OCTOBER–JANUARY | 2024/25
Director's Welcome
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the 2023–2024 fiscal year, it is with pride that I share the remarkable achievement of having reached the highest attendance ever recorded at the Museum! With nearly 29,000 engagements through on-site visits, virtual interactions, and outreach initiatives, we have achieved a significant milestone. This success is a testament to the popularity of the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition, Art in Bloom, our inclusive Community Days, increased participation from schools, and support from members like you. Thank you for helping to grow our audience!
As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, we are thrilled to present Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven, a groundbreaking exhibition on view from October 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Agha's work explores themes of light and shadow, elements central to our upcoming season. Her installations, including her signature light box pieces, will create immersive experiences that invite contemplation of identity and belonging.
This fall and winter will truly be a season of lights at The Westmoreland. In addition to Agha's exhibition, we are excited to unveil our Winter Lights installation in the garden, running from mid-November, to January 5, 2025. This enchanting display will begin with a Winter Wonderland event on November 15, offering guests an evening of art, music, and festive activities. The Winter Lights installation will illuminate our grounds, creating a magical atmosphere that complements Agha's Interwoven exhibition.
During Winter Lights, we will also host five Winter Nights at the Museum, providing special evening hours for guests to explore the galleries, participate in art-making activities, listen to music, and enjoy seasonal treats and beverages. These evenings will be an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience
the beauty of our Museum and engage with the art in a unique setting.
We are excited to announce new and updated membership benefits. In addition to existing discounts for the Shop, Café, and selected events, we will also offer free admission to Art in Bloom and a new festival experience in the summer of 2025. Members will also receive exclusive access to the openings of exhibitions in the Cantilever Galleries, providing an opportunity to engage more deeply with our offerings.
As we continue to grow and thrive, we are launching the New Possibilities Campaign to expand our endowment and ensure a sustainable future for the Museum. This campaign is about more than just securing funds; it’s about investing in the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift our community. By supporting this campaign, you are helping us bring extraordinary works of art and innovative experiences to visitors of all ages. For more information, please contact Rhonda Madden, Chief Advancement Officer, at rmadden@thewestmoreland.org or 724.837.1500 x130.
Thank you for your continued support of and engagement with The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
Sincerely,
Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, PhD
The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO
OCT. 6, 2024–JAN. 5, 2025
Shortly after I joined The Westmoreland, I began planning an exhibition of the work of Anila Quayyum Agha. Now, more than two years later, I am so pleased to say that we look forward to welcoming you this October to Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven. Comprising nearly fifty artworks from the artist’s studio and key public and private collections, the exhibition illustrates Agha’s shared concerns across media regarding the role of women in society; belonging, spirituality, and mutual solidarity; and the relationship between culturally specific and universal human experiences.
Museums offer spaces for people of different backgrounds and beliefs to come together in divisive times. Agha catalyzes this potential. As a Pakistani-American artist, she makes art that addresses many contexts and speaks multiple stories. I have a vivid memory, years ago, of the first time I saw her work, All the Flowers Are for Me (Red) (2016), a room-sized installation that will be presented in our exhibition. The work comprises a laser-cut, red-lacquered steel box that emits light, bathing viewers in patterned shadows. I was transfixed. Inside this room, shadows fell on the visitors around me, and I noticed that all the things that make me a person—the marks of gender, class, and culture—faded away in the artist’s enveloping and ornate patterns. In the dark, our differences are diminished, and we start to focus on what connects us. As you view this exhibition, the beauty will move you. It is radiating, awe-inspiring, and arresting. At the same time, this extraordinary beauty holds the potential to make you contemplate your place in the world and, most importantly, the ways in which your journey might relate to others.
Steel is an important part of this exhibition. Winged Shadows (2018), a work on loan from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, was the result of a fortuitous studio accident. While the artist’s fabricator was creating one of her sculptures, some steel dust fell on a paper below the object. It was visually striking, and there was a metaphorical power for the artist. Something cast off was now front and center. Artworks and materials like this symbolize what might be called “American.” Steel has meant so much to so many Americans; people, throughout time, have literally died for steel. From cars to skyscrapers, it has created some of the most significant emblems of American ingenuity. By using this material in both direct and indirect ways, the artist is suggesting that we might see the overlooked more broadly in the world. What are the things we take for granted? How can the cast-off be made beautiful?
I’d like to suggest you spend some time with another artwork in the show, the artist’s Speak series from 2008. The three works feature the embroidered words of Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz's 1941 poem "Speak." When translated into English, the first stanza reads:
Speak, for your two lips are free; Speak, your tongue is still your own; This straight body is still yours; Speak, your life is still your own.
This poem has held meaning in Pakistan since its publication, and it remains relevant for people across the globe. Over decades, it has come to symbolize many forms of resilience and resistance, whether quiet or loud, against military dictatorships or in the face of oppressive social norms. This idea of finding your voice amidst all the noise is powerful. It transcends any exhibition.
—Jeremiah William McCarthy Chief Curator
Following its debut at The Westmoreland, Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven travels to the Wichita Art Museum, Kansas, and the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
A fully illustrated scholarly catalogue will accompany the exhibition. It features new installation photography and essays by curator Jeremiah William McCarthy; trailblazing artist and pedagogue Salima Hashmi; art historian Nadia Radwan; architecture historian Javiaria Shahid; and attorney, author, and human rights advocate Rafia Zakaria. The catalogue is co-published by the Museum and Dancing Foxes Press, Brooklyn, and distributed by D.A.P./Distributed Art Publishers. It will be available for purchase online and in the Museum Shop.
ARTIST INTERVIEW: BRYAN MARTELLO
In November, artist Bryan Martello will be featured in an exhibition that takes as its source of inspiration some of the objects that remain from The Westmoreland's previously-held toy collection. Martello is based in Pittsburgh, where he teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. He received a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and an MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. Here he is in conversation with the Museum's Assistant Curator, Danny Volk.
Danny Volk (DV): What is it like being an artist in Southwestern Pennsylvania?
Bryan Martello (BM): I moved here on a whim about four years ago during the pandemic. I really like living here and the pace of life. I think something distinct about the art community here is how friendly everyone is. I feel like the community is a lot more encouraging than in other places I've lived.
DV: What is your history as a photographer?
BM: I knew I wanted to be an artist before I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but I always felt like photography was the medium I gravitated most towards and the one that best executed my ideas. I think in images, but I like being able to stage things for the camera. I used to compare my practice to window dressing, as my work is basically always making things for the camera. I like building things, and then flattening them with the camera lens.
DV: A lot of the photographers in the Museum’s collection are capturing candid moments in time and place. As an artist, what are your thoughts on candid versus staged approaches to capturing images?
BM: Well, I almost never take candid photographs. My work is all staged. Whether that is obvious or not is irrelevant to me, but the staging is really important to me and is very much the work itself. I think a lot about how constructed space relates to identity.
DV: What artists or movements do you look to as relevant to your current artistic practice?
BM: In terms of movements, I am inspired by surrealism. I like a range of artists: Minor White and Robert Gober are two big influences. However, a more contemporary artist I am very obsessed with is Samara Golden. I don’t think my work looks anything like theirs, but I’m more inspired by how they look at the world, respond to contemporary issues, and cultivate a unique and distinct visual language.
DV: What are your main concerns as an artist?
BM: I have a lot of concerns about the world in general, and I think art is a way for me to use my voice to work through some of these thoughts and concerns. Something I’ve been thinking a lot about is empathy and who “deserves” it. I’m thinking specifically about marginalized communities and how some people lack patience, empathy, and an open mind. I’m not sure that my work necessarily provides any solutions to these problems, but I think it is a way for me to have a conversation about these ideas in my own way.
DV: How do you envision your viewer engaging with the work? Is there a correct “read”?
BM: I enjoy ambiguity and people interpreting the work however they do. There is not a correct read, per se, but I don't think everyone will resonate with my work, and I am okay with that.
Also on View
Modern & Contemporary Galleries
The Great Search: Art in a Time of Change, 1928–1945
On view through December 8, 2024
Surveys the period from the beginning of the Great Depression to the end of World War II to demonstrate how pluralism was a hallmark of the modern American art world
This is 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 Cohort Program.
Generously supported by
Paneled Rooms
All the Right Notes
On view through March 30, 2025
Features artworks and objects inspired by the ethereality of music
Generously supported by
Friedlander Gallery
George Hetzel and Scalp Level
On view through June 8, 2025
Connects Hetzel's training in Europe, the contributions of his students, and the ways their paintings contributed to modern art in the region
Robertshaw Gallery
The Westmoreland Collects . . .
On view through February 16, 2025
Joins well-known works with recent additions to the Museum’s permanent collection
Biddle Gallery ART[WORK]
On view through March 2, 2025
Showcases the talent of the Museum's staff, who pursue their passion for art both on and off the clock
The Westmoreland would not be what it is today without the support of Museum members like you. Joining The Westmoreland Society is the ultimate way to show your support. Westmoreland Society members now enjoy an expanded program with more ways to engage, including private previews, art unveilings, and travel opportunities leading up to the annual reception!
Westmoreland Society Reception
Friday, November 22, 6:30–8:30pm
Westmoreland Society members will gather for the 37th annual meeting to select, vote on, and acquire a work of art for the permanent collection. The reception will feature hors d’oeuvres, a buffet-style dinner, cocktails, and musical entertainment. The event will include a preview of the artworks, an announcement of 2025 Westmoreland Society programs, and a tribute to individuals who have supported the arts.
$125 member
Advance registration is required; deadline is November 15.
Free admission to exhibitions is generously supported by
WINTER LIGHTS at THE WESTMORELAND
November 15–January 5, nightly, from dusk to 10pm
FREE
Celebrate the holiday season at The Westmoreland with the Museum's magical Winter Lights display and a special series of free events for all ages!
Community Night Winter Wonderland
Friday, November 15, 6–9pm
Enjoy the opening night of the Winter Lights display, the Interwoven exhibition featuring immersive light experiences, festive snacks and beverages, art-making, and special entertainment and demonstrations to welcome winter.
FREE
Winter Nights at the Museum
Thursdays, November 21, December 5, 12, 19, 26 5–8pm
Stroll through the Winter Lights display outside, and explore the permanent collection and Interwoven exhibition inside. Sip on a free seasonal hot beverage, and enjoy festive treats, specialty drinks at our cash bar, entertainment, and artmaking activities.
FREE
Funding provided by the Greensburg Foundation Fund of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, affiliated with The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Generous support for Winter Wonderland and Winter Nights provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
Thank you to our corporate sponsor
Additional support for Winter Wonderland provided by the Westmoreland County Local Arts Grant Program.
HOLIDAY MART AT THE MUSEUM SHOP
Thursday, December 5, 5–8pm
Friday, December 6, 10am–5pm
Saturday, December 7, 10am–5pm
FREE
Mark your calendar for the Museum's annual Holiday Mart!
Discover unique, handcrafted pieces from local artisans, and enjoy live music and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies as you browse for gifts for loved ones or to treat yourself. Free gift wrapping is provided for all purchases. Receive a 10% discount on regular price merchandise in-store and online; Museum Members receive an additional 10% off. Plus, enter to win exciting raffle prizes.
Every purchase supports local artisans and The Westmoreland!
UPCOMING EVENTS
October
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Presents Pittsburgh Chamber Brass:
Bach to Blues
Thursday, October 3
6–8:30pm, Concert Begins at 7pm
This captivating evening is inspired by the exhibition All the Right Notes. Arrive at 6pm to peruse the galleries.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven Members Opening
Saturday, October 5, 6–8pm
Join fellow members and special guests for a first look at Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and entertainment while experiencing this unique exhibition.
FREE
Advance registration is required; deadline is September 27
In Conversation with Anila Quayyum Agha
Sunday, October 6, 3–4:30pm
Artist Anila Quayyum Agha and Chief Curator Jeremiah William McCarthy discuss the artist's captivating work and the creation of the exhibition Interwoven
FREE
Pop-Up Studio
Mixed-Media
Self-Portrait Collage
Tuesday, October 8, 6–8pm
Join artist educator Kenneth Nicholson for an evening of cutting, tearing, and gluing to create a mixed-media self-portrait collage.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Jazz Concert Series
Sam Brooks
Wednesday, October 9
7–9pm, Doors and Bar Open at 6pm
Jazz is back for another fantastic season at The Westmoreland!
$20 member/$25 non-member
Season ticket: $60 member/$80 non-member
Cash bar and complimentary snacks available.
A Closer Look New Acquisitions in Context
Thursday, October 17, 3–4:30pm
Join us for a happy hour gathering to explore the Museum’s most recent acquisitions with Chief Curator Jeremiah William McCarthy.
$25 member/$30 non-member
Community Day Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 26, 10am–3pm
Join us for the first Harvest Festival at the Museum! All ages can celebrate the harvest season with live music, familyfriendly games, and delicious food from regional vendors.
FREE
Advance registration is required; deadline is October 1. Materials will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring materials or photos with personal meaning/their own likeness.
Art on Tap Harvest Night
Saturday, October 26, 6–9pm
Enjoy spooky entertainment and a monster mash dance party! Costumes are encouraged and rewarded with prizes throughout the night.
$12 member/$15 non-member
Event is 21+. Ticket includes entertainment, light bites, and one free potion (beverage) then cash bar after.
To register or purchase tickets for these events visit thewestmoreland.org/calendar
Advance registration is recommended for most events.
November
Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven Interwoven Dinner
Saturday, November 2, 6–8pm
Join us for a meal and conversation inspired by the exhibition Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven.
$75 member/$85 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is October 25.
Pop-Up Studio Handmade
Greeting Cards
Tuesday, November 5, 6–8pm
Celebrate the season with artist Monique Ridet and create fine art greeting cards using gorgeous embroidered ribbons, holiday themed papers, and other embellishments.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is October 29. Materials will be provided.
Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven Teacher Workshop
Thursday, November 7, 5–7pm
Active public school teachers are invited to an exclusive tour of the exhibition Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven
Join us for an evening of exploring the galleries through hands-on learning experiences that you can take back to the classroom!
FREE
Teacher programs supported in part by contributions from businesses eligible for tax credits through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Eligible teachers will receive two Act 48 credits issued by the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit.
Children's Studio
Leaving an Imprint
Saturday, November 9, 10am–12pm
Taking inspiration from the patterns of nature, create multi-colored relief images that will make a lasting impression.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Art History Face-Off
Saturday, November 9, 6–8pm
Witness an engaging battle inspired by The Great Search exhibition where college teams compete to flex their art history knowledge with attendees selecting the winning team.
FREE
Support provided by
Museum Members Explore Tour
Thursday, November 14, 3–4:30pm
Join a curator-guided tour of Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven for members.
FREE
Community Night
Winter Wonderland
Friday, November 15, 6–9pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information.
Jazz Concert Series
Rich Zabinski Jazz
Wednesday, November 20
7–9pm, Doors and Bar Open at 6pm
$20 member/$25 non-member
Season ticket: $60 member/$80 non-member
Cash bar and complimentary snacks available.
Winter Night at the Museum
Thursday, November 21, 5–8pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information.
Advance registration is required; deadline is November 8. Designed for children ages 7–10. Materials will be provided.
Westmoreland Society Reception
Friday, November 22, 6:30–8:30pm
See page 5 for more information
Advance registration is required; deadline is November 15.
December
Winter Night at the Museum
Thursday, December 5, 5–8pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information
Holiday Mart at the Museum Shop
Thursday, December 5, 5–8pm
Friday, December 6, 10am–5pm
Saturday, December 7, 10am–5pm
FREE See page 7 for more information
Winter Night at the Museum
Thursday, December 12, 5–8pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information
Children's Studio Ink Resist Drawing
Saturday, December 14, 10am–12pm
Create a drawing with a vintage look. Choose your own subject matter and learn a new technique for adding texture to your art.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is December 13. Designed for children ages 7–10. Materials will be provided.
Jazz Concert Series
Kevin M. McManus & The Bone Forum
Wednesday, December 18
7–9pm, Doors and Bar Open at 6pm
$20 member/$25 non-member
Season ticket: $60 member/$80 non-member
Cash bar and complimentary snacks available.
Winter Night at the Museum
Thursday, December 19, 5–8pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information.
Winter
Night at the Museum
Thursday, December 26, 5–8pm
FREE
See page 6 for more information.
To register or purchase tickets for these events visit thewestmoreland.org/calendar
Advance registration is recommended for most events.
Public Tours
Saturdays, 1–2pm
Drop in for engaging, docent-led tours of the exhibitions on view.
FREE
No advance registration required.
January
Art on Tap Casino Night
Friday, January 10, 6–9pm
Kick off the New Year with a thrilling night of casino-centric excitement! The evening includes table games provided by Live! Casino Pittsburgh, a cocktail libation lounge, music, and more. Everyone's a winner at this unforgettable Art on Tap.
$12 member/$15 non-member
Event is 21+. All Art on Taps feature live music, entertainment, light bites, and include one drink then cash bar after. In-kind support provided by Live! Casino Pittsburgh.
Children's Studio Sparkling Spiders Collage
Saturday, January 11
10am–12pm
Explore mixed media collage! Use color and pattern to make a web design with paint and sequins. Felt and fabric will complete the project with a sparkly spider.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is January 10. Designed for children ages 7–10. Materials will be provided.
Jazz Concert Series Eric Barchiesi
Wednesday, January 15
7–9pm, Doors and Bar Open at 6pm
$20 member/$25 non-member
Season ticket: $60 member/$80 non-member Cash bar and complimentary snacks available.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House
Monday, January 20, 10am–3pm
The Museum opens for special hours for a celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., presented in partnership with the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition. Enjoy performances throughout the Museum, food options for purchase, and many activities for kids and adults.
FREE
Vintage Ball A Night Under the Big Top
Saturday, January 25, 6–9pm
Step back in time to the 1920s for a vintage circus extravaganza. You are the ringmaster, weaving your way through carnivalthemed games, food, magic, and sideshow acts. Wear your most glamorous Old Hollywood threads, and be ready for a magical night of Big Top fun.
$50 member/$60 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is January 17. Event is 21+. Ticket includes entertainment, light bites, and one free elixir (beverage) then cash bar after.
Pop-Up Studio Altered Books Telling Your Story
Thursday, January 30, 10am–12pm
Pop in this month with artist Wendy Milne for a demonstration on displaying memories in a creative way! Altering a used book will serve as the background for your story. Bring the ephemera you’ve stashed for years and learn new ways to both archive and display.
$20 member/$25 non-member
Advance registration is required; deadline is January 23. Materials will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring materials or photos with personal meaning.
A Remembrance of Harry A. Thompson II 1935–2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Harry Thompson, an emeritus board member of the Museum, on just one occasion, but that brief encounter left a profound impression on me. It was immediately clear that his passion for the arts and his commitment to the institutions he cherished ran deep. I consider myself fortunate to have shared that moment with him.
Harry was a native and lifelong Pittsburgher who devoted his life to his family, community, and the many organizations he served. His contributions to The Westmoreland were significant. He served on the Museum’s Board from 2005–2018 and provided leadership during a pivotal time, when we were gearing up for a major campaign and the expansion of our facilities. His passion for the visual arts, including architecture, proved invaluable as he served on the committee tasked with selecting the architectural firm for the project. Harry’s knowledge and enthusiasm were instrumental in bringing the Museum's vision to life. In 2018, Architectural Digest recognized The Westmoreland as the best-designed museum in the state of Pennsylvania.
Our previous director, Judith Hansen O’Toole, who had the privilege of working closely with him, fondly remembers his sincerity and kindness: “Harry always spoke his mind, but did so with a politeness that endeared him to everyone he met. He was incredibly genuine,
a man of deep integrity who was fiercely dedicated to the causes he believed in. He took true delight in the smallest things, always maintaining a sense of wonder and gratitude.” This joy was something he brought with him into every endeavor, whether it was serving on our Board or acting as a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Art, where he took great pleasure in guiding visitors through the galleries.
Harry’s recent passing is a great loss to all who knew him and to the community he so passionately supported. His connection to The Carnegie Museum of Art and The Westmoreland were just two of the many ways he enriched the cultural landscape of our region. His involvement extended to numerous other nonprofit organizations, including the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, where he served with the same dedication.
When I spoke to those who knew Harry, one sentiment was expressed repeatedly: his humility. Despite all that he gave to the institutions he supported, Harry always felt honored to serve. He approached each opportunity with a genuine sense of gratitude, believing that it was he who benefited from the relationship. This humility, paired with his passion for the arts and dedication to his community, made Harry a truly remarkable individual.
We are grateful for the time, wisdom, and joy that he brought to our Museum. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come. We were fortunate to have had him as part of our Museum family and extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Janie and their family.
—Silvia
Filippini-Fantoni,
PhD Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO
Look to the Future
Inspire future Museum visitors with a gift that extends beyond your lifetime. Become a member of The Westmoreland Legacy Society, a group of dedicated supporters who have included The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in their wills or other estate plans to ensure that future generations have a welcoming place where their creativity and imagination thrives!
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art offers fully customizable wedding packages that allow you to blend art, architecture, and ambiance for your big day! Offerings include:
• Reception or ceremony room with outdoor views for up to 120 guests
• Elegant lobby for your grand entrance, cocktail hour, and dancing
• Landscaped grounds and terrace for your ceremony or extended cocktail hour
• Gallery options for your guests to explore the art
• Bar packages and signature drink options with certified bartenders
• Flexible food services, allowing your choice of caterer
• Experienced Museum staff to help make your big day perfect!
Members enjoy discounts on Museum event rentals.
For inquiries, contact the Rental Event Coordinator at eventrentals@thewestmoreland.org or 724.837.1500 x112.
For more information and to request a brochure, please contact Rhonda Madden, Chief Advancement Officer, at rmadden@thewestmoreland.org or 724.837.1500 x130.
221 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
724.837.1500
thewestmoreland.org
info@thewestmoreland.org
Admission is free.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Closed New Year's, Easter, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
Free admission is generously supported by
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United Way Designation Code: 16577660