an interesting story or tidbit relating to your role at the Museum. Like a number of other museum employees, I live and work here in town. If you find yourself in the Cantilever Gallery with me, I might just point out my house on the hill to you... but only when the trees are bare. What do you like best about working at The Westmoreland? I enjoy meeting new people every day, finding out where people are from, and, at the end of their visits, hearing them talk about what they liked best, whether that be a piece of art, the architecture, or an entertaining, engaging conversation they had with someone on staff. Do you have a favorite work of art from the Museum’s collection? The Last of Autumn by Andrew Newell Wyeth. It reminds me of a favorite place I like to hike with my husband. Unfortunately, it’s being rested right now. In the meantime, Raymond DeFazio’s Point Marion keeps my days bright and cheery. Are you an artist? If so, what is your medium? I used to do art projects when I was younger, but, as I got older, I found writing suited me better. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night and have these thoughts in my head that I just have to put on paper or I lose them. I don’t write as much as I used to (or as much as I’d like) but I’m trying.
What jobs did you hold prior to coming to The Westmoreland? I come from twenty years of retail and retail management. I guess that’s why I like my job so much: it’s a good balance of customer service and team building without the pressure of sales goals, up selling, and credit apps. Early on, I did a short stint in public relations in Washington D.C. What are your interests and/or hobbies outside of work? I spend a lot of time outdoors. My husband and I like to hike, camp and birdwatch. I particularly enjoy the spring migration—you won’t find me in the house in front of the TV when there are warblers waiting to be discovered. What’s your favorite book? Movie? I have a lot of favorite books and movies. I find myself returning to one or two books repeatedly: How Green Was My Valley and John Banville’s The Infinities. I enjoy the high drama of Dr. Zhivago, the low comedy of Super Troopers, the torturous suspense of Jaws and the inane silliness of Groundhog Day. Do you have any pets? I recently adopted a cat from someone at the Museum. Tabitha is cute and cuddly, but, like every cat before her, she thinks she runs the show (of course, she’s right!). What’s your favorite thing to do in Greensburg (outside of going to The Westmoreland, of course)? I like to walk—in spring and summer when the evenings are warm as well as in the fall when the evenings are cool. My husband and I walk across town to St. Clair Park and visit the shops and restaurants. We walk some of the neighborhoods, particularly the streets in Southwest Greensburg or around Academy Place. Oh, and when winter comes, the hush that falls over the city in a gorgeous snowfall is just another irresistible invitation to go out and walk.
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Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011), Mount Sinai, 1956, Oil on canvas, 30.125 x 30 in.; Collection Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, Gift of Roy R. Neuberger, 1969.01.13; © 2016 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; Photograph by Jim Frank; Courtesy American Federation of Arts
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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