NEWS & EVENTS / JAN–APr 2018
Judy and her husband, Kevin O’Toole, at The Westmoreland Society annual dinner in December.
Musings... By now, you will have heard that I announced my retirement to begin on June 1, 2018. It was a bittersweet decision prompted by the strength of The Museum’s current position and the approaching anniversary of 25 years since I first came here as Director/CEO. The Westmoreland has provided much to me and my family over the years, and for that I am very grateful. It quickly became an inextricable part of all our lives, not just mine. During my tenure, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many extraordinary people, including artists, writers, guest curators, collectors, dealers, art historians, donors, civic leaders and colleagues. I am incredibly indebted to the Museum’s Board of Trustees, volunteer groups and staff, which are made up of exceptionally talented and dedicated individuals—all of whom have worked diligently to make The Westmoreland the nationally recognized institution it is today. And, all the while, we have kept the environment adventuresome, welcoming and fun. The New Year will be an exciting one for The Westmoreland and the communities it serves. Planning will be underway to celebrate 60 years of service to the public through art in 2019. A new leader with a fresh vision and innovative ideas will be chosen to lead the Museum forward. I am excited to learn who that person will be and what perspective they will bring to the community and the institution. I believe we 01 / January–April 2018
have prepared the path well for them and wish them all the best. The year will be exciting for me as well, as I look to new endeavors, which I hope, at least for the first few months, will be found no further than our front porch swing. I will miss the invigorating environment at The Westmoreland, the amazing visiting public and Museum members with whom I have had the pleasure to interact, the rich and varied collection and, especially, all the truly remarkable people with whom I had the privilege of serving. When I look back on my tenure, it is the institutional culture I have worked to establish and maintain, which composes the legacy that is the most fulfilling to me. Of course, I am proud of our more tangible achievements, including, most recently, our stunning new building and all that it enables us to do. But, we would never have achieved the things for which we are lauded without respect, inclusivity, collaboration, innovation, ethics and a penchant for risk taking as part of our core values. My thanks go to the team that my successor will inherit. I will miss our collegiality the most. Godspeed!
Judith Hansen O’Toole The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO
Emigration– Immigration– Migration Five Photographic Perspectives A flag is presented to new citizens during a naturalization ceremony in downtown Pittsburgh. Scott Goldsmith, 2017
Immigrants come to the U.S. under a variety of circumstances; whether alone or with their families, they bring with them different names, foods and customs, interweaving their individual journeys into the collective American culture. thewestmoreland.org / 02
Emigration–Immigration–Migration is a civic engagement project that uses photographs to document the experiences of multiple generations of immigrants and their descendants. Highlighting the work of five Pittsburgh photographers, and working under the premise that “we all come from somewhere,” the images serve as a lens through which to consider the broader American immigrant experience. While highlighting the central role that immigration has played in the formation of our identity, in sustaining our economy, and in the enrichment of our cultural diversity, the resulting images aim to create a space for civil, constructive conversation about belonging and cultural heritage today. This exhibition is tied to a project of The Documentary Works, a group of professional photographers documenting social and environmental issues. Curators Brian Cohen and Laura Domencic wanted to add to the conversation around emigration (leaving one’s homeland), immigration (coming to a new country) and migration (the process of moving), each of which make this country what it is. Other community partners include the American Jewish Museum, City of Asylum, Repair the World and Union Project.
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Through the eyes and camera lenses of the photographers featured in Emigration– Immigration–Migration, we see the faces and experiences of multiple generations of migrants and their descendants. Brian Cohen’s photographs highlight the ethnic social clubs, community centers, groceries and religious temples in which immigrant communities have matured and become—or are becoming—Americans. Scott Goldsmith documents two very different immigrant stories: newly-arrived Bhutanese refugees as they make their home in Pittsburgh, and an Orthodox Jewish family whose members immigrated from Europe and the Middle East before settling in Squirrel Hill. Nate Guidry’s work focuses on the Latino community through the story of a Mexican single father of two in Brookline. Lynn Johnson’s images, beginning with the documentation of a naturalization ceremony, and continuing with portraits of new citizens, represent an effort to see and know our newest citizens. Annie O’Neill’s large-scale doubleportraits pair up long-term immigrants with new arrivals to America who each have something in common beyond their status as immigrants.
left: Brianna Ibarra Romana, 7, and her father Jose Luis Ibarra enjoy the games at Dave and Busters. Nate Guidry, 2017 right: Sri Venkateswara, Monroeville. Brian Cohen, 2017 below: Gertrud and Jenneta. Annie O’Neill, 2017
The catalogue, designed by Brett Yasko, features essays by two Public Radio journalists. Erika Beras presents interviews with African American Pittsburgh residents who found their way to the city during the Great Migration over fifty years ago, providing a look into growing up in the segregated South, and the changes they experienced in moving north. Reid Frazier’s essay uses a historical context to reveal the hopes, dreams and challenges of immigrants in a new country where their welcome is tempered by the fears and prejudices they encounter.
Emigration–Immigration–Migration will be on view from January 20 through April 22, 2018. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 20 from 6:30–8pm. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/ events or call 1.888.71TICKETS ($15 members, $20 non-members). Additionally, a talk with the photographers featured in the show will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 6–7pm. To RSVP, also visit thewestmoreland.org/events. Funding for this project has been generously provided by The Fisher Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation; Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation; Hillman Foundation; The Heinz Endowments; and Opportunity Fund. At The Westmoreland, funding has been generously provided by the Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
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clockwise from top left: Parklet on Pennsylvania Avenue / Anthony DeBernardin (1889–1972), Sun Bath Tat Is Hot, 1965, Gift of Mrs. Alvin M. Owsley, 1979.113 Greensburg YMCA / Dorothy Lauer Davids (1905–1980), The Swimming Pool, c. 1938, Gift of Paul A. Davids, 1982.174 First Commonwealth Bank / Gerrit Albertus Beneker (1882–1934), The Iron Worker, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.17 Greensburg-Hempfield Library / Frederick Andrew Bosley (1881–1942), Peggy Reading to Elizabeth, 1926, Bequest of Richard M. Scaife, 2015.21 Trinity United Church / Mary Jane Peale (1827–1902), Two Children, 1882, Gift of Hirschl and Adler Galleries, New York, NY, 1969.1
Art Happens Project With multiple sites already on view throughout downtown Greensburg and more approved sites awaiting production and installation, the Art Happens public art project is well underway. More than a dozen total sites will be installed by the coming spring months just in time for the Saturday, April 14 ArtsWalk event in partnership with Seton Hill University. On that date, special “Happenings” will take place throughout the day at the Art Happens sites along with other activities at various ArtsWalk stops. The Art Happens project aims to spark curiosity and in turn inspire one to visit The Westmoreland. If you take a selfie at an Art Happens site and show the photo at the Museum’s welcome desk, admission is free! More on the project can be found at ArtHappensProject.org, including a request for proposal for the “Happenings” to take place on April 14. Also, show your support of the project with some Art Happens swag; T-shirts, buttons and car decals are all available for purchase in the Museum Shop.
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clockwise from top left: Norwood Hodge MacGilvary (1874–1949), The Optimist, n.d., Oil on canvas, 25 x 31 inches, Gift of Michael J. Ettner, 2017.10 Clyde Hare (1927–2009), Untitled, n.d., Gelatin silver print, 4 x 4 inches, Gift of Graham Shearing, 2017.12.B Merv Corning (1926–2006), Roses on Boudoir Table, 1990, Watercolor, 29 x 21.5 inches; Gift of Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Alfred Watson (1916–2003), Railroad Yard, 1941, Bromide print mounted on board, 16.375 x 13.375 inches, Gift of Carol Watson, the artist’s daughter, 2017.16
The Gift of Art Thanks to the generosity of donors who gift works of art to The Westmoreland, we are able to grow our permanent collection and provide our visitors with an expanded range of American art. At the October 2017 Board of Trustees meeting, several gifts were accepted into the collection, including these four works: The Optimist by Norwood Hodge MacGilvary, a Pittsburgh-born painter, was gifted to us by Michael J. Ettner. Graham Shearing gifted the Museum two untitled Clyde Hare photographs that are juxtaposed together in a single frame. A bromide print titled Railroad Yard by Alfred Watson was gifted to us by the artists’ daughter, Carol Watson. Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. gifted a 1990 watercolor by Merv Corning titled Roses on Boudoir Table. thewestmoreland.org / 06
A Special Thank You to our Volunteers In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, we want to thank each and every one of our talented, enthusiastic volunteers with four volunteer-only events:
Secret Discount in Shop April 1–7 Stop into the Museum Shop during the first week of April to get an additional 10–25% discount (to be used in conjunction with your existing volunteer discount) towards the purchase of one item.
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch Thursday, April 5 > 12–1:30pm This is the time to let us serve you! Volunteers are welcome to this delicious event supplemented by homemade dishes from the staff.
A Conversation with a Special Guest Speaker Wednesday, April 18 > 5:30–6:30pm Volunteers are invited to join us for an exclusive talk with a special guest speaker to be announced.
Volunteer Mixer Wednesday, April 25 > 5–6:30pm Come to this finale event for a festive get together filled with fun and light snacks. The only caveat? Bring a prospective volunteer to meet the staff and your fellow volunteers! For more information on volunteer opportunities, please visit thewestmoreland.org/support/volunteer. 07 / January–April 2018
We Love Our Members! Members of The Westmoreland will enjoy even more benefits this February with free admission days at nine other cultural organizations in Pittsburgh. Simply show your Westmoreland membership card on the days listed below to receive free admission and a 10% discount on all new memberships and museum store purchases. Plus, enter a raffle for a chance to win a grand prize membership to all participating organizations. Through this partnership, The Westmoreland will be offering free admission to members of participating organizations on February 24. Participating Organizations and Dates: Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens > February 3 Mattress Factory > February 3 Carnegie Museums > February 4 Children’s Museum > February 9 Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium > February 10 The Frick Pittsburgh > February 11 Sweetwater Center for the Arts > February 15 Phipps Conservatory > February 17 Heinz History Center > February 25
It’s All About You Visit the Museum on one of our monthly free Sundays* or weekly free Wednesday evenings and receive a discount of any level of membership when signing up as a new member! Visit our Welcome Desk or Museum Shop to sign up and be a part of The Westmoreland’s circle of friends. *January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8 thewestmoreland.org / 08
Say “I do” at The Westmoreland The Westmoreland’s architecturally dynamic building surrounded by stunning gardens provides an amazing venue for your wedding ceremony and/or reception. Our flexible rental program allows you to showcase your inner creative spirit. You can choose to have your guests visit our galleries and discover our impressive collection of American art. Work with our Event Manager to bring your grand or intimate event to life. Contact us to make your plans at thewestmoreland.org/ event-rentals
Art on Tap Sponsorships Promote your business while contributing to the cultural vitality of our region by sponsoring one of our monthly Art on Tap events. For a $500 sponsorship, your organization will be featured on that month’s Art on Tap promotional materials, plus you’ll receive free Art on Tap tickets for your employees or clients, have the option of a display table at the event and have the opportunity to be a guest bartender. We’ll take care of the refreshments and entertainment. Sponsorships fill up fast, so contact Catena Bergevin, Deputy Director/ Director of Advancement, at 724.837.1500 x130 or cbergevin@thewestmoreland.org. 09 / January–April 2018
The Visionary Fund Your Country. Your Art. Your Legacy. As a member of The Westmoreland’s Visionary Fund, you will take the lead in ensuring that The Westmoreland will continue to grow and thrive, allowing future generations to experience American art. You are eligible for complimentary membership in The Visionary Fund if you: :: Include The Westmoreland in your will or living trust :: Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity for The Westmoreland :: Designate The Westmoreland as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy, retirement plan or charitable remainder trust For more information about membership in The Westmoreland’s Visionary Fund or to discuss a potential planned gift, please contact Catena Bergevin, Deputy Director/Director of Advancement, at 724.837.1500 x130 or cbergevin@thewestmoreland.org. Thank you for considering a legacy gift. Art happens because of you!
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clockwise from top left: Americanization Mutual Society, Greensburg, PA. Brian Cohen, 2017 Ken Nicholson, And Love Was Ours, 2017, Oil on mounted muslin, 54 x 24 inches Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896–1969), Grouse Going to Roost, 1940; Watercolor on paper, 20 x 30 inches, 2010.8 Harry Sternberg (1904-2001), Enough, n.d., Etching on paper, 15 x 11.25 inches, Gift of the Louis Berkman Company, 2014.12
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Cantilever Gallery Exhibitions Emigration–Immigration–Migration January 20–April 22, 2018 Opening Reception: Saturday, January 20, 6:30– 8pm Featuring the work of five Pittsburgh photographers, Emigration–Immigration–Migration serves as a lens through which to consider the central role that immigration has played in the formation of our American identity. By documenting the experiences of multiple generations of immigrants and their descendants, this exhibition creates a space for constructive conversation about belonging and cultural heritage today.
Robertshaw Gallery Exhibitions We are grateful to The Fine Foundation for their generous support of programming for this gallery.
Dark Matter: Paintings by Kenneth Nicholson Through February 4, 2018 Nicholson’s narrative paintings depict extreme melodrama and disrupt traditional figure/ background interplay, releasing the character’s inner drama into the negative space.
Tell Us Your Immigration Story February 9–May 6, 2018 Opening Reception: Friday, February 9, 5–7pm (along with Art on Tap) This interactive exhibition, organized in conjunction with Emigration–Immigration– Migration, will grow over time, highlighting YOUR stories through writing, audio, photographs and video. In addition, we will feature Immigration Journeys: Old and New, a series of videos sponsored by the Allegheny County Library Association and produced at the Whitehall Public Library, in which long-term residents and newly arrived refugees and immigrants tell their stories.
Carol R. Brown Gallery Exhibitions Third Floor
The Right to Bare Art Through January 28, 2018 George Bellows, Isabel Bishop, Paul Cadmus, Frederick Demmler, Malcolm Parcell, John Sloan and others demonstrate exceptional draftsmanship in these selections of figure drawings and prints from the permanent collection.
Cold Comfort On view starting February 4, 2018 Enjoy the winter season with a fresh look at how artists have viewed the landscape in these selections from our works on paper collection.
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Calendar of Events All About You! Free Admission Sundays January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8* 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. *Please note that the All About You! Free Admission Sunday in April will be held on the second Sunday of the month due to the Easter holiday.
Free Admission Wednesday Evenings Visit The Westmoreland on Wednesdays from 5–7pm for free. It’s a great way to relax after the work day! Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank.
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
Zentangle Mandala Wednesday, January 10 > 6–8pm Winter Wonderland Wednesday, February 7 > 6–8pm Mono a Mono Wednesday, March 7 > 6–8pm Buckets & Bolts Wednesday, April 4 > 6–8pm
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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, January 12 > 5–7pm
A special Art on Tap for our friends who live in the 15601 zip code! With proof of residence, receive a special price of just $6 per person (online or at the door, includes two drink tickets). Invite your neighbors and friends to join us and let’s celebrate the arts in our community, together.
Friday, February 9 > 5–7pm
sponsored by Greensburg Breakfast Club
Friday, March 9 > 5–7pm Friday, April 13 > 5–7pm sponsored by Milanscape
Children’s Art Classes The Westmoreland offers innovative and engaging monthly art classes for ages 7–10 taught by a professional art instructor, giving children the opportunity to expand and explore their creativity. To register or for more information, contact 724.837.1500 x110 or education@thewestmoreland.org. $15 members, $20 non-members
Recycled Rover Saturday, January 13 > 10am–12pm All About Me — Self Portrait Saturday, February 3 > 10am–12pm Making Multiples Saturday, March 3 > 10am–12pm Watercolor Stained Glass Saturday, April 7 > 10am–12pm
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Calendar of Events Opening Reception Emigration–Immigration–Migration Saturday, January 20 > 6:30–8pm Enjoy light bites and live music, and be one of the first to view this photography exhibition. To purchase tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members (includes two drink tickets).
We All Come From Somewhere Wednesday, February 7 > 6–7pm Meet the photographers who have captured the American immigrant experience featured in our Emigration–Immigration– Migration exhibition. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
City of Asylum Saturday, March 3 > 1–2:30pm Learn about the journeys of three literary writers whose lives were endangered by political, cultural or economic conflict before making new homes in the United States. Osama Alomar from Syria, Israel Centeno from Venezuela and Tuhin Das from Bangladesh will share their stories of exile and perform excerpts of their work. This event is presented in partnership with City of Asylum. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
If the art could talk, oh, the stories they would tell! Saturday, March 10 > 1–2pm Join Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO Judy O’Toole as she tells the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the wonderful art in our collection. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Great American Music Series Wednesday, March 21 > 6:30–9pm Beauty Slap, Pittsburgh’s party-brass-thunder-funk machine, is back! Come early and visit our galleries before the fun starts. Includes a cash bar. Tickets will sell out fast, so reserve early at thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $20 members, $25 non-members, $10 students with ID
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Family Day Saturday, March 24 > 11am–3pm Surprises and fun for the whole family! Enjoy free admission, art projects, scavenger hunts, special discounts and more. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Many Voices, One Dream Saturday, March 31 > 1–2pm Throughout our history, political oppression, famine, violence and religious persecution have motivated people to make their way to our shores. Learn what it means to be part of the new American Dream through the experiences of some recent arrivals, including a DACA recipient, and others who are now established in our society. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Repair the World Wednesday, April 11 > 6:30–9pm Join us for dinner and discussion in collaboration with Repair the World: Pittsburgh as we dig into immigration and identity in Southwestern Pennsylvania. After exploring Emigration– Immigration–Migration, settle in for a night of delicious food and good conversation about these important topics. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.
Greensburg ArtsWalk Saturday, April 14 > 11am–5pm Experience the Greensburg arts scene during ArtsWalk, a day of discovering the visual and performing arts our town has to offer. Pick up your roadmap at Courthouse Square and set off on a selfguided walking tour of downtown Greensburg. Explore the work of local, regional and national artists at each stop, including the Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Incubator for the Arts, Seton Hill University’s galleries and Art Yard, DV8 Espresso Bar and Gallery and more. Plus, don’t miss the Happenings occurring throughout downtown at The Westmoreland’s Art Happens spots. opposite, top to bottom: Immigrant Portraits Series. Annie O’Neill, 2017; Sister Hilda Uzokwa is officially from Nigeria but she claims Biafra as home. She recently became a U.S. citizen. With her sister-in-law, who by Nigerian law and custom is also her wife. Lynn Johnson, 2017; John French Sloan (1871–1951), Portrait of Mary Regensburg, 1939, Tempera underpaint and oil-varnish glaze on panel, 24 x 20 inches, Gift of Mary Regensburg Feist, 2007.3 (detail) above middle: Jose Luis Ibarra gets a hug from his daughter Brianna Ibarra Romana, 7, on the back porch at their home in Pittsburgh. Nate Guidry, 2017
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What do you enjoy most about your job? Even after teaching for 28 years, I still can’t wait to see the variety of creative ideas the students come up with and hear how excited they get when they solve an artistic problem. To know I am passing on my passion for art to generations of kids means so much to me. Whether they become an artist or not, I always hope the students will take with them an interest in art and that they will want to visit museums throughout their lives. Do you have a favorite work of art in the Museum’s collection?
Q &A with
Typically I gravitate to more abstract pieces of art, but my two current favorite pieces are realistic: Malcolm Parcell’s Portrait of Helen Gallagher (Black and Green) and Priscilla Warren Roberts’ Flaming Youth. I find these most interesting because they look like strong, confident women I would like to sit down with and have a conversation.
Wendy Milne
Outside of work, what are some of your interests/hobbies?
Hempfield Area School District Elementary Art Teacher
I really enjoy touring historical houses throughout the country with my husband, going to the beach and working on our flower garden. Of course, I always enjoy making art but it’s hard to find the time— which is why I find the Pop-Up Studios here at the Museum so beneficial. I’m able to sit and make art for an uninterrupted period of time every month. I highly recommend the Pop-Up Studio classes to everyone!
Can you tell us about your job and your connection to The Westmoreland? I teach elementary art in the Hempfield Area School District, and I’ve been bringing students to the Museum for field trips throughout my career. Most recently, [The Westmoreland’s Director of Education and Visitor Engagement] Joan McGarry, the Stanwood Elementary kindergarten teachers, school counselor, music teacher and I have been team teaching about emotions. During the field trip, the docents guide them in a variety of activities related to finding emotions in the artwork. It’s so much fun bringing these youngsters to the Museum, possibly for the first time in their lives.
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What are some of your favorite things to do in the area (besides visiting The Westmoreland)? I am an avid reader and participate in the book discussions at the GreensburgHempfield Library. My husband and I enjoy going to restaurants in the area and we often can be found in the Strip District on the weekends.
One More.
Dancers from FitnessEnvi, a fitness studio located in Greensburg, performed aerial acts during our second annual Big Art Party on October 21, 2017. Nearly 500 people enjoyed a night of art, music and dancing at our biggest event of the year, which supports our education and exhibition programs. thewestmoreland.org / 18
cover: Naturalization ceremonies, October 25, 2017—USCIS Office in Penn Center, Monroeville, PA. Lynn Johnson, 2017
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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