NEWS & EVENTS / MAY–Aug 2018
opposite: Charles Courtney Curran (1861–1942), The Goldfish, 1911, Oil on canvas, 38 x 28 inches, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.50 (detail)
Musings... It is my pleasure to write this edition of “Musings,” a regular column in this newsletter usually prepared by our Director. We are at an important moment in this Museum’s history. In nearly 60 years, we have had only two directors at the helm: Paul Chew and Judy O’Toole. As Judy retires, she has left us well-positioned for a change in leadership, and a national search for her successor is well underway. We are ready for the future and poised to welcome a new director who will shape our future together with our dedicated Board of Trustees and staff. We have been enjoying another wonderful year at The Westmoreland. Looking ahead to our upcoming exhibitions, we are thrilled to have selections from the Richard M. Scaife bequest to The Westmoreland and the Brandywine River Museum of Art on view together in The Art of Giving. Later in the summer, we will feature the works of talented instructors from regional universities in Artists Who Teach. Speaking of teaching, it’s a joy to know that we continue to welcome more than 3,000 school children from 34 different schools each year, introducing many of them to an art museum for the first time while teaching them about the artists of their own country and region, and allowing them to dance, imagine and play in the galleries. Our reputation grows nationally, helped by an in-depth article in the American Art Review last fall and our recognition by the Urban Land Institute, which named us one of 10 museums internationally that expanded to be more welcoming to the public. 01 / May–August 2018
The coming months and years will be exciting ones, and I hope you will join me soon at The Westmoreland.
Ellen S. Swank President, Board of Trustees
The Art of Giving Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest
For this exhibition, the Brandywine River Museum of Art and The Westmoreland have come together to share their finest works from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest. Following his death in 2014, Mr. Scaife left his collection to The Westmoreland and the Brandywine, allowing each to choose works through a selection process conducted in a round-robin format. Both museums gained masterworks of American art for their collections. thewestmoreland.org / 02
Seeing these paintings together for the first time not only highlights the range of Mr. Scaife’s collecting tastes, but allows visitors insight into the collecting vision of both museums as well as the selection process itself. While located on opposite sides of the state, and just outside the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, both museums share a common mission: the dedication to and exhibition of American art, with a regional focus in their collecting. The Westmoreland’s collection spans 1750 to the present, with both national and regional American artists represented through paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and works on paper. Special collections document the transformation of the southwestern Pennsylvania landscape from agrarian to industrial. The Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford is housed in the renovated 19th century Hoffman’s Mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River. Opened in 1971, the museum has a renowned collection of American art, with a focus on artists who have lived and worked in the region, in particular three generations of Wyeth family artists. American landscape, still-life painting and illustration are the hallmarks of the museum’s collection. In addition, three historic properties—the N.C. Wyeth House and Studio, the Andrew Wyeth Studio and the Kuerner Farm—provide unique insight into the careers of members of the Wyeth family. After months of research and analysis by staff at both institutions, round one of the selection process was held in Greensburg in December 2014. Each museum prepared hierarchical lists of the works of art they wanted. While neither museum received everything they hoped for—each had different priorities in their selection process—both came away with outstanding examples that enhanced and added depth to their collections such as Martin Johnson Heade’s New Jersey Salt Marsh and George Inness’s Moonrise, Alexandria Bay, the first 03 / May–August 2018
two choices made by the Brandywine and The Westmoreland respectively. Mr. Scaife believed in the uplifting potential of art and its ability to help us better understand the world and the issues facing us. Through his bequest, these works of art, once enjoyed privately in domestic settings, have become part of the public realm. As he wrote toward the end of his life: “Beautiful art—paintings, music, literature, whatever—can transform our moods, lighten our hearts, make us think or change our minds, inspire us to be creative or live better lives.” The Art of Giving: Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest will be on view from May 12 through August 5, 2018. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 5:30–7pm. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland. org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS ($15 members, $20 non-members).
above: Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904), New Jersey Salt Marsh, c. 1875–1885, Oil on canvas, 17 x 36.25 inches, Collection: Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, PA, Richard M. Scaife Bequest, 2016.11.11 (detail) below: Frederick Andrew Bosley (1881-1942), Peggy Reading to Elizabeth, 1926, Oil on canvas, 36.25 x 44.5 inches, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.21
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Thank You, Judy! As we bid farewell to our retiring Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO Judy O’Toole, we want to recognize her remarkable tenure of 25 years and the revolutionary transformations the Museum has undergone during her leadership. Judy became the second director of The Westmoreland on June 1, 1993, and has since guided the Museum through growth and change, raising its status as a nationally-recognized museum, connecting with the public and funders through regional and American collections, developing community-oriented educational programming and expanding the Museum’s geographic reach. As director, Judy has overseen a number of significant exhibitions that have established the Museum as one of national stature, such as a major exhibition on Cecilia Beaux in 1996, an exhibition of then little-known photojournalist Charles “Teenie” Harris in 2001 and American Scenery: Different Views in Hudson River School Painting, for which Judy wrote the catalogue. The Museum has also undergone two major renovations in the past 25 years. In 1999, the Museum was renovated to create more public areas related to the collection and education, along with improved visitor amenities. Later, in 2015, the Museum reopened following a two-year renovation and expansion project that resulted in a new cantilever wing, additional space for exhibitions and programming, and a garden setting with indigenous plants, pedestrian pathways and inviting terraces. Increasing The Westmoreland’s focus on community engagement, including the 2001 development of a signature youth educational program, Judy and the Museum have been recognized by the likes of the NAACP and Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, as well as a 2005 segment in the public television series “The Visionaries.” In 2017, The Westmoreland became the first institution to receive the YWCA Westmoreland County Racial Justice Award. “In 35-plus years of arts administration, I have never once met a more empathetic leader than Judy O’Toole,” said Charlie Humphrey, president of the nonprofit consulting firm Charlie Humphrey and Associates. “You would imagine such empathy would make for a short tenure, since artists and our like can usually smell blood in the water and circle with the ruthlessness of a tribe threatened. “But with Judy, empathy is a secret weapon. It comes from quiet confidence and a sense that community and well-developed relationships will always win the day. And she has done just that. No wonder her staff and board hate to see her go. But her legacy will last, and not just in bricks and mortar, or the permanent collection, or programs with deep impact. Her legacy is the institutional culture she leaves behind. The next leader will need to forge their own brand of leadership, but Judy’s contribution will live on.” Please join us on May 30 from 5–7pm for a Community Open House in honor of Judy! Go to thewestmoreland.org/events for more details. thewestmoreland.org / 06
May is Membership Appreciation Month It’s the best time of year to join (or rejoin) as a member of The Westmoreland! Membership connects you with other fellow art lovers and gives you insider access to special discounts and events, including our annual bash, the Big Art Party. Until June 30, receive a 20% discount on any new or renewing membership. Just use the code “drop20” on our website thewestmoreland.org/membership to receive your discount. Best Deal: You can save $50 on our $250 Friend with Benefits level, which includes a dual membership and reciprocal benefits at more than 900 museums nationwide, plus exclusive invitations to social events and adventures to share with friends and family. Also, reserve your spot for the Members Only Behind-the-Scenes Tour with our Curatorial Team on June 20 at 6pm. You won’t want to miss it! To RSVP, go to thewestmoreland.org/events. 07 / May–August 2018
BIG
ART
OCT . 20 2018
PARTY GoES Green
Celebrating the Great Outdoors Our signature event and party of the year, the Big Art Party 2018 will celebrate art and nature. Proceeds from this earth-friendly event will support The Westmoreland’s exhibition and education programs.
VIP Party 6–11pm
Includes party favors, specialty cocktails and entertainment plus our Big Art Dance Party. $125 members, $150 non-members
Big Art Dance Party 7:30–11pm Includes cash bar, small bites, art activities and dance party. $75 members, $90 non-members Tickets sell out fast, so purchase early at thewestmoreland.org/bigartparty. Wear green to show your support for art and nature. Or, “go green” and enter to win the best repurposed/recycled outfit contest. Sponsorships Available: Support The Westmoreland as a Big Art Party Event Sponsor and receive great exposure for your business or organization. Contact Catena Bergevin, Deputy Director/Director of Advancement, at 724.837.1500 x130 or cbergevin@thewestmoreland.org for more information. above: Ferdinand Kaufmann (1864–1932), San Antonio Peak, 1936, Oil on artist board, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2016.17 (detail)
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clockwise from top left: Alfred Thompson Bricher (1837-1908), Maine Coast, n.d., Oil on canvas, 15.25 x 32 inches, Collection: Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, PA, Richard M. Scaife Bequest, 2015, 2016.11.5 Handwritten text from Tell Us Your Immigration Story. Clayton Merrell, Trajectories, 2017, Oil on canvas, 60 x 84 inches
Cantilever Gallery Exhibitions The Art of Giving: Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest May 12–August 5, 2018 Opening Reception: Saturday, May 12, 5:30–7pm Following his death in 2014, Mr. Scaife left his collection to The Westmoreland and the Brandywine River Museum of Art, allowing each to choose works through a selection process conducted in a round-robin format. Seeing these paintings together for the first time not only highlights the range of Mr. Scaife’s collecting tastes but allows visitors insight into the collecting vision of both museums as well as the selection process itself.
Artists Who Teach August 25–November 25, 2018 Opening Reception: Saturday, August 25, 6:30– 8pm Southwestern Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of colleges and universities that offer studio art classes taught by practicing artists. This exhibition celebrates the incredible talent and broad range of art making in this region today by highlighting the work of more than 50 contemporary artists who teach at Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, St. Vincent College, Seton Hill University, Westmoreland County Community College and the University of Pittsburgh.
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Robertshaw Gallery Exhibitions We are grateful to The Fine Foundation for their generous support of this gallery.
Tell Us Your Immigration Story Through June 3, 2018 This exhibition grows over time, highlighting YOUR immigration stories. In addition, we feature Immigration Journeys: Old and New, a series of videos sponsored by the Allegheny County Library Association and produced at the Whitehall Public Library.
Artist in Action: Summers of Green Apples with Salt June 8–August 5, 2018 Opening Reception: Friday, July 13, 5–7pm (along with Art on Tap) Artist Atticus Adams will create an installation based on his childhood memories of summers spent with his grandmother. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the artist as he creates his site-specific work of art.
Brian McCall: The Sounds of Summer August 10–September 9, 2018 Opening Reception: Friday, August 10, 5–7pm (along with Art on Tap) In celebration of the Summer Sounds concerts in St. Clair Park, this exhibition highlights the artist’s 27-foot mural that was used as the backdrop on stage, as well as selections from the hundreds of drawings Brian made while listening to the music.
Carol R. Brown Gallery Exhibitions Third Floor
Director’s Choice May 4–July 29, 2018 In honor of Judy O’Toole’s 25 years as Director/CEO, this exhibition features a selection of her favorite works on paper that entered the collection during her tenure.
New to the Collection August 3–October 28, 2018 A selection of recent gifts and acquisitions are highlighted in this exhibition, including new artists entering the works on paper collection for the first time.
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Calendar of Events All About You! Free Admission Sundays May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5 On the first Sunday of each month, admission to The Westmoreland is free. It’s a great day to bring all of your friends and family! Sponsored by The Committee for The Westmoreland To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Free Admission Wednesday Evenings Visit The Westmoreland on Wednesdays from 5–7pm for free. It’s the perfect way to relax after the work day! Sponsored through June by First Commonwealth Bank To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
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. To purchase your tickets in advance, visit thewestmoreland.org or call 1.888.71TICKETS. Purchase in advance and save! $9 members, $12 non-members in advance; $10 members, $15 non-members at the door
Friday, May 11 > 5–7pm
Sponsored by Timothy M. Henry, Private Wealth Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Featured Organization: Feeding the Spirit
Friday, June 8 > 5–7pm
Sponsored by Judy and Kevin O’Toole Museum Shop Featured Artist: Maria Kyros
Friday, July 13 > 5–7pm
Sponsored by Penn State University New Kensington/ Penn State University New Kensington Alumni Society Featured Organization: Westmoreland Cultural Trust — The Palace Theatre
Friday, August 10 > 5–7pm
Sponsored by Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. Featured Organization: Greensburg Hempfield Area Library
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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. $20 members, $25 non-members
Layering Landscapes: 3D Papercutting Wednesday, May 2 > 6–8pm
Art Camps Week-long art camps where children ages 6-13 can explore their creativity through fun, innovative programs taught by a professional art instructor. Each camp features a different theme, and throughout the week, campers will spend time both in the galleries and the Museum’s studio space. To register or for more information, go to thewestmoreland.org/artcamps. Half Day Camps for children ages 6–7: $85 members, $95 non-members Full Day Camps for children ages 8–10 and 11–13: $135 members, $155 non-members Ages 6–7 (half day)
Ages 11–13 (full day)
Roadside Giants & Other Surprises June 18–22 > 9am–12pm
Obstacle Course to Art August 13–17 > 9am–3pm
This Land Is Your Land July 23–27 > 9am–12pm Ages 8–10 (full day)
Inside/Outside June 11–15 > 9am–3pm Twists & Turns July 16–20 > 9am–3pm
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Calendar of Events Opening Reception: The Art of Giving Saturday, May 12 > 5:30–7pm Enjoy light bites and live music, and be one of the first to view The Art of Giving: Selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members (includes two drink tickets)
Great American Music Series: Anqwenique & The Ensemble Wednesday, May 16 > 6:30–9pm Join us for the last concert in our inaugural season of the Great American Music Series! Anqwenique Wingfield is an extremely versatile vocalist and teaching artist. The evening will be filled with classical jazz and contemporary soul. Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening with friends and family along with food available for purchase from Elegant Catering and a cash bar with beer and wine, soft drinks and a specialty cocktail. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $20 members, $25 non-members, $10 students with ID
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility + Inclusion Matters with Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole Thursday, May 24 > 7:30–9:30am To raise awareness and increase advocacy around matters of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in our community, The Westmoreland Diversity Coalition and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art proudly host Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole for a meet & greet, breakfast and keynote address. Dr. Cole is a sought after speaker whose engagements are always inspirational. Her career as an educator, writer, president of two historically black colleges for women, the director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and currently Principal Consultant with Cook Ross Inc have provided abundant experience in addressing issues on these topics. For more information and to register, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $10 members and non-members
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top: Granville Seymour Redmond (1871–1935), Wildflowers, Poppies, and Lupines, n.d., Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.84 (detail); opposite: William Holbrook Beard (1824– 1900), Five Bears, 1869, Oil on canvas, 14 x 20 inches, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Richard M. Scaife Bequest, 2015 (detail)
Community Open House for Judy O’Toole Wednesday, May 30 > 5–7pm Join friends and neighbors at the Museum to celebrate our Director/CEO Judy O’Toole and her 25 years of leadership. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and sign an oversized “thank you” card for Judy. The Open House is hosted by the members of The Committee for The Westmoreland. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Plein Air Painting in the Gardens Sunday, June 3 > 11am–4pm The Plein Air Painters of western Pennsylvania join us on an All About You! Free Admission Sunday for communal painting in the fresh air! With the gardens in full bloom, there will be abundant subjects to paint. Stop by to watch their progress and speak with the artists, or bring your own supplies and join in. To sign up, go to meetup.com/Pittsburgh-Outdoor-Painters.
Members Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Art and the NFL Draft Wednesday, June 20 > 6–8pm This special behind-the-scenes tour with Chief Curator Barbara Jones will offer a look at the in-depth process involved in making selections from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest, as well as an exclusive peek into our state-of-the-art fine art storage to see additional paintings from the bequest that are not currently on view. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Teddy Bear Picnic Saturday, July 14 > 1–2pm What could be more fun than a summer picnic? Better yet, a teddy bear’s picnic? Inspired by William Holbrook Beard’s Five Bears in The Art of Giving exhibition, we invite families with young children to bring a picnic to enjoy in our garden and on the patio. Bring your teddy bears, spread out your blankets, unpack your picnic baskets and enjoy our fun entertainment and activities. It’s the perfect day for all generations to share and enjoy the art and our garden. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
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Calendar of Events Brunch and a Tour Sunday, July 22 > 11am or 12:30pm Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch provided by Elegant Catering followed by a personal tour with Chief Curator Barbara Jones of our exhibition The Art of Giving. Space is limited and reservations are required for each seating. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $30 members, $35 non-members
Art in the Home Saturday, July 28 > 11am –1pm Built circa 1915 by Samuel H. McCaslin, the foursquare Craftsmanstyle home of Drs. Kathryn and Ed Friedman is the ideal backdrop in which to view their exemplary collection of antique Arts & Crafts furniture, lighting, pottery, metalware and paintings by Associated Artists of Pittsburgh founding members. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events. Please note: This program takes place in Pittsburgh. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation.
Alasdair Nichol Shares His Experiences from PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow” Saturday, August 4 > 1–2 pm Alasdair Nichol, Chairman and Director of Fine Art at Freeman’s auction house in Philadelphia, is respected as one of the leading figures in the American Fine Art market. Known for his regular appearances on the top rated PBS program “Antiques Roadshow,” the Clyfford Still painting that he appraised for $500,000 is among the most valuable finds on the show. Sponsored by The Committee for The Westmoreland. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $20 members, $25 non-members (includes refreshments)
Opening Reception: Artists Who Teach Saturday, August 25 > 6:30–8pm Enjoy light bites and live music, and be one of the first to view Artists Who Teach. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland. org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members (includes two drink tickets)
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right: Delanie Jenkins, Sky Fence, 2016
This Museum welcomes you! And, supporting your museum with a donation makes art happen for everyone! Year after year—thanks to support from individuals like you—The Westmoreland serves our community through the power of the arts and by providing a welcoming space for visitors from near and far. Thanks to this support, each year, thousands of school children are introduced to new ways of learning and seeing the world through art. Tourists are “wowed” by a stunning collection, building and gardens. And, folks from throughout southwestern Pennsylvania find an aesthetic refuge from the demands of everyday life. Make your contribution today by visiting thewestmoreland.org/donate. There are many reasons to support The Westmoreland, but perhaps the greatest is knowing you are helping to inspire future generations. Create a lasting legacy by including the Museum in your estate plans. For more information on becoming a Visionary Fund member, please contact Catena Bergevin, Deputy Director/Director of Advancement, at 724.837.1500 x130 or cbergevin@thewestmoreland.org.
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How has volunteering impacted you? When I first started at the Museum, I was still quite new to the Greensburg area. The Museum introduced me to so much of the wonderful culture and arts we have in our community. I’ve made so many wonderful friends and connections through my time as a volunteer. Volunteering at the Westmoreland has also opened so many doors for me in my community.
Q &A with
Steven Riley Volunteer How long have you been volunteering at the Museum? Describe the work you do. I have been volunteering since October 2016. During this time, I have worked at the front desk and done office and filing work, but I currently work as a volunteer associate in the Museum Shop. Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering at the Museum? I think one of my favorite memories was the 2016 Big Art Party. This was the first large event I had volunteered at since starting at the Museum. I remember how awesome it was to see so many people from all around coming together to celebrate the arts and the new Museum.
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Do you have a favorite work of art in the Museum’s collection? Although I don’t think I can choose one specific work that I like the best, most of my favorite shows and exhibits are the ones shown in our Cantilever Gallery. My favorite exhibit in that gallery was definitely the Art of Movement last summer. I have always appreciated the sculptural work of Tim Prentice, and to see it transform the gallery into this amazing exhibit was so cool! How does art play a role in your life? Art has always been a large part of my life. Growing up, I did all different kinds of art with my four sisters, two of whom now have fine arts degrees. In more recent years as I have grown as a person and artist, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for the varying stories and emotions I can gather just from looking at a work of art. In addition to this, I try to use art as a medium of self-expression on a regular basis because I think it’s a great way to release emotions and grow as an artist and as a person. My favorite mediums of art to do are pottery and sculpture, as well as acrylic and oil painting.
One More.
Nearly 400 people attended Family Day in March, where artist Isaac Bower led a participatory activity with his Cojiform sculptures. Visitors put their design and creative thinking skills to the test as they arranged these conceptual pieces into unique sculptures. thewestmoreland.org / 18
cover: George Inness (1825–1894), Moonrise, Alexandria Bay, 1891, Oil on canvas, 30.25 x 45.25 inches, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.65 (detail)
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.
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