September-December 2017

Page 1

NEWS & EVENTS / Sept–dec 2017


John Talbott Donoghue (1853–1903), Young Sophocles, c. 1890, Bronze, 44.5 x 26 x 17 inches, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2015.111 (detail)

Musings... I am pleased to announce the core tenets of our 2017–2020 Strategic Plan, which were adopted by our Board of Trustees at their July meeting. Vision: We are a model of institutional excellence and a vital part of our community. Mission: The Westmoreland Museum of American Art stimulates imagination and innovation through great experiences with art. Strategic Goal > Destination/Convener: The Westmoreland will strive to be an exciting destination and engage with various communities as a convener. We value opportunities to be a catalyst for new ideas and diverse voices, as we tell the American story through a preeminent collection of art. Strategic Goal > Collections & Exhibitions: The Westmoreland will use our preeminent collection of American art to connect people to the stories and history of our region, state and country, and we will devise strategies to fill gaps within our holdings to be more inclusive of various styles of art and a diversity of makers. Strategic Goal > Uniting the Human Experience: The Westmoreland will endeavor to be relevant, aware of and responsive to current issues, support diversity in its many forms through arts programming and nurture the value of inclusion and accessibility. Strategic Goal > Sustainability: The Westmoreland will be sustainable— financially, environmentally and socially. We maintain a balanced budget, will practice LEED values and will take a leadership role in promoting the value of the arts, being a champion for arts advocacy and keeping the arts central to local revitalization efforts.

01 / September–December 2017

Many thanks to those who helped out on this work, including our wonderful colleague Charlie Humphrey, who provoked discussion and wouldn’t let us off the hook! In other news, joining our Board recently are Stephen Yslas, Nathan Boxx, Carolyn Snyder, Marty O’Brien and Susie Dorrance. Thank you all and welcome aboard! Meanwhile, we are so very grateful to retiring members H Childs, George Greer, Anne Robertshaw, Chuck Booth, Carol Brown and Jane Roesch. Don’t worry, we’ll be in touch!

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


A Timeless Perfection American Figurative Sculpture in the Classical Spirit Gifts from the Collection of Dr. Michael L. Nieland A remarkable new generation of academically trained American sculptors emerged during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At the height of the Gilded Age, they achieved widespread critical and commercial success for works created on public commission as well as for private patrons. Working on both grand civic platforms and on a more intimate, domestic scale, they transformed the art of American sculpture.

thewestmoreland.org / 02


New York City was at the heart of the transformation, but other major American cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston, provided encouragement, support, and venues. Surprisingly and unfortunately, the flowering of these artists was relatively brief, and amid rapidly changing aesthetics in the twentieth century, the reputations of many of these sculptors dimmed. Despite increased interest in their work in recent decades among scholars, curators, and collectors, their careers, achievements, and even their names, once famed, are now recalled only narrowly. This exhibition celebrates the transformational gift from Dr. Michael L. Nieland to the Museum in 2015 of nine late nineteenth and early twentieth century figurative sculptures with an additional forty-eight sculptures to be given in 2018. This gift, which includes such notable artists as John Talbott Donoghue, Harriet Whitney Frishmuth, Malvina Hofmann, Mario Korbel, Boris Lovet-Lorski, and Adoph Alexander Weinman, together with twenty-eight others, not only adds new names to the permanent collection but significantly enriches and

03 / September–December 2017

adds greater depth to the Museum’s sculpture holdings. In addition, Dr. Nieland’s gift supplements important sculptures by Paul Wayland Bartlett, Frishmuth, Walker Hancock, and Frederick MacMonnies, already owned by The Westmoreland. With works ranging from six to nearly sixty inches in height, this stunning collection provides diversity in the arena of American figurative sculpture. While the collection is entirely figurative and primarily comprised of sculpture, book ends, candleholders, vases, and inkwells add a utilitarian aspect to it. The gift also includes forty pieces of medallic art designed by some of the same artists and produced by the Society of Medalists and American Numismatic Society, further broadening the scope of the Museum’s collection. Sculpture is frequently cast in editions, and often in varying sizes by the artist, depending on its popularity at the time. For example, Adolph Alexander Weinman’s Rising Day and Descending Night, an elegant pair of bronzes, were originally commissioned for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 in San


Francisco. These larger-than-life versions were then cast by the artist in smaller scale editions. Examples are in the collections of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the White House, among others. Donoghue’s Young Sophocles, which once belonged to Andy Warhol’s manager Fred Hughes, also resides at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Mario Korbel’s Andante, a work that depicts two classically styled female figures dancing, is one of only seven cast in that same size by the artist. A larger version is in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This outstanding collection gives us an opportunity to rediscover another dimension of modern American art from the late 19th century into the first half of the 20th century. By exploring the lives and aesthetic achievements of these sculptors, the exhibition will expand awareness and deepen the public’s knowledge of this extraordinary era of American sculpture, in addition to bringing overdue recognition to these artists. A fully illustrated, full-color catalogue accompanies the exhibition in which the

author, Bruce Weber, discusses individual works within the context of their creator’s overall interests and pursuits, and highlights these artists’ works which have come to find a new home at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. We are especially proud to be able to share these gifts with you, our audience, providing access to a collection that once was not readily available to the public. A Timeless Perfection will be on view from October 7 through December 31, 2017. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 7 from 6:30–8pm. To purchase your tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS ($15 members, $20 non-members). Additionally, a gallery talk with Bruce Weber and Dr. Michael L. Nieland will take place on Saturday, October 7 at 1pm. To RSVP, also visit thewestmoreland.org/events. A Timeless Perfection is supported by The Richard C. von Hess Foundation and the Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. from opposite left: Adolph Alexander Weinman (1870–1952), Rising Day, c. 1914–15, Bronze, 26 x 24.375 x 9.875 inches, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2015.119 (detail) Mario Korbel (1882–1954), Andante, 1917, Bronze, 29.5 x 34.25 x 8.75 inches, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2015.115 John Clements Gregory (1879–1958), Philomela, 1922, Bronze on stepped green variegated marble base, 12.25 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches; base 2.5 inches high, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2016.55 (detail)

thewestmoreland.org / 04


BIG

ART PARTY

Don’t Miss the Party of the Year! Our signature annual event, the BIG ART PARTY, is Saturday, October 21, and you are invited! You do not want to miss this year’s event full of Big Art, Big Sounds and Big Fun—all to support The Westmoreland’s artistic and education programs.

. OCT 21

James Romaine, Photogram, n.d., Photograph (black & white) on paper, Gift of Mrs. Lucy Ball Owsley, 1983.147 (detail)

Art Is Happening on the Streets of Greensburg Art Happens has launched! This interactive public art project developed by the Museum in partnership with the Greensburg Community Development Corporation (GCDC) and the City of Greensburg places select details of the Museum’s collection directly into the city where people live, work and play. Take a selfie with your favorite image and tag it with #arthappensproject, then come visit the Museum to view the artwork in its entirety. Show us your selfie, and receive free admission. Works of art will be featured at a total of twelve sites throughout Greensburg’s central business district, and “happenings” with area artists, writers, musicians and dancers will take place at several of the sites with dates and times yet to be announced. Visit ArtHappensProject.org for the most up-to-date information on the project.

05 / September–December 2017

Tickets go fast, so purchase yours now! For tickets and more information, visit thewestmoreland.org/bigartparty. Presenting Sponsors:

Mr. & Mrs. Roy Dorrance Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky

Media Sponsor:


September Is Hunger Action Month The Museum and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra are partnering in honor of the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s 35 years of fighting hunger in our area. Both organizations will serve as food drop-off locations throughout September and October. Bring a non-perishable donation when visiting the Museum and receive one free admission per party. For information on the most needed items, go to westmorelandfoodbank.org/donate.

Little Free Library The Westmoreland is partnering with Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity to host a Little Free Library located at our north entrance on Academy Hill Place. There is a pull-in for easy access and parking spots if you want to stay a bit and read on one of the garden benches. To learn more visit littlefreelibrary.org.

New Concert Series Celebrating Great American Music Beginning in September, The Westmoreland Jazz Society program will transform into the Great American Music Series. Four concerts scheduled during the year will celebrate American music from jazz to soul, from bluegrass to funk. Concerts will be held Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm, so guests can also visit the galleries, which are open late until 7pm. Join us for this exciting new series where the setting is casual, the art is amazing and the sounds are inspiring! Tickets available now for the concerts on September 20 and December 13 at thewestmoreland.org/events. thewestmoreland.org / 06


Highlighting the Collection

Art on the Move

Tim Prentice (b. 1930), The Vine, 2017, Stainless steel and aluminum, size varies, Gift of the artist opposite, left to right: William Gropper (1897–1977), Joe Magarac, 1947, Oil on canvas, On extended loan from The University Art Gallery, University of Pittsburgh (detail) George Wesley Bellows (1882– 1925), Man on His Side (Nude), n.d., Ink and pencil on paper, 7.25 x 10.5 inches, Gift of Friends of the Museum Fund, 1974.220 Lewis C Daniel (1901–1952), Thirty Five Points, n.d., Lithograph on paper, George J. McDonald Collection, Gift of James J. White, 2004.23

07 / September–December 2017


Did you know that our art is always “on the move?” Here’s a glimpse at some of the latest changes in the galleries. Be sure to stop in soon to experience what’s new. In the 20th Century Gallery, the photographs by Charles “Teenie” Harris installed as part of our Grand Reopening original display are now resting, as is needed with photography, and have been replaced by a new mini exhibition, Action Figures: Selections from the Permanent Collection. Also, enjoy a selection of Craftsman furniture by Gustav Stickley shown together with a Roycroft Desk Lamp and accessories on extended loan from Drs. Edward and Kathryn Friedman. In the McKenna Gallery, we welcome back William Gropper’s Joe Magarac—once again on view at The Westmoreland thanks to a repeat loan from the University of Pittsburgh and just in time for a special performance about “The Man of Steel” by actor Tim Hartman at our Saturday, November 25th Family Day. In the east wing atrium stairwell leading to the Cantilever Gallery, the newly gifted The Vine (2017) by Tim Prentice, which fits the space to a “T,” is on view as part of The Art of Movement and will remain even after the exhibition ends on September 17. Beginning November 5 in the Carol R. Brown Gallery on the 3rd Floor is The Right to Bare Art featuring selections of figure drawings and prints from the permanent collection by such artists as George Bellows, Isabel Bishop, Paul Cadmus, Dorothy Davids, Arthur B. Davies, Frederick Demmler, Malcolm Parcell, John Sloan and others demonstrating their exceptional draftsmanship. Lastly, on loan is William Sotter’s Study for Hill Road, Pittsburg and Aaron Harry Gorson’s Industrial Scene, Pittsburgh both to the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA for their exhibition George Sotter: Light and Shadow (July 29– November 12, 2017). Enjoy Gerrit Beneker’s painting Men are Square, courtesy of the LaRoche-Knight Family, which has replaced the Gorson painting.

thewestmoreland.org / 08


clockwise from top left: Kenneth Nicholson, Apparitions (Coitus Interrupts Us), 2017 Tim Prentice (b. 1930), Maquette, 2016, Stainless steel wire and Lexan, 89 x 36 x 16 inches Charles H. “Teenie” Harris (1908–1998), Young Couple in Evening Attire, n.d., Gelatin silver print, Anonymous Gift, 2002.1.H (detail) Photo by Zachary VanHorn Edward Francis McCartan (1879–1947), Girl Drinking From A Shell Fountain, c. 1915, Bronze, 28.25 x 14.625 x 11.625 inches, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2016.72

09 / September–December 2017


Cantilever Gallery Exhibitions The Art of Movement: Alexander Calder, George Rickey & Tim Prentice Through September 17, 2017 Bringing together the work of three fascinating kinetic artists: Alexander Calder (1898–1976), George Rickey (1907–2002) and Tim Prentice (b. 1930). This exhibition is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

A Timeless Perfection: American Figurative Sculpture in the Classical Spirit—Gifts from Dr. Michael L. Nieland October 7–December 31, 2017 Opening Reception: Saturday, October 7, 6:30– 8pm Celebrating the exceptional gift from Dr. Michael L. Nieland of late nineteenth and early twentieth century figurative sculptures, which help to share the story of an extraordinary generation of artists who transformed American sculpture. This exhibition is supported by The Richard C. von Hess Foundation and the Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

Robertshaw Gallery Exhibitions We are grateful to The Fine Foundation for their generous support of programming for this gallery.

Fashion in Art Through October 8, 2017 With the emphasis in recent years on large-scale exhibitions of high fashion designer’s clothing, we take a look at how fashion has been depicted in art over the course of a century through this fashion-focused examination of our permanent collection.

Collection 273 October 13–November 26, 2017 Opening Reception: Friday, October 13, 5–7pm (along with Art on Tap) A photography project initiated by The Downtown Greensburg Project in collaboration with the Greensburg community, who were asked to “show us your Greensburg.” Community members were invited to submit their favorite photos of Greensburg via Instagram over the course of 273 days from January 1 to September, 30 2017.

Dark Matter: Paintings by Kenneth Nicholson December 8, 2017–February 4, 2018 Opening Reception: Friday, December 8, 5–7pm (along with Art on Tap) Nicholson’s narrative paintings depict extreme melodrama and disrupt traditional figure/ background interplay, releasing the character’s inner drama into the negative space.

thewestmoreland.org / 10


Calendar of Events All About You! Free Admission Sundays September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3 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 a great way to relax after the work day! Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank. Plus, every Wednesday from October 11– December 27, we’ll use the sculptures of A Timeless Perfection as inspiration during self-directed drawing sessions in the Cantilever Gallery. Drawing boards, pencils, paper and stools will be provided. No experience necessary.

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

Think Like an Artist with Linda Vucelich Wednesday, September 6 > 6–8pm Introduction to Figure Drawing Wednesday, October 11 > 6–8pm Intermediate Figure Drawing with Live Model Wednesday, November 8 > 6–8pm

11 / September–December 2017


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, September 8 > 5–7pm sponsored by IQ, Inc.

Friday, October 13 > 5–7pm

sponsored by Greensburg Breakfast Club

Friday, November 10 > 5–7pm

sponsored by Rampart Security Systems

Friday, December 8 > 5–7pm

sponsored by The Committee for The Westmoreland

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

Calaveritas de Azucar Saturday, October 14 > 10am–12pm I Spy with My Little Eye Saturday, November 4 > 10am–12pm Frosted Window Pane Saturday, December 9 > 10am–12pm Recycled Rover Saturday, January 13 > 10am–12pm

Yoga at the Museum On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30– 9:30am, certified instructor Vickie Faris leads a “Basic Yoga” class (for beginners to advanced) in the Paul & Carol Evanson Community Room. The fee is $4.50 per class, and drop-ins are welcome. Be sure to bring your own mat and water bottle. First timers, please come ten minutes early to register.

thewestmoreland.org / 12


Calendar of Events Great American Music Series Join us for our new concert series celebrating a variety of artists and styles. The setting is casual, the art is amazing and the sounds are inspiring. Each concert will include a cash bar (beer, wine, soft drinks and a specialty cocktail). To purchase your tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $20 members, $25 non-members, $10 students with ID

Bluegrass with Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers Wednesday, September 20 > 6:30pm Kevin McManus & The Bone Forum Wednesday, December 13 > 6:30pm

Plein Air Painting in the Gardens Sunday, September 3 > 11am–5pm The Plein Air Painters of Western Pennsylvania will meet at The Westmoreland for a day of communal painting in the fresh air! Stop by to check out their creations and speak with the artists, or come with your own supplies and join in. To sign up, go to meetup.com/Pittsburgh-Outdoor-Painters.

Take Two: A Conversation with Alison Beeghly & Joan McGarry Saturday, September 9 > 1–2pm Alison Beeghly, former Landscape Architect and plant enthusiast, and Joan McGarry, Director of Education and Visitor Engagement, will lead a discussion tying works from our collection to the beautiful gardens of The Westmoreland. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

13 / September–December 2017


We Got to Move It, Move It! Saturday, September 16 > 11:15am–3pm While the exhibition The Art of Movement explores the physical movement of art, this program will examine the physical movement of the human body. Enjoy an afternoon that explores motion through different dance forms and showcases the talented performers in our community, including faculty and students from the Seton Hill University Dance Program and members of Laurel Ballet and Pazaz Christian Dance Academy. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

Death Cafe Sunday, September 17 > 1:30–3pm At a Death Cafe, people—often strangers—gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. A Death Cafe is a group-directed conversation with no agenda, defined objectives or themes. Kindly bring a handheld dessert like cupcakes, cookies or some fruit to share. Coffee, tea, drinkware, plates and napkins will be provided. To sign up, visit eventbrite.com and search for “Death Cafe Pittsburgh.”

Take Two: A Conversation with Bruce Weber & Dr. Michael L. Nieland Saturday, October 7 > 1–2pm Take part in a conversation about the sculptures on view in the Cantilever Gallery. Bruce Weber is the author of the catalogue, A Timeless Perfection: American Figurative Sculpture in the Classical Spirit, which accompanies the exhibition of the same name. Michael L. Nieland, MD is the collector donating all 57 sculptures to The Westmoreland. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

Opening Reception A Timeless Perfection: American Figurative Sculpture in the Classical Spirit Saturday, October 7 > 6:30–8pm Enjoy light bites and live music, and be one of the first to view the exhibition. To purchase your tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/ events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. $15 members, $20 non-members (includes two drink tickets).

Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (1880–1980), Crest of the Wave, 1925, Bronze on original marble base, 21 x 4 x 4 inches, excl. base, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2015.112

thewestmoreland.org / 14


Calendar of Events Big Art Party: Black, White & Art All Over Saturday, October 21 Celebrating two years as The New Westmoreland! VIP Reception > 6–7:30pm Includes delectables by Bob Sendall of All in Good Taste Productions, entertainment by Two Tall Twins, VIP party favors and open bar with specialty cocktails. Big Art Dance Party > 7:30–11pm Includes cash bar, small bites, art activities and dance party with amazing live music by Neon Swing X-perience and the High and Mighty Brass Band. To purchase your tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/ bigartparty or call 1.888.71TICKETS. VIP Tickets: $135 members, $160 non-members Big Art Dance Party Tickets: $65 members, $80 non-members

Museum Shop Holiday Mart Wednesday, November 1 > 4–7pm Our annual event to help you with your holiday shopping list! Enjoy special discounts, live entertainment, complimentary gift wrap, gift membership packages and holiday-inspired refreshments. Plus, meet featured artist Nisha Blackwell, founder of Knotzland textile company. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

Step Into the Art Saturday, November 4 > 1–4pm The Westmoreland partners with Ligonier Valley Writers to explore selected pieces of art through writing. Working with the Museum’s education staff and writing coaches, participants will create a story, essay or poem and have a chance to share their writing with the group. Includes refreshments. Register to participate at thewestmoreland.org/events by October 27. $20 members, $25 non-members

opposite, top right: John French Sloan (1871–1951), Portrait of Mary Regensburg, 1939, Tempera underpaint and oil-varnish glaze on panel, 23.9375 x 19.9375 inches, Gift of Mary Regensburg Feist

15 / September–December 2017


“If the art could talk, oh, the stories they would tell!” Saturday, November 18 > 1–2pm Join Judy O’Toole as she tells the behind-the-scenes stories of some of the wonderful art in our collection. Would you believe a cigarette was painted out of a portrait and replaced with a compact? Or, how about being offered your choice of about 30 paintings over tea and driving away with one in your car wondering if you made the right selection. Hear these stories and more from the Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

Family Day Saturday, November 25 > 11am–3pm Surprises and fun for the whole family in partnership with the Westmoreland Library Network! Enjoy free admission, art projects, scavenger hunts and special performances by Stage Right! Sensations and actor Tim Hartman as Joe Majarac, The Man of Steel. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events. sponsored by Jack Buncher Foundation

The Westmoreland Society Annual Dinner Friday, December 1 > 7pm This black tie event is open to all members of The Westmoreland Society and their guests. Each member will be part of growing The Westmoreland’s collection by voting on their favorite artworks to be acquired through a fund supported in full by their membership dues. To purchase your tickets, visit thewestmoreland.org/events or call 1.888.71TICKETS. Not yet a Westmoreland Society member? It’s easy to join or upgrade your membership at thewestmoreland.org/ membership or by calling our Membership Department at 724.837.1500 x127.

thewestmoreland.org / 16


Calendar of Events Creative Conversation with Brian Cohen Wednesday, December 6 > 6:30–8:30pm at Union Project (801 N. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206) Learn about The Westmoreland’s upcoming exhibition, Out of Many: An Immigration Documentary Project with its organizer, Brian Cohen. “Creative Conversation” provides a platform for community members to engage in important dialogue around agape love, finding and defining community and inclusion. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events.

Wax: Lost and Found—Hot Metal Pour Demo with Pati Beachley Saturday, December 9 > 1–3pm at Seton Hill University Visual Arts Center (201 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601) This demonstration moves off-site to Seton Hill’s Visual Arts Center. Learn about the “lost wax method” that many artists use to create sculptures in metals such a brass, bronze, silver and gold. Associate Professor of Art Pati Beachley will show examples of each step in this ancient yet still widely-used technique, then participants will watch a live hot metal pour. To RSVP, visit thewestmoreland.org/events. from top: Brian Cohen, AmericanCroatian Citizens Club, 2017 (detail) Earl Washington (1862–1952), Steel Plant, 1939, Wood block on paper, 8.875 x 12 inches, Gift of the Thomas Lynch Fund, 2004.14 (detail)

Art happens because of you! Please consider a gift to The Westmoreland’s Annual Fund before December 31 and help us continue to make art happen in the lives of school children to seniors and everyone in between. For more information, visit thewestmoreland.org/support. 17 / September–December 2017


The Westmoreland provides for its visitors and staff. Coming to work every day where inspiration can be found all around truly never makes it feel like “work.” I love being able to use the Museum’s collections as inspiration for activities, entertainment and décor when planning events. Are you an artist? I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. I took art classes all throughout high school and a few while in college. A less known fact about me is that I have actually designed and painted murals for quite a few schools, businesses and private residences.

Q &A with

Randall Oaks Event Manager

What are some of the responsibilities of your position? My biggest role at The Westmoreland is managing the master calendar of our many in-house events from coordination to execution. Along with the coordination of Museum events, I also manage our rental program for weddings, meetings, conferences and so much more! What do you enjoy most about your job and working at The Westmoreland? What I enjoy most is seeing everything come together on the final days and last few hours before a major event—setting up and seeing all of the tables, linens, décor, etc. in place and untouched before the event even begins. Having these details come together and all of our community partners, organizations, entertainers and staff helping to make what has been conceptualized for months become a reality. And, I really enjoy the inclusive and creative environment

Where did you work prior to The Westmoreland? And, what is your academic background? Out of college, I began working within the “world of events” as an assistant event coordinator for a local venue and then in the restaurant industry as a banquet manager before coming to The Westmoreland. My academic background is actually in music. I have always been highly involved and have had an appreciation for the arts—both visual and performing. Several months ago, you were recognized as one of Whirl Magazine’s “13 under 30.” Could you tell us a little bit about your experience receiving that honor? This was a huge honor to be recognized alongside such an impressive group of regional innovators and entrepreneurs. I was very humbled and surprised. My recognition was all due to The Westmoreland’s community, who I have the pleasure working with every day through partnerships and collaborations to promote and raise awareness for the Museum and the arts. What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy staying busy. My wife, Amber, and I like to host our own parties. We have also begun to make specialty cakes for friends and family’s special occasions, and I always tend to keep a list of home projects on the back burner.

thewestmoreland.org / 18


cover: Adolph Alexander Weinman (1870–1952), Descending Night, c. 1914–15, Bronze, 26.5 x 21.5 x 10 inches, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Nieland, 2015.118 (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.

Follow us on:

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

724.837.1500 thewestmoreland.org info@thewestmoreland.org

221 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Greensburg, PA Permit No. 163


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.