January-April 2016 by The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

NEWS & EVENTS / JANâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;APR 2016

Musings... Transparency and transformation: two words so over used in today’s museum jargon they have become catchwords—spoken so often their meaning is dulled. Those of us at The Westmoreland have used these two words since the launch of our campaign. They reference openness, accountability, straightforwardness; and metamorphosis, transfiguration, transmutation. The first is a concept applicable to how we strive to operate; and the second is descriptive of our new architectural presence as compared to our former. I used these words recently when I met with an official in Harrisburg whose prior museum experience made him exceptionally empathetic. But several minutes into my remarks, he nodded and said something along the lines of: “I know the talk.” I was momentarily caught off guard. “The talk” could be he understood the issues and concerns we are facing, or, I wondered, it could mean he thought I was simply using words without meaning them. The next day I spent some time walking through the galleries and public areas of the Museum and felt reassured as I heard those words and more from our visitors, both directly and by listening in on conversations. I knew we are doing our best to operate as a transparent and transformed organization. Please come visit and revisit us often.

Judith Hansen O’Toole The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO

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Telling the Tales of 19th Century America Through Art Daniel Huntington, Sowing the Word, 1868, Oil on linen, the New-York Historical Society, Gift of the Estate of Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, 1948.158

Beginning March 6, The Westmoreland will present an exhibition comprised of highlights from The New-York Historical Society’s impressive collection of American art to demonstrate the great storytelling capabilities of visual art. Telling Tales: Stories and Legends in 19th Century American Art showcases works of narrative subject matter from roughly 1825 to 1870, when debates pertaining to American art addressed not just content, but the role art should take outside of the European tradition. By integrating historic, literary and religious subject matter with the now betterknown examples of landscape and scenes-of-everyday-life, this exhibition introduces modern audiences to the broad range of styles and narrative themes that appealed to 19th-century Americans. “This important exhibition draws visitor’s attention to a 45-year window of artistic activity that is often overlooked in American art history and overshadowed by other major developments of the century, including the rise of landscape

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painting,” said Chief Curator Barbara Jones. “Our visitors will be able to learn more about this important period in American art history when storytelling in art predominated. Works of art such as these disseminated information to viewers about history, literature and daily life long before the invention of radio and television. In today’s communication world, you might equate these to ‘snapshots’ on Instagram.” The exhibition includes 53 works from the New-York Historical Society’s expansive collection by such well-known artists as Benjamin West, Asher B. Durand and William Sidney Mount, among others. Also included are significant works by artists who were major figures in their own time, such as Daniel Huntington, Henry Peters Gray and T. H. Matteson, but who have been virtually ignored in current American art history surveys.

“I selected Telling Tales because we have a small, but strong group of narrative paintings in the permanent collection that relate to the exhibition and because the show offers our audience a broader understanding of this type of work and the role it played in art history.” —Chief Curator Barbara Jones A painting in the exhibition titled Indian on a Cliff by Jesse Talbot is a near replica of his painting of the same subject, Indian Hunter, which is a part of the Richard M. Scaife Bequest to the Museum. Additionally, The Westmoreland owns works by artists Benjamin West and Rembrandt Peale, whose works are included in this exhibition. “The exhibition also identifies works that we need in our collection to fill a gap—John Rogers narrative sculptures or William Sydney Mount’s genre painting,” said Jones. Telling Tales will be shown in the cantilevered gallery and organized around six themes specified by the New-York Historical Society: European Inspirations

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and American Ambition emphasizes American artists’ early reliance on and influence of European traditions; Inventing American History focuses on artist’s interpretations of national pride, glorifying the country’s origins; Traditions Retained and Transformed: Painting Literature and History represents early debates about the superiority of literature to painting; Everyday Life in the Yankee Way is comprised of genre subjects; Picturing the Outsider focuses on works featuring Native Americans and African Americans and The Life of the Spirit introduces works of art that recognize the spiritual elements of American life. Telling Tales: Stories and Legends in 19th Century American Art runs from March 6–June 19, 2016. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity for audiences in our region to see important works of art from a prominent New York City institution. This exhibition has been organized by the New-York Historical Society.

top: Tompkins Harrison Matteson, The Last of the Race, 1847, Oil on canvas, the New-York Historical Society, Gift of Edwin W. Orvis, 1931.1 middle: Asher Brown Durand, Sunday Morning, 1839, Oil on canvas, the New-York Historical Society, Gift of the children of the artist, through John Durand, 1903.3 bottom: John Rogers, The Fugitiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story, 1869, Bronze, the New-York Historical Society, Purchase, 1936.630

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Highlighting the Collection

A Chihuly to Call Our Own

Dale Chihuly is arguably the most well-known glass artist of our time with works in over 200 museums around the world. Now, thanks to the generosity of Diana and Peter Jannetta, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art can be added to that list. The Jannettas 2010 promised gift to The Westmoreland of over 100 works of contemporary art included Chihuly’s Chandelier, 1995, which officially became part of the Museum’s permanent collection in 2014. An early example of his famous chandelier-like blown-glass sculptures, the work is comprised of 102 individual pieces of glass—all in shades of maroon—and weighs over 100 pounds. The Jannettas enjoyed the work for years as it hung in their living room; it now

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hangs gracefully above the staircase that leads from the Museum’s north entrance down to the main lobby and welcome desk. In preparation for the Museum’s grand reopening on the weekend of October 24 & 25, the Chandelier was installed over three days in late September by Chihuly’s friend and trusted installer, John Drew Landon, with help from Landon’s wife Eileen. The Landons traveled from their home in Vermont to complete the installation. Scaffolding was assembled for the job, and Landon laid out the pieces on tables and the floor, cushioned by thick moving blankets. Landon meticulously assembled the work using only his eye to guide the composition. In other words, the 102 individual pieces were not marked in any manner to indicate placement in specific locations within the sculpture, and therefore each installation results in a slightly different look. Equally as painstaking was the deconstruction of the work from the Jannettas home—a process overseen by The Westmoreland’s Collection Manager Doug Evans. With the work now safely hanging in the renovated and expanded Museum, visitors may view the work not only from the north entry staircase and the main lobby, but also through a floor-to-ceiling glass window from the second floor McKenna Gallery. From this stunning vantage point, one is able to look right into the heart of the work and see up close the texture and color gradations of its blown-glass “tendrils,” which are reminiscent of a sea creature. The chandelier can also be seen at night from the outside on Academy Hill Place, providing a glowing invitation for passersby to visit the Museum. In addition to his well-known Chandeliers, Chihuly has created more than a dozen other works in series, among them, Cylinders and Baskets in the 1970s; Seaforms, Macchia, Venetians and Persians in the 1980s; Niijima Floats in the 1990s; and Fiori in the 2000s. One of his most famous projects featuring Chandelier series sculptures was the 1996 Chihuly over Venice that brought the artist’s work out of the normal surroundings of a gallery to hang

opposite: Dale Chihuly (b. 1941), Chandelier, 1995, Blown glass, 42 x 36 inches, Gift of Diana and Peter Jannetta, 2015.6 top: Chandelier hanging in the Jannetta’s living room. Photo by Roy Engelbrecht bottom: John Drew Landon installing Chandelier

above the waterways and in the piazzas of Venice. Chihuly and his team worked with local masters in Finland, Mexico, Ireland, and Italy to create the innovative new forms for this groundbreaking project. One can only imagine that the work now hanging at The Westmoreland, which was created just a year prior to the Venice undertaking, served as inspiration for those sculptures. The Westmoreland is very fortunate to have an impressive example of this important series of work by the prolific and popular Dale Chihuly. If you have not yet visited The New Westmoreland, the Chihuly Chandelier itself is reason enough to make the trip! thewestmoreland.org / 06

Make Your Next Event a True Work of Art. The Westmoreland can be rented for a variety of special events from weddings to corporate affairs. We look forward to hosting your next event. For more information, visit thewestmoreland.org/ event-rentals or contact 724.837.1500 x136 or eventrentals@thewestmoreland.org.

All About You! Free Admission Sundays. On the first Sunday of each month, admission to The Westmoreland is free thanks to the generous support from the Jack Buncher Foundation. It’s a great day to bring all of your friends and family!

Shop and Dine! Our farm-to-table Museum Café in partnership with the popular downtown Greensburg restaurant, The Supper Club, is now open! Located in the Paul and Carol Evanson Community Room, the Café sources from local farmers and follows sustainable methods. Enjoy an ever-changing menu created by chef Greg Andrews. And, after you dine, be sure to stop by The Westmoreland Museum Shop to browse the many unique handcrafted gifts. Remember, you don’t need to pay the suggested donation to visit the Museum Shop or Café! Café hours are Tuesday–Sunday from 11am–2pm. The Shop is open during regular hours as well as special events.

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Yoga at the Museum. If you’re new to yoga or have been doing it for years, you’ll love yoga at the Museum! Join us every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30–9:30am in the Paul and Carol Evanson Community Room. Cost: $4.50 per class or purchase a 10-class pass for $45. Vicki Farris, an AFPA yoga instructor, has been teaching yoga at the Museum and the surrounding area for the past 10 years. For more information, contact us at 724.837.1500.

A Creative Way to Promote Your Business. The Westmoreland’s Art on Tap happy hour events on the second Friday of every month are back and many business owners and organizations have already taken advantage of this creative way to reach new customers. If you are interested in sponsoring a future Art on Tap, please contact us at 724.837.1500 x130.

American Art Thrives on Your Generosity. Though our building is completed, The Westmoreland capital and endowment campaign continues with current gifts providing the essential long-term support needed to keep the Museum sustainable and thriving for generations to come. We hope that you will consider making a gift to the campaign. All gifts are 100% taxdeductible. To make a contribution, visit thewestmoreland.org/donate or contact the Development Department at 724.837.1500 x127 or donate@thewestmoreland.org.

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from top: Albert Bierstadt (1830–1902), California Coast, n.d., Oil on canvas, 30 x 44 inches, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.18 Donald Judd (1928–1994), Untitled, 1987, Paint on Aluminum, 12 x 71 x 12 inches, Gift of Peter and Diana Jannetta, 2010.16 Rendering of cantilever gallery by Ennead Architects LLP William Sidney Mount, Bargaining for a Horse (Farmers Bargaining), 1835, Oil on canvas, the New-York Historical Society, Gift of The New-York Gallery of the Fine Arts, 1858.59

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Exhibitions A Passion for Collecting: Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest Through Sunday, February 14, 2016 Featuring 85 works of art chosen by the Museum from Richard M. Scaife’s extensive collection in December of 2014, A Passion for Collecting includes works by such notable artists as Albert Bierstadt, Charles Courtney Curran, Jasper Francis Cropsey and George Inness. The collection showcases Scaife’s vast interest in American art and illustrates the influence of his various residences.

All About Color and Geometry: Selections from the Diana and Peter Jannetta Gift of Art Through Sunday, April 17, 2016 This exhibition offers an overview of the post-1950s collection that will come to us over the next decade. The Jannetta’s gift enables The Westmoreland to broaden our collecting scope for the first time in our history and allows us to complete the story of American art through the 20th and into the 21st century.

Making The Westmoreland Museum of American Art Through Sunday, April 17, 2016 To celebrate The New Westmoreland after our major renovation and expansion, this exhibition of architectural drawings, models, photographs and renderings in the Robertshaw Gallery on the first floor describes the design process involved in creating the existing building from its earliest permutation to the present.

Telling Tales: Stories and Legends in 19th Century American Art March 6–June 19, 2016 Telling Tales is comprised of highlights from the New-York Historical Society’s impressive collection of American art to demonstrate the great storytelling capabilities of visual art and to introduce modern audiences to the broad range of styles and narrative themes that appealed to 19th-century Americans. This exhibition has been organized by the New-York Historical Society.

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Calendar of Events Pop-Up Studios Pop-Up Studios are fun opportunities for adults, ages 18 and above, to meet working artists and get in touch with their inner creativity. Each class explores different techniques and media. No previous art experience is needed. Wine, beer, snacks and materials will be provided. Space is limited. Register online at thewestmoreland.org or contact 724.837.1500 x110. $15 for Museum members, $20 for non-members.

Wednesday, January 6 > 6:30–8:30pm with Wendy Milne Explore ways to alter those old books being thrown out! Using a variety of techniques, including collage, cutting, basic printing and painting, we will alter the books into new treasures. (Books will be provided—just bring your imagination!) Be prepared for some twists while creating.

Wednesday, February 3 > 6:30–8:30pm with Kathy Dlugos Artist Kathy Dlugos is back by popular demand with a new aspect of printmaking. You will combine layers of different print processes—photo litho transfer, wood block, screen printing and monoprint. Bring your creativity as you design and execute the different techniques into a finished print.

Wednesday, March 2 > 6:30–8:30pm with Christine Kocevar This Pop-Up will be to dye for... or not. We will experiment with a discharge method for removing the color from fabric with bleach. Using stencils or templates you will create an interesting pattern or design on fabric that will then be bonded with paper and fashioned into a small box. Buttons or other ornamentation can be attached to the top of the box if desired, creating a perfect gift.

Wednesday, April 6 > 6:30–8:30pm with Paula Schutte Manipulate metal, twist wire, bend, cut, fold pound and create your own Alexander Calder inspired bird in flight. Please bring a small assortment of aluminum cans (Old soda or beer cans, for example) and tin snips, if you have them. We’ll supply the wire, brads and some non-can aluminum for you to add to your sculpture.

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Art on Tap Experience happy hour at Art on Tap on the second Friday of every month! Enjoy music, a scavenger hunt, light bites and drinks, including beer from All Saints Brewing Company and wine. Admission: $7 for Museum members, $10 non-members.

Friday, January 8 > 5–7pm

sponsored by Mountain View Dental

Friday, April 8 > 5–7pm sponsored by Milanscape

Art Beat General Braddock Returns Saturday, January 9 > 1–2pm

Robert Griffing, The Wounding of General Braddock: Battle of the Monongahela 9 July 1755, 2005; Gift of COLCOM Foundation, 2005.4, detail

Since its acquisition in 2005, the narrative painting, The Wounding of General Braddock: Battle of the Monongahela, 9 July 1755 has traveled extensively to historical museums and sites throughout western Pennsylvania. We are proud to announce its return to our collection and installation in our new galleries. General Braddock is finally “home.” Celebrate his return and meet his creator, Robert Griffing, as he discusses his passion for storytelling and capturing the eastern frontier during our nation’s tumultuous founding. His books and prints will be available in the Museum Shop for signing.

SmART Chat Precious Gems Wednesday, January 20 > 7–8pm Join Barbara Jones, Chief Curator, for a gallery talk in A Collector’s Passion: Selections form the Richard M. Scaife Collection as she sheds light onto some of the smaller yet delightful works that were acquired from his collection that, while still significant in the American art pantheon, might otherwise be overshadowed by their larger scale gallery-mates.

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Calendar of Events Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals Saturday, February 6 > 10am Come hear area high school students recite poetry in a regional poetry competition. The champion will advance to the state finals held in Harrisburg and that champion will compete in the national finals on May 2–4, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

Museum Day Live! Inspiring Women and Girls of Color Saturday, March 12 The Westmoreland joins hundreds of cultural institutions across the country for “Museum Day Live!” when the Smithsonian Institution celebrates a nationwide campaign to reach women and girls of color in underserved communities. Held during Women’s History Month, this “special edition” event encourages all people to explore their nation’s museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and libraries—which will offer free admission for the day with a special “Museum Day Live!” ticket. Get your ticket today at smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

Art Beat Not Lost, Just Found Saturday, March 12 > 1–2pm Join Vanessa German—poet, performer, photographer and sculptor—for a journey into the creative genius that transforms everyday, discarded objects into intricate sculptures that speak to the heart and history of the African-American experience.

SmART Chat Glass Act Wednesday, March 16 > 7–8pm Amy Morgan, Director of Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, leads a gallery tour of the beautiful contemporary glass sculptures and objects in the exhibition All About Color and Geometry: Selections from the Diana and Peter Jannetta Collection and discusses the significant place that this work holds in the national art glass movement.

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Vanessa German, Parade to the Baptism, 2013, Museum Purchase, 2014.3, detail

Family Day Saturday, March 26 > 11am–3pm Surprises and fun for the whole family! Art activities, scavenger hunts, Museum Shop discounts and more.

Art Beat Light from Fire: The Art of Dale Chihuly Saturday, April 9 > 1–2pm

Dale Chihuly, Blue Venetian with Putti, 1991, Promised Gift of Diana and Peter Jannetta, PDJ.47, detail

Fire, gravity and spontaneity are what draw Dale Chihuly to working with glass and the mesmerizing results are what draw observers of all ages to his work. Join William Warmus as he shares the story of Chihuly, his glass and the works that have entered the Museum’s permanent collection through a gift from Diana and Peter Jannetta. Warmus is an independent curator, historian and appraiser specializing in glass and abstract art. While serving as curator of modern glass at The Corning Museum of Glass, Warmus curated several landmark exhibitions, including New Glass, which traveled to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre.

SmART Chat Stories in Art Wednesday, April 20 > 7–8pm Join Lauren Churilla, Curator of the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Collection at St. Vincent College, as she illuminates the stories that weave together the art in the exhibition Telling Tales: Stories and Legends in 19th Century American Art and the Museum’s permanent collection. Churilla will discuss the fascinating narratives that depict the unique character of 19th Century America, its people and social structure.

Day of Giving Tuesday, May 3 “Give Local America,” a national event designed to make a difference in your community, will coincide with Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland Counties’ “Day of Giving.” Let this be an opportunity for your voice to be heard in support of The Westmoreland and other area nonprofit organizations.

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Children’s Art Classes The Westmoreland offers innovative and engaging monthly art classes taught by a professional art instructor giving children the opportunity to expand and explore their creativity. $15 for Museum members, $20 for non-members. To register or for more information, contact 724.837.1500 x110 or education@thewestmoreland.org. All classes held from 10am–12pm. Ages 7–9

Ages 10–13

Color & Shape

Gallery 4

Come look at the large, colorful paintings and sculptures in our new collection and learn about modern and contemporary art. Then make your own abstract art using several techniques used by modern artists.

Come see the Museum’s newest art and discuss the difference between realism and abstraction. In the studio combine line, color, shape and mixed media to create your own piece of modern art.

Little World

Secret Window

Look into a box with a window on one side. And, what do you see? A tiny, magical world of creatures and objects. You will create this world by cutting and folding various types of paper into shapes. Then, assemble and attach your world inside a box you decorate.

Imagine peeking through a window into a small microcosm. This is a world within itself. Are there people, animals, buildings, trees, or imaginary creatures? Create your own enclosed scene using paper cutting, folding and manipulating techniques.

Fingertip Colors

Phalanges Wood

If you enjoy finger painting, then join us in some messy finger fun. We will talk about the color wheel, mix colors with our fingers and paint a pointillist style picture of bugs and flowers onto a piece of wood.

Blend and combine colors using your finger tips to create an impressionist style painting. Your spring-themed picture will be painted on a wooden panel.

Perky Puppets

Saturday, May 21

Saturday, February 6

Saturday, March 5

Saturday, April 2

Saturday, May 7

Look at some of the Museum’s portrait paintings. In the studio, we will talk about body parts and incorporate those observations into a hand held stick puppet.

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Saturday, February 13

Saturday, March 19

Saturday, April 16

People

Paintings of people are what you will see on your tour through our galleries. Then gather some unusual supplies and assemble a puppet with its own personality reflected through its facial features and clothing.

The Westmoreland Jazz Society In January 1997, the Museum established The Westmoreland Jazz Society concert series to provide a venue for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic music art formâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;jazz. Each season, The Westmoreland Jazz Society presents many of the finest and most respected jazz musicians of the region. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at thewestmoreland.org. $15 for Museum members, $20 for non-members, $5 for students (age 21 and under). Not a member? Visit thewestmoreland.org or contact 724.837.1500 x127 or membership@thewestmoreland.org to join and receive special discounts and perks on all The Westmoreland has to offer. Concerts begin at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). All concerts will be held at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art unless otherwise specified.

Eric Barchiesi

Judi Figel

James Boggs

Swingtet 8 Thursday, May 19

Thursday, January 21 Thursday, February 18

Thursday, April 21

Harold Betters

Thursday, March 17

at Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center

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Members Are Our Friends The We < 3 Our Members initiative is back for another year! This February, the cultural institutions of the Pittsburgh area will thank their members by providing them the opportunity to visit other institutions on different dates during the month at no cost. Members of The Westmoreland will be able to take advantage of this initiative with a group of up to two adults and four children on these days. All of those participating will offer a 10% discount in their museum shops as well. This is our way of coming together to say thank you to all of the members whose contributions make it possible for us to continue in our missions. Be sure to enter the raffle at each location when you visit. You could win a free membership to that organization and a grand prize winner will win a free family membership to all of the participating organizations! Participating Organizations and Dates: February 6 > Mattress Factory February 7 > Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh February 13 > Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens February 14 > Heinz History Center (including Fort Pitt Museum) February 19 > Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (extended hours from 5–7pm) February 20 > The Westmoreland Museum of American Art February 21 > Frick Art & Historical Center (advance reservations required to tour The Frick’s Clayton House)

February 26 > The National Aviary February 27 > Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium February 28 > Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Not a member of The Westmoreland? Now is the perfect time to join. To learn more, visit thewestmoreland.org/membership or contact 724.837.1500 x127 or membership@thewestmoreland.org.

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One More.

The Center for Creative Connections, a new interactive space, includes activities designed to engage visitors of all ages in learning more about the art in the Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s galleries. thewestmoreland.org / 18

cover: Museum visitors enjoying the view from the new addition’s cantilevered gallery space.

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.

Want to stay informed with the latest news, exhibitions and events? Visit thewestmoreland.org and subscribe to our email list.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 11am–5pm Wednesday: 11am–7pm Closed Mondays Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day

724.837.1500 thewestmoreland.org info@thewestmoreland.org

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