Johnstown —
Pennsylvania artists will be showcased at an upcoming exhibition.
“Biennial 2012” will be on display Friday through Jan. 26 at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Loretto, on the campus of St. Francis University.
The juried exhibition occurs every two years and highlights the best in regional talent.
With 131 works from nearly 100 Pennsylvania artists, the biennial is considered to be one of the state’s top exhibitions for contemporary artists.
This year’s works feature photography, watercolor, wood, oil, clay, steel, bronze, pastel, pencil, acrylic, fiber art and mixed media.
“SAMA’s biennial exhibitions are testimonials to the incredible talents of local and regional artists of Pennsylvania,” said interim curator Bobby Moore.
“The works of these artists are brought together through an invitational and selection process to create an amazing exhibition of experience, skill and talent in the visual arts.”
“Scotch Bonnet No. 3,” an acrylic oil painting by Michael Allison of Hollidaysburg, was awarded best of show.
Merit awards were given to Andrew Neil Dierks of Altoona for best of photography; J. Andrew Jacob, Northern Cambria, best of sculpture; Maxine Levin, State College, best of crafts; S. Scott Steberger, Lilly, best of drawing; and Diana Williams, New Florence, best of painting.
Artists’ submissions were judged by Jeanne Gleason of Johnstown, vice chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and SAMA trustee emeritus.
Her commitment to supporting the arts has been ongoing for more than 30 years.
Gleason has served as executive director of Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and was the founding executive director of Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance.
She is a past board member of Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center and Carnegie Music and Performing Arts and currently serves as a trustee of Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
Gleason has received Carlow University’s Legacy Award, YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award and WQED’s Volunteer in the Arts Award.
Award judging was done by Donald M. Robinson of Pittsburgh, a photographer.
He was educated at the University of South Carolina and Harvard Graduate School of Business and developed two successful businesses.
Robinson’s photography has been exhibited across the world, and in 1991, he was awarded the EFIAP award (Artist of Excellence) by the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique.
He also was awarded the Photograph Society of America’s Galaxy Award and has won 25 gold medals for best of shows at international photography salons.
“ ‘Biennial 2012’ encompasses nearly every art genre,” Moore said. “The magnificent body of work will leave the viewer feeling a sense of awe from the endless array of artistic expression.
“If you are a collector, you will be happy to know that the majority of works in the exhibition are available for sale.
“I encourage all to come to Loretto to view this spectacular, family-friendly exhibition. You will not be disappointed,” Robinson said.
The museum will host a reception celebrating the exhibition at 5 p.m. Dec. 1, with an award presentation to follow.
The cost is $25 per person or $20 for museum members and “Biennial 2012” artists.
Reservations are required by Nov. 28 and can be made by calling the museum at
472-3920.
On display
What: “Biennial 2012.”
Where: Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Loretto, on the campus of St. Francis University.
When: Friday through Jan. 26.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Information: 472-3920 or www.sama-art.org.
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