SUMMER & FALL 2019
Director’s Welcome As we head into summer, we are excited to open Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld. Known for his iconic poster for the surf documentary, The Endless Summer, Van Hamersveld went on to design over 300 album covers for iconic bands including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Kiss, Blondie and many more. This exhibition will provide so many opportunities to connect popular culture, music and visual art. Be on the lookout for pop-up band rehearsals, vinyl listening stations and opportunities to create your own album covers. Join us for our new Summer Saturdays, which will feature outdoor music and movies during the months of June, July and August, including the classic summer thriller Jaws with musical accompaniment by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. As we bid farewell to summer, we welcome fall with the relaunch of Art on Tap 2.0 with Oktoberfest featuring many local craft breweries, music and food. And finally, Big Art Party is the event of the season celebrating our 60th anniversary with the sounds of Them Vibes and our special guest, John Van Hamersveld himself! Our second initiative with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Art Bridges, and Terra Foundation partnership will open the exhibition POP/OP featuring artists such as Edna Andrade and Claes Oldenburg. Artists of the pop movement were responding to popular culture and the nation’s increasing consumer culture. Artists identified in the Op Art Movement were interested in creating an experience, often with dizzying effects, for the viewer. Both movements had influence upon John Van Hamersveld, so the opening of POP/OP is the perfect way to close Era of Cool. The beginning of the school year will also mark a renewed investment in our region’s teachers and students. On September 19, we will host a Back to School Night for teachers and administrators to honor the work they do and premier our offerings for fieldtrips and partnerships. We will also continue to
offer free Teacher Memberships to any K–12 teacher in Westmoreland County, which recognizes that teachers are lifelong learners. Through this initiative, they receive access to our programs and professional development to integrate the arts across the curriculum. And speaking of membership, for many museums, membership is a transaction that provides free admission and other “perks.” For The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, our members are philanthropists. Our members believe that everyone deserves access to engage with the collection and temporary exhibitions without the barrier of admission fees. Member benefits are our humble way of giving thanks and honoring the generosity of our membership family. If you believe in this, I encourage you to join! (See page 20 for information on becoming a member.) If you are already a member, thank you, for you make it all possible. Gratefully,
Anne Kraybill The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO
opposite: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), New Pipeline, 2017
Era of Cool Over the course of nearly sixty years, multidisciplinary graphic artist John Van Hamersveld has created influential and instantly recognizable design.
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Van Hamersveld’s career was launched with his design in 1964 of The Endless Summer poster to promote Bruce Brown’s iconic surfing film of the same name. That poster, comprised of Day-Glo colors to attract the youthful eye, was inspired by a sunset photo of Dana Point Beach in Orange County, where a teenage Van Hamersveld and his friends would surf. His image of a color saturated sunset and surfers became the icon of California’s surfing scene, and has outlived the movie in recognition.
Angeles, the Vietnam War, burning draft cards and American flags, and the formation of the “Brotherhood of Eternal Love,” led by Timothy Leary, the high priest of psychedelic drugs. Together with two partners, he founded Pinnacle Productions in 1967. He booked bands and designed posters to promote rock concerts that he called “happenings” by such musical legends as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, and Cream, among many others. Van Hamersveld’s stint at Pinnacle was brief, and it later became Pacific From Surfer Magazine to Rock n’ Roll Productions, Los Angeles, after his departure. While Van Hamersveld’s designs are composed Van Hamersveld’s success with that poster moved of vibrant and often electric colors, each one begins him from surfer and surfing culture to rock n’ roll. with a simple black and white drawing made with Working for both Capitol (1967) and Elektra (1978) his trusty Pentel or Sharpie pen. He then scans these Records, he designed over 300 album covers, creating drawings into the computer and that is where the such memorable covers as the Beatles’ Magical Mystery magic happens. He manipulates the colors until they Tour, the Grateful Dead’s Skeletons in the Closet, and reach the desired saturation and vibrancy. From the the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street, as well as the moment Van Hamersveld was introduced to the packaging for An American Prayer, Jim Morrison’s book computer by his friend Steve Jobs, who gave him one of poetry. in 1983, he became immersed in the digital art world, Van Hamersveld left Capitol Records to go out on a practice he continues today. “I’m still drawing on his own after designing Magical Mystery Tour. As an artist, he had his finger on the pulse of the times, and his the analog world but I’m using the computer as a very sophisticated copy machine... the drawing has gone into iconic artwork captured the energy of an era. Listening the fourth dimension.” to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones records, the new Drawing was at the heart of his education at L.A.’s beat generation, including Bob Dylan, and watching Chouinard Art Institute (now California Institute of the underground cinema, Van Hamersveld thoroughly Arts/CalArts) and remains at the core of his work. In immersed himself in the culture of the time, replete Chouinard’s alumni listing, Van Hamersveld is described with tie-dye, psychedelic music, love-ins, and drugs. as “graphic designer, album cover and movie poster He grew up during a turbulent era of race riots in Los 2 / Summer & Fall 2019
maven.” He thinks of his drawing like surfing in a way, “lines on paper are like surfers on waves.” Influences Van Hamersveld recalls the art scene at the Pasadena Art Museum where he saw the Pop artwork of Andy Warhol among others. Warhol’s first show in L.A. was in 1962, and Van Hamersveld watched Warhol movies. He met Warhol in 1967 and ten years later would design the Bad poster for the artist’s film of the same name. M.C. Escher, “with his impossible patterns” was also an inspiration. He said “my head was spinning in how I would make my career in their territories and media.” Inspiration for his drawing also came from Japanese printmakers Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige as well as the black ink drawings of the English art nouveau artist, Aubrey Beardsley. He designed the official poster and 360-foot long mural for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and he continues to design logos, brand identity, and large-scale murals for both public and private clients. At age 77, he continues to reinvent himself, saying “I’m constantly on fire.” Two recent public projects he is especially proud of are: the 75-foot mural in Hermosa Beach showing three surfers in a kaleidoscopic rush of bright color and movement to honor the City’s surf history (2015); and the 510-foot diameter mural on a water tank in El Segundo, California, where he graduated from high school. Fifty-one vividly colored panels pay tribute to local surfer legends and the city where he spent his formative years (2018). Van Hamersveld’s current work consists of a series of colorful waves, still drawing inspiration from Hokusai and Hiroshige, as well as his early connection to the waves as a surfer. He refers to his present style as “Indo” style, based on the Bauhaus. “It’s a mutation of them in a way,” he says. Organized by Chief Curator Barbara Jones and Curatorial Assistant Bonnie West in partnership with Van Hamersveld and his wife Alida Post, Era of Cool serves as a retrospective of Van Hamersveld’s work from the original album cover artwork designed during his days at Capitol Records to his recent large-scale mural works— all together in a stunning display in the Museum’s Cantilever Gallery space. It is the perfect exhibition to cool you down on a hot summer day! Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld is on view from Saturday, July 20 through Sunday, October 20, 2019, with a Members & Patrons Wine Reception and Exhibition Preview on Friday, July 19, 6:30pm. For more information and a listing of programs associated with this exhibition, please visit thewestmoreland.org/era_of_cool. For a full interview with John Van Hamersveld, conducted by Bonnie West, please visit thewestmoreland.org/blog. Support for this exhibition has been provided by the Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
opposite, left: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), Various album covers designed while at Capitol Records above from top: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), Pinnacle Indian Poster, 1968; Digital print, 27.25 x 19 inches; Photos of Mick Jagger and John Van Hamersveld, August 1972; John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), Exile on Main Street Billboard, 1972
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Exhibitions
clockwise from top left: Edna Andrade (1917–2008), Color Motion 4-64, 1964; Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches, Collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of Frederick R. McBrien III, 2003, 2003-94-1. This collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art is made possible through the Art Bridges + Terra Foundation Initiative to share works of American Art. Nicole Czapinski, Free to Roam (detail), 2017; Thread, fabric, wood, paint, 24 x 28 inches Alisha B. Wormsely, Messages, 2016 John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), The Endless Summer Poster (1964), 2014; Florescent ink on paper, 39 x 27 inches Brenda Stumpf, Coviage 2, 2016; Mixed media, 44 x 24 x 9 inches
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Cantilever Gallery
Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld July 20–October 20, 2019 Influential and instantly recognizable work from a career in graphic design that found him immersed in the world of rock n’ roll as Art Director for Capitol Records.
Post 1950s Gallery
POP/OP October 2, 2019–March 1, 2020 Including works by Claes Oldenburg, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Edna Andrade and Julian Stanczak, this exhibition will overlap with and contextualize Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld. One in a series of American Art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of the Art Bridges +Terra Foundation initiative.
Robertshaw Gallery
Brenda Stumpf: Cavomyrt June 15–July 14, 2019 Opening Reception: Saturday, June 22 with Summer Saturday Cavomyrt, derived from the phrase “cave of my heart,” is a series of elaborate wall assemblages that function as enchanted reliquaries to love, innocence and intimacy.
Nicole Czapinski: An Illusionary Pain in a Nonexistent Hand July 20–August 25, 2019 Opening Reception: Saturday, July 20 with Summer Saturday Czapinski investigates illusions within perception and the complexities of consciousness, transforming something that first reads as a flat surface into something with volume and depth.
A Musical Number August 30–September 29, 2019 Organized to coincide with Greensburg’s Musicfest 2019, the exhibition is comprised of selections from the Permanent Collection by artists who depict the theme of music or the idea of sound in their work.
Alisha Wormsley: The space I am in: Oracles October 4–December 8, 2019 Opening Reception: Friday, October 11 with Art on Tap 2.0 Work about collective memory and the synchronicity of time, specifically through the stories of women of color. “The future, and the past, and the present, simultaneously.”
Carol R. Brown Gallery
POP/OP on Paper July–October, 2019 Bright, intensely colored serigraphs challenge the eyes and mind through optical illusions of color, shape and composition.
For more information on our exhibitions, visit thewestmoreland.org/exhibitions. thewestmoreland.org / 5
Travel with Us! Program Heads to Tulsa & Bentonville Trip Dates: September 6–9, 2019 The Westmoreland is excited to announce the next destination, or destinations as is the case, in our popular Travel with Us program! Join Anne Kraybill, The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO, and travel west to Tulsa, OK, and Bentonville, AR, to visit three of the South’s finest art museums: Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Kick off the excursion with a night in Tulsa, OK, where the group will enjoy an arts crawl of the city’s popular and vibrant Brady Arts District and dinner before touring Philbrook and Gilcrease the next day. Philbrook is the legacy of oilman Waite Phillips and his wife, Genevieve. The 72- room mansion was designed by Kansas City architect, Edward Buehler Delk in 1926 and completed a year later. Within 10 years, the Phillips gifted their home, including 23 acres of gardens, to the city of Tulsa to serve as a city art center. During our visit, the Philbrook is exhibiting Wondrous Worlds: Art and Islam Through Time and Place, organized by the Newark Museum. Featuring over 100 historic and modern objects from the Newark’s collection, this exhibition brings attention to Islam past and present and highlights the scope of the religion’s contributions to the art world. Founded in 1949 by oil magnate, Thomas Gilcrease, the museum was once described as “a kind of Smithsonian Institution of the American West.” The site also houses an unrivaled collection of nearly a quarter of a million objects of America’s native cultures. The site’s Helmerich Center for American Research is home to over 100,000 rare manuscripts, books, and archival material. While we visit, Gilcrease is exhibiting Bob Dylan: Face Value and Beyond. The exhibition features several pastel portraits by the famed singer/songwriter along with archival materials and objects including hand-written lyrics. Little known fact about Tulsa is that it’s only a two-hour drive to Anne’s old stomping grounds of Bentonville, AR. Guests will board a charter bus and 6 / Summer & Fall 2019
then enjoy a two-night stay in the fabulous 21c Museum Hotel, an experience in and of itself. Following our arrival, we will enjoy cocktails and a tour, led by museum manager Dayton Castleman, of the hotel’s latest exhibition The Future is Female followed by dinner at The Hive. The next day we will have curatorial led tours of Crystal Bridges’ collections, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks, including iconic images such as Charles Wilson Peale’s, George Washington, Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Dolly Parton. We will enjoy a tour of the permanent collection by Mindy Besaw, Curator of American Art. Following brunch at the Museum’s restaurant, we will enjoy a private tour of Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment, featuring 100 artworks from 70 eminent U.S. collections, including The Westmoreland’s Prospecting/Bullcreek City, by David Gilmour Blythe. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to tour Crystal Bridges’ impressive grounds as well as experience James Turrell’s Sky Space, The Way of Color, and so much more!
$1,200 per person for double occupancy* $1,400 per person for single occupancy* Registration deadline: August 1, 2019 *Please note that airfare and travel to and from airport are not included. It is recommended that guests arrive in Tulsa (TUL) and depart from North West Arkansas (XNA).
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Patrick Bochy, Executive Administrator and Manager of Special Projects at pbochy@ thewestmoreland.org or call 724.837.1500 x131. To view the complete trip itinerary, visit thewestmoreland.org/travel.
clockwise from top: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Gilcrease Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art interior, Philbrook Museum of Art interior, Philbrook Museum of Art
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Make your special event a masterpiece at The Westmoreland! Weddings. Birthdays. Graduations. Life Celebrations. Bridal & Baby Showers. Corporate Events. Seminars. And More! For more information or to reserve your event space today, please contact our events department at eventrentals@thewestmoreland.org or call 724.837.1500 x136. 8 / Summer & Fall 2019
Wedding & Event Showcase Sunday, August 11, 5–9pm Wonder what it would be like to host your wedding or memorable event at The Westmoreland? Want a chance to win a FREE full Museum wide rental? Join us as our vendors showcase all they have to offer when hosting your wedding or special event at The Westmoreland! From allowing your guests to visit our impressive galleries and collection of American Art to being surrounded by a beautiful and sustainable green space, The Westmoreland is an inspiring cultural destination in the heart of downtown Greensburg and the perfect backdrop for your next event.
The evening will include a one-stop shop of available rentals, elegant décor, delectable catering options, bridal attire, cash bar and more—all leading up to us giving away a FREE Museum wide rental to one lucky winner! In addition, all those who book a museum rental that evening will receive a 10% discount. FREE
Space is limited and pre-registration required. Visit thewestmoreland.org/weddings for more information and to register. thewestmoreland.org / 9
Nwaka Onwusa
John Van Hamersveld
Community Events
Conversations
Community Day
Listening Session: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Celebrating American Independence Sunday, July 7, 11am–3pm Celebrate America’s Independence with blacksmithing demonstrations, art activities, music and historical tours. Even meet some historical figures while you are at it! FREE
Community Day
Rock n’ Roll
Sunday, August 4, 11am–3pm The School of Rock South Hills House Band performs rock n’ roll hits while you enjoy a vinyl record themed art project. Also check out the Art on Wheels Car Cruise (visit thewestmoreland.org/opportunities to register your car). FREE
Community Day
Makerspace Museum Sunday, September 1, 11am–3pm Celebrate Labor Day as the Museum becomes a Makerspace inspiring you to “work,” even on a holiday weekend! Artists and tinkerers will help you experiment, imagine, create, invent and build things. Get ready to work, work, work!
Wednesday, August 21, 7–8:30pm Nwaka Onwusa, Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, leads an interactive conversation and listening session celebrating the overwhelming musical explosion, creativity and impact of rock n’ roll music during the ’60s and ’70s. Revisit familiar sounds that shaped the culture while uncovering stories and sounds that helped to challenge and propel rock n’ roll further. $8 members/$10 non-members FREE for students with valid ID
In Conversation: John Van Hamersveld Wednesday, October 2, 7–8:30pm Join Chief Curator Barbara Jones as she talks with graphic artist, designer, photographer, professor and author John Van Hamersveld. Learn the story behind his iconic, careerlaunching Endless Summer poster and hear more about the numerous album covers and posters he has designed for bands such as the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Blondie and the Rolling Stones. Plus, learn about the numerous mural and public art projects he continues to do today. $8 members/$10 non-members FREE for students with valid ID
FREE
Community Day
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sunday, October 6, 11am–3pm Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with a special focus on the local community and the many ways in which Hispanic and Latino cultures are celebrated. Come for a day of music, dance, entertainment and art that is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and enlightened. Then try your own hand (or feet) at dancing and creating artwork and crafts. FREE
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To register or purchase tickets for these events, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 888.718.4253.
above, left: William Rice (1777–1847), Tavern Sign Board (Eagle), c. 1815 (detail); Oil on Panel, Gift from Friends of the Museum, 1965.3.A opposite left: photo by Wolfgang Schmidt
Frances Moore Lappé
Culinary Experiences
Social Gatherings (cont.)
Dinner for a Small Planet with Author Frances Moore Lappé & Chef Taylor Kalasky
Summer Saturday: The Rolling Stones & Pirates of the Caribbean
Saturday, September 21, 6:30pm reception, 7pm dinner While John Van Hamersveld was creating album covers for the counterculture movement of the ’60s and ’70s, many started to embrace vegetarianism. Pioneering that movement was Frances Moore Lappé who wrote the bestselling cook book, Diet for a Small Planet, which explored not only healthy eating, but the environmental and economic impact of food production and its contributing role to world hunger. The Westmoreland invites you to a unique vegetarian culinary experience that blends conversation with Moore Lappé and food inspired by her recipes, prepared by Chef Taylor Kalasky of Yumzio Bistro. Learn more about being a vegetarian or how to embrace simple steps like “meatless Monday’s,” during this delicious four course meal. $50 members/$60 non-members
Social Gatherings
Summer Saturday: JAWS Saturday, June 22, 7pm–movie end Summer Saturdays kicks off with the classic thriller Jaws. Explore nautical themed art in the galleries, then move outside and indulge in beach food fare and cash bar. Musical accompaniment by the Westmoreland Symphony. FREE
Summer Saturday: The Endless Summer Beach Party Saturday, July 20, 7pm–movie end July’s featured movie is The Endless Summer! Celebrate the Era of Cool with live beach tunes by Stage Right!, outdoor and in-Museum activities, Barry’s Italian Ice, Smoker’s BBQ and cash bar. FREE Sponsored by Penn State New Kensington/ Penn State University New Kensington Alumni Society
Saturday, August 17, 7pm–movie end Set sail as we raise the Jolly Roger with live Rolling Stones covers by Tupelo and Noah, fun outdoor and in-Museum activities, Barry’s Italian Ice, The Pub Chip Shop and cash bar. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with Keith Richards is the featured movie. FREE
Second Annual Greensburg MusicFest Friday, September 13, 6–8pm presented by The Westmoreland Cultural Trust It’s MusicFest night in Greensburg! While you’re out and about, be sure to stop by the Museum and listen to live music outside and some of your favorite records inside. In collaboration with Rabbit Hole Records, enjoy various genre listening stations inspired by John Van Hamersveld album covers, discuss the differences between vinyl and digital recordings, and make a playlist of your own. Also, check out Robertshaw Gallery to view the exhibition A Musical Number. FREE For a complete schedule of MusicFest events, visit thepalacetheatre.org.
Art on Tap 2.0
Oktoberfest
Friday, October 11, 5–9pm Art on Tap returns from its summer hiatus, so come and join us for pretzels, brats and beer! The outdoor festivities will include polka favorites by The Mikey Dee Band, tastings with local breweries, traditional bites, stein holding contests and so much more! Purchase a commemorative stein, inspired by the The Joy and R. David Brocklebank Collection of frakturs and enjoy specialty tastings and bottomless brews! $10 members/$15 non-members (provides one drink and cash bar after) $35 members/$45 non-members for commemorative beer stein and bottomless tastings
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Art Camps The Westmoreland hosts week-long summer Art Camps for children ages 7–9 and 10–12 that provide a wonderful opportunity for children to explore their creativity in a fun, immersive environment that includes time spent both in the studio and the Museum’s galleries. To register, visit thewestmoreland.org/artcamps or call 888.718.4253.
All About Animals Monday, June 17–Friday, June 21, 9am–3pm For children ages 7–9 Campers will look at animals in art throughout the Museum and explore a variety of media and techniques to create animal-inspired art. Plus, they’ll welcome a special visitor from the Humane Animal Rescue. $135 members/$155 non-members Registration Deadline: June 10, 2019
Back to the “Good Old Days” Monday, June 24–Friday, June 28, 9am–3pm For children ages 10–12 How did people spend leisure time without TV, computers, soccer or dance class? Campers will learn about interesting techniques, fun styles and some unusual materials used by folk artists. Have fun creating with wax, clay, paint and more! $135 members/$155 non-members Registration Deadline: June 17, 2019
E-ART Monday, July 8–Friday, July 12, 9am–3pm For children ages 7–9 This week we will use the earth as our subject. Campers will be using natural and recycled materials to create works of art inspired from our planet Earth. Projects will include painting, drawing, and sculpture. All artwork will be proudly displayed in an exhibit at the end of camp. $135 members/$155 non-members Registration Deadline: July 1, 2019
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Make Art Pop Monday, July 22–Friday, July 26, 9am–3pm For children ages 10–12 Explore influential styles of some of the American modern art masters and tour Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld. Campers will develop and create their own works of modern and graphic art using a variety of materials and techniques including painting and printmaking followed by their own exhibit the last day of camp. $135 members/$155 non-members Registration Deadline: July 15, 2019
Exploring Empathy Monday, August 5–Thursday, August 8, 10am–noon For children ages 5–9 In collaboration with the Blackburn Center, the Museum offers a very special art experience that brings together art making, looking at art, activities in the galleries and reading. We’ll learn all about empathy, understanding and accepting ourselves and others in a mini art camp designed to keep young minds and energies active and engaged in the process. FREE Registration Deadline: June 29, 2019
Children’s Saturday Studios From October to May, Children’s Saturday Studio classes are offered once a month for children ages 7–10 and are taught by a professional art instructor. Each class features a fun art-related theme. Advanced registration is required. To register, visit thewestmoreland.org/artclasses or call 888.718.4253.
Figures in Motion Saturday, October 19, 10am–noon For children ages 7–10 Student artists will visit the gallery and observe how artists show people in action. Then we will head down to the studio where they will work on their own figure in action artwork. $15 members/$20 non-members
Pop-Up Studios
For Museum Members
Pop-Up Studios give adults (ages 18 and above) the opportunity 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. Advance registration is required.
Pre-registration is required for the member events below. To register, visit thewestmoreland.org/members.
To register and purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 888.718.4253.
Friday, July 19, 6:30–8pm
Psychedelic 2D Wax Painting Wednesday, July 17, 6–8pm Using wax and basic hand tools transform your psychedelic designs into colorful and unique 2D creations on Yupo paper. $20 members/$25 non-members
Stained Glass Sculpey Wednesday, August 14, 6–8pm Let the light shine through using translucent sculpey to create a faux stained glass looking ornament. $20 members/$25 non-members
Twisted Fun Wednesday, September 18, 6–8pm Take some floral wire and twist it into a fanciful and fun sculpture. $20 members/$25 non-members
Wax Crayon Batik Wednesday, October 16, 6–8pm Gathering all old crayon bits, melting them down and painting them into a beautiful artwork. Fun is what the night is all about. $20 members/$25 non-members
Member Wine Reception & Exhibition Preview Be the first to view Era of Cool, and enjoy wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres. FREE members-only event
Pre-reception for In Conversation: John Van Hamersveld Wednesday, October 2, 6–7pm Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments prior to the “In Conversation” from 7–8:30pm. FREE members-only event
For Area Educators
Back to School Night Thursday, September 19, 5–8pm The Westmoreland invites all regional teachers K–12 and administrators to the Museum for a night highlighting what we have to offer you and your students. Learn more about upcoming exhibitions, field trip and outreach opportunities, school partnerships, school programs, and classroom support materials. Take a tour of the Museum’s newest exhibition, Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld, and engage in hands-on activities. Three Act 48 Hours will be given for participation. Lite bites, beer and wine will be provided. FREE
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New to the Collection Since the last Perspectives magazine, the Museum has been the fortunate beneficiary of some outstanding gifts that were accepted into the collection at the April Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Michael L. Nieland has once again demonstrated his largesse by gifting three additional sculptures and four exquisite drawings as well as a Panama-Pacific International Exposition Poster and library of books on sculpture that will further enhance the collection of fifty-seven figurative sculptures that he donated in 2015 and 2017. In addition, Sue and David Warner have gifted paintings by Benjamin Kopman and Philip Krevoruck that represent the styles of Regionalism and Social Realism respectively, by two artists not formerly in the collection; and Mrs. Isabel W. Blackburn has generously gifted an important abstract painting by Tom Rowlands that adds depth to our Post-1950s collection. The Westmoreland’s permanent collection continues to grow due to the generosity of these donors. We thank them for their substantial support!
right:
Daniel Altshuler (b. 1965) Sculpture of Ice, 2005 Bronze on marble base, 23 x 6 x 6.5 inches Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2019.4 opposite, clockwise from top:
Panama Pacific International Exposition San Francisco Poster, 1915 Lithograph on paper, 31.75 x 22.75 inches Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2019.10
Benjamin D. Kopman (1887–1965) Amateur Painters/Art Class, c. 1955 Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches Gift of David & Sue Werner, 2019.12
Tom Rowlands (1926–1991) Untitled, 1954 Oil on canvas, 36 x 20 inches Gift of Isabel W. Blackburn, 2019.14
Pamela Pindell, (b. 1950) Nude, n.d. Charcoal on 100% rag paper, 20 x 28 inches Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2019.11
Philip Krevoruck (1919–1999) Women Watching, c. 1940 Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches Gift of Sue and David Warner, 2019.13
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A Legacy Gift in Remembrance of Joan H. & William W. Smith In loving memory of their parents Joan H. and William W. Smith, daughters Ann Smith Stein and Jennifer Smith Sutton, son Joseph William Smith, and their families recently provided a generous legacy gift to The Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s Garden Fund to support the care of plantings in the Museum’s outdoor garden space and installation of a new bench created by artist Tadao Arimoto. “Our mother and father loved living in Greensburg and spending time with their neighbors and family,” said Ann Smith Stein, “and we are so pleased that visitors to the Museum and its garden will have a beautiful bench where they can rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the community that meant so much to them.” The Smiths were also strong advocates for education. Joan was an elementary school teacher in the Greensburg Salem School District. In addition to his work as a business executive, Bill was an avid photographer and member of the Westmoreland County Historical Society. “This legacy gift is a wonderful tribute to the Smiths’ commitment to education and excitement for learning new things,” remarked The Westmoreland’s Director of Advancement Rhonda Madden. “Through their family’s support of The Westmoreland, many more children and adults will have the opportunity to discover this very special garden space and cultural gem in the heart of the hometown that the Smiths loved.” Garden bench designer Tadao Arimoto has been practicing his craft as a woodworker in Pittsburgh for the past 40 years and recently completed installations for the Museum’s new Café and Welcome Desk. He has been recognized as a Master Visual Artist by the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and, before arriving in the United States, studied industrial design at the International Design Institute in Kyoto, Japan. Landscape architects Laquatra Bonci in Pittsburgh designed the series of intimate gardens, native plantings, and outdoor terraces as part of The Westmoreland’s building expansion completed in 2015. The garden landscape including its outdoor sculptures extend the Museum beyond the walls of the building to forge stronger connections to the city of Greensburg and the surrounding neighborhood.
If you would like to make a tribute gift to the garden, contact Rhonda Madden, Director of Advancement, at rmadden@thewestmoreland.org. 16 / Summer & Fall 2019
Tadao Arimoto
New Public Art! The Westmoreland is excited to announce a new partnership with the Jeannette City Planning Department and You Art Here Gallery to create a public art mural by John Van Hamersveld. With support from the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, the Museum will contribute to current efforts towards revitalizing downtown Jeannette with this public artwork. The mural will be three stories, covering a 30-foot by 120-foot span on the facade of 511 Clay Street. The artwork will serve as a backdrop for the newly created performance space and will reflect the community of Jeannette. In October, Van Hamersveld will be meeting with community members including representatives from the Jeannette Business Association, the Jeannette Arts Council, the Jeannette Area Historical Society, area congregations and high school students to gather input and feedback. Van Hamersveld will design the mural over the winter, and the mural will be painted directly on the building just in time for summer 2020 performances. ——— Michelle Stoner is the next writer to have a literary work featured on artist Janet Zweig’s Analog Scroll public art project on the N. Main Street bridge, located just south of the Museum grounds. Michelle’s full work, Mile Marker 322, will be revealed over the course of a year with new sections of the text to be installed on a monthly basis by Museum staff and volunteers.
John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), The El Segundo/DWP Water Tank, 2018; El Segundo, CA
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Inspire the next generation... with your own legacy gift for The Westmoreland! The Westmoreland Museum of American Art appreciates the generous support of thoughtful donors such as the Smith, Stein and Sutton families that honor their loved ones and ensure that the Museum remains an important cultural asset in our community for years to come.
For more information, please contact Rhonda Madden, Director of Advancement, at rmadden@thewestmoreland.org. or call 724.837.1500 x130.
Find Your Summer Cool in the Museum Shop! Perfect vacation jewelry accessories and gifts for your upcoming summer parties! Great new merchandise for our upcoming exhibition, Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld. Stop by to see what’s new!
All Westmoreland members receive shop discounts, so become a member today! 18 / Summer & Fall 2019
Summertime at Café Marchand Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on our terrace or an evening sipping wine! Café Marchand offers a variety of savory and sweet items and features a walk-up coffee, wine, beer and craft beverage bar. Culinary partner French Express offers a rotating seasonal menu featuring hot soups, quiches, artisan sandwiches, salads, pastries and snacks. Beginning in June, Café Marchand offers nightly happy hour specials from 5–7pm. Wednesday Wine Flights Thursday Free 5oz. Wine Pour or 12oz. Domestic Beer with Food Purchase ($10 minimum purchase) Friday $4 Craft Beers & Live Music Are you planning a group visit to the Museum? Café Marchand offers pre-arranged boxed lunches for small groups. For more information or to host a private event, please contact our events department at eventrentals@thewestmoreland.org or call 724.837.1500 x136. Hours of operation are during Museum hours: 11am–7pm on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday; 10am–5pm on Saturday & Sunday thewestmoreland.org / 19
Become a Member Today! The Westmoreland would not be the Museum it is today without the support of our members. Membership gives behind-the-scenes access to exhibitions and invitations to exclusive member events, all while supporting our efforts to provide accessible arts exhibits, programming and community experiences for everyone. Members receive:
• 10% off at The Westmoreland’s Café Marchand (excluding alcoholic beverages) • Member discounts in our Museum Shop • Access to member prices for all events and programs, including Art on Tap 2.0, Children’s Art Classes & Camps, Pop-Up Studios and more!
Join today as a Best Friend-level member and receive an invitation to the Exhibition Preview for Era of Cool: The Art of John van Hamersveld, July 19 from 6:30–8pm. Enjoy the very first look at our vibrant summer exhibition during this special reception. For more information on The Westmoreland’s Membership Program, visit thewestmoreland.org/membership. Your Museum Membership, now on your phone! The Westmoreland is now proud to offer a digital membership card for your iPhone or Android. A digital card puts your membership in the palm of your hand. All messaging, including renewals and notifications about member events are sent directly to you through notifications. Plus, going digital reduces our need for paper letters and plastic cards! Switching to a digital membership is easy. When signing up online or through our brochure, simply check “Please make my membership digital.” You will receive your card via email within a week of signing up.
For more information about our digital membership card, visit thewestmoreland.org/ digital-membership or contact our Membership Department at 724.837.1500 x117. 20 / Summer & Fall 2019
E SAV THE ! E DAT
BIG
ART PARTY Peace. Love. Art. Saturday, October 5, 2019 > 7:30–11pm Don’t be square! Break out those vintage vibes and join us for one groovy night celebrating Era of Cool with music by Them Vibes and our special guest John Van Hamersveld! The evening includes a variety of bites and cash bar. Proceeds support The Westmoreland’s exhibition and education programs. Dress Attire: Ratted-up Beehives & Psychedelic Threads (aka Fun Cocktail Attire) $60 members/$75 non-members
Buy your tickets today! Visit thewestmoreland.org/bigartparty. image: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), The Bambi Mural, 2014
221 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 thewestmoreland.org info@thewestmoreland.org Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 11am–7pm Saturday–Sunday: 10am–5pm Closed Monday and Tuesday Follow us on:
Want to stay informed with the latest news, exhibitions and events? Visit thewestmoreland.org and subscribe to our email list. 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.
front cover: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), The Next Wave Poster, 2007 below: John Van Hamersveld (b. 1941), Waiting for the Storm, 2013
Era of Cool The Art of John Van Hamersveld Influential and instantly recognizable work from a career in graphic design.
July 20 –October 20, 2019