Perspectives June-September 2025

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JUNE–SEPTEMBER | 2025

Director’s Welcome

Dear Friends,

Enjoy an A-MAZE-ING Summer at The Westmoreland!

This summer at the Museum is all about discovery, creativity, and celebration! We are thrilled to offer a dynamic season of exhibitions, programs, and experiences designed to engage visitors with art in fresh and exciting ways.

The season kicks off with Art Maze, an interactive experience that transforms our Cantilever Galleries into a creative labyrinth. This immersive installation features five hidden murals painted by local artists and a series of fun challenges that encourage exploration. Perfect for all ages, Art Maze offers a unique opportunity to experience art while sparking curiosity and imagination. It’s free for our members, and we’re proud to offer three Community Days/ Evenings on June 21, July 12, and August 10, where all visitors can enjoy free access, thanks to the support of Art Bridges.

As part of our Year of Women Artists initiative, we are excited to present exhibitions highlighting the works of Cecilia Beaux, Elizabeth Catlett, and Brynn Hurlstone. These remarkable artists bring diverse perspectives to the forefront and add to the Museum’s ongoing commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices (see pages 4–6 for more information). This summer also marks a historic milestone for The Westmoreland, as with the addition of Carolina Vélez and Christine Hilliard, our Board of Trustees now has more women than men for the first time in its history (see page 12 for their bios).

To make our Museum even more accessible during the warmer months, we are shifting our Friday hours to 12–7pm from June through August. Visitors can enjoy SummerSounds Happy Hour from 5 to 7pm on Friday evenings—a perfect way

to unwind before heading to the concerts at St. Clair Park. Sip refreshing cocktails on the Swank Terrace, explore the galleries, and even experience the Art Maze as part of your Happy Hour visit.

This summer, we’re also celebrating fashion at The Westmoreland with Vintage and Artisan Markets on June 1 and July 19. Update your wardrobe and jewelry with unique, handmade pieces from local artisans and curated vintage finds. And don’t miss Art on Tap: Creative Couture on September 12, where art and fashion collide in an event showcasing incredible wearable art.

As the season transitions into fall, we’ll wrap up the summer with a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Bring the whole family to Sunday Fun Day on September 21, featuring live entertainment and hands-on art-making activities that honor Hispanic traditions and creativity.

With an exciting blend of exhibitions, interactive experiences, and festive gatherings, we can’t wait to share this memorable summer with you at The Westmoreland. See you soon!

With warm regards,

JUNE 13–AUGUST 17

HOURS

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10am–5pm Friday: 12–7pm

The Museum is closed Monday and Tuesday.

MAZE ADMISSION*

FREE for Museum members

$10 for non-members

Children 3 and are under free.

Group Discount: $5 per person

Advance registration is required for groups of 10 or more.

*General admission to the Museum is free.

FREE ART MAZE EVENTS

Admission to Art Maze will be free during these special events:

• June 21—Pride Prom

• July 12—A-MAZE-ING Summer Saturday

• August 10—Sunday Fun Day: Animal Kingdom

This summer, the Cantilever Galleries transform into a giant creative labyrinth with Art Maze, an interactive art experience for all ages. In collaboration with professional maze creators A-MAZE-D, the Art Maze is decorated with colorful designs at every twist and turn and features hidden murals painted by five local artists. Each artist, chosen through a public call for proposals, will draw inspiration from an artwork in The Westmoreland’s galleries to create a unique mural inside the Maze. Turn the page to learn about these five amazing artists!

Darryl Audia Jr. is a painter and art educator who has taught in the Greensburg Salem School District for over 20 years. His paintings have been displayed in museums, festivals, businesses, and private collections. He says his goal is to create art that “engages, inspires, and challenges the viewer” to consider how everyone is connected and how “despite the illusion of individualism, we are all part of something greater.”

Dan Florent is a painter and pen-and-ink artist from the Pittsburgh area. In his artwork, he uses abstract shapes and patterns to demonstrate the connection between street art and fine art. As an emerging artist, he is working to expand his portfolio and increase his community connections. He described his Art Maze mural as “stretching around the four walls and coming together to form one massive array of shapes, colors, and patterns that fit into each other as puzzle pieces.”

V Jennings is a Pittsburgh-based muralist and artist who is passionate about nature and community connection. Their work highlights local history, plants, and animals, creating immersive public art that reflects its surroundings. They’ve painted for cafés, boutiques, and public spaces, always bringing a balance of whimsy and depth to their work. “I’m dedicated to craftsmanship and storytelling,” they said. “My artwork seeks to transform spaces to foster connection to and appreciation for the natural world.”

Bakula Nayak began her business and design career in New York City before shifting her focus to art in 2013. Since then, she has lived and worked internationally, exhibiting her artwork in India, Germany, Canada, and Singapore. She now lives in Pittsburgh. Her artwork often incorporates vintage paper, discarded letters, and old documents to explore themes of personal and collective history. For her Art Maze mural, she focused on the idea of connection between people and the natural world. “I want my mural to be a call to rekindle our relationship with nature and our shared future,” she said.

Stacey Pydynkowski is a Westmoreland County-based artist who combines traditional painting techniques with a passion for flower preservation to create vivid, nature-inspired pieces. “I paint portraits of seasons, feelings, and memories” she said. “I use my paintbrush as a tool to celebrate the beauty and messiness of the human experience.” Her paintings can be found throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. She is an advocate for art in public spaces and also teaches local community painting workshops.

ABOUT A-MAZE-D

Founded by maze and puzzle designer Dave Phillips and master muralist Chris Minsal, A-MAZE-D produces maze and labyrinth attractions for museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, schools, farm parks, special events, and other venues.

Images pictured are from past A-MAZE-D installations at other venues.

Also on View

Cecilia Beaux: Inventing the Modern Portrait

June 13, 2025—June 7, 2026

Works from The Westmoreland’s permanent collection, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the National Academy of Design highlight the artist’s contributions to American art.

Support provided by

Cecilia Beaux: Inventing the Modern Portrait is curated by Hannah Turpin.

George Hetzel and Scalp Level

On view through June 8, 2025

This installation connects Hetzel’s training in Europe, the contributions of his students, and the development of landscape representation in the region.

The Great Search: Art in a Time of Change, 1928–1945—Part II

On view through September 21, 2025

Experience the second phase of this exciting exhibition with new artworks recently conserved and on view for the first time.

Pennsylvania in Progress

On view through November 2, 2025

Works from the Museum’s inaugural exhibition, shown with recent acquisitions, offer a dialogue about the past, present, and future of Pennsylvania art.

Works by Aaron Harry Gorson, Words by Maxwell King

On view through November 9, 2025

Iconic images from Gorson are interpreted by bestselling author and distinguished journalist Maxwell King.

A Fountain of Forms: The Rise of the American Woman Sculptor, 1910–1929

On view through March 29, 2026

This exhibition showcases remarkable depictions of the female body by women artists, highlighting their subversion of gender and sexuality conventions.

Treasures from the National Academy of Design

On view through January 17, 2027

Paintings by Thomas Eakins, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and John Singer Sargent join The Westmoreland’s own holdings in this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration.

Support provided by

Free admission to exhibitions is supported by

Cecilia Beaux, Mrs. John Wheeler Leavitt, Cecilia Kent Leavitt (detail), 1885. Oil on canvas. In honor of Philip Drinker and Susan Aldrich Drinker as a gift from Mary Eliza Drinker Scudder and Thayer Scudder, 1996

The Westmoreland’s exhibition program is generously supported by the Hillman Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.

The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis

September 7, 2025–January 4, 2026

As part of our Year of Women Artists, we are proud to present The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Samella Lewis Collection, opening in September 2025. A trailblazing sculptor and printmaker, Catlett spent seven decades creating art that honored the dignity and strength of marginalized communities. Her powerful depictions of laborers, women, and African Americans address social issues relevant in both the United States and Mexico.

The granddaughter of enslaved people, Catlett was born into segregation in Washington, DC. Her father died before her birth, leaving her to be raised by her mother, a dedicated educator, and her grandmother, who shared firsthand accounts of slavery. Encouraged to pursue education and art, Catlett studied at Howard University before earning the University of Iowa’s first MFA in sculpture.

She chaired the art department at Dillard University in New Orleans before furthering her studies in Chicago and New York. In 1946,

she moved to Mexico, where she married artist Francisco “Pancho” Mora and joined the Taller de Gráfica Popular, a collective known for politicallyengaged printmaking. She later taught sculpture at the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Mexico City until retiring in 1975.

Drawn from the collection of Dr. Samella Lewis (1924–2022)—an artist, historian, and Catlett’s former student—this exhibition highlights Catlett’s impact as an artist and educator. It celebrates her lasting influence and the ways she merged art and activism to inspire change.

Elizabeth Catlett, Sharecropper, 1968. Linocut. Collection of Samella Lewis. © 2025 Mora-Catlett Family / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.
Additional support provided by the Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program. Generously supported by
The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Samella Lewis Collection is curated by Dr. Grace Hampton.

BRYNN HURLSTONE: RESONANCE

September 7, 2025–January 4, 2026

Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance is an interactive exhibition that addresses the pervasive, yet often unseen, issue of domestic violence. A transdisciplinary artist, Hurlstone uses reactive materials—steel, glass, water, salt, silk, cotton, paper, and wood—to create an environment that “is alive, in continual transformation, and activated by human presence.” Visitors are invited to accept or refuse multiple levels of engagement: as they step on steel plates, water spills from spotlighted glass vessels, forming rust drawings that slowly weaken the steel beneath; the gentle breeze created by walking through the space ruffles delicate silk panels, slowly fraying their edges over time; books of poetry printed with rust and bound with silk sutures can be picked up, examined, and contemplated to further uncover the stories that fill the exhibition.

In Resonance, Hurlstone asks us to risk proximity with the precarious. She engages a taboo subject—domestic violence—with taboo behavior. Touching, stepping on, and picking up

art in a museum gallery is normally forbidden, but here it is encouraged. Through these invitations, she crafts a space where vulnerability and resilience coexist. Visitors are asked to overcome their fear of doing the wrong thing as they interact with the space, the work, and the voices represented. In turn, they become part of the transformation within the environment through their slow, thoughtful exploration.

Based in Philadelphia, Hurlstone has exhibited widely, including in Through a Glass Darkly at the Delaware Contemporary Museum and Capacity, a solo show awarded through the prestigious Wind Challenge. She is an adjunct professor at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, the owner of Second Generation Glassworks, and a co-founder of the Glass Impact nonprofit coalition. Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance opens in September 2025.

Generously supported by

Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance, photograph by Sam Fritch, image courtesy of the artist

NEW SUMMER HOURS! June–August

Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10am–5pm Fri: 12pm–7pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

June

Vintage Market

Sunday, June 1, 11am–3pm

Shop for vintage goods, collectibles, upcycled items, handmade wares, and antiques as well as a mix of some of our favorite local makers, florists, food vendors, and more!

FREE

Presented in partnership with the Greensburg Night Market.

Pride Prom

Saturday, June 21, 6–9pm

All are welcome at the annual Greensburg Pride Prom for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and celebration! Explore the Art Maze, strut your stuff in the show-stopping Prom-enade, and experience a special live performance by pop star and Westmoreland County native Bryce Bowyn. Prom attire is encouraged but not required.

FREE

Enjoy food and drink options available for purchase. Art Maze is free during this event.

SummerSounds Happy Hour

Fridays, June 6–August 29* 5–7pm

Join us Friday evenings all summer long for SummerSounds Happy Hour at the Museum! Gather with friends, explore the galleries, enjoy a drink on the Swank Terrace, and soak in the atmosphere as you eagerly await the start of the SummerSounds concert at St. Clair Park.

FREE

Cash bar and complimentary snacks available. *Please note the Museum will be closed Friday, July 4.

From June 13 to August 17, upgrade your SummerSounds Happy Hour experience as you sip and search your way through the Art Maze. See page 1 for pricing and more information.

July

A-MAZE-ING

Summer Saturday

Saturday, July 12, 6–9pm

Get lost in a world of art and spectacle during this A-MAZE-ING Summer Saturday! Witness a mind-bending escape artist performance and enjoy free admission to the Museum’s most unique and exciting art experience yet— the Art Maze. Featuring maze-themed art activities, music, and more, this is one A-MAZE-ING Summer Saturday you don’t want to miss!

FREE

Enjoy food and drink options available for purchase. Art Maze is free during this event.

A Closer Look

Cecilia Beaux

Sunday, July 27, 3–4:30pm

Enjoy cocktails and light bites during this in-depth look at select works from the exhibition Cecilia Beaux: Inventing the Modern Portrait with guest curator Hannah Turpin. $25 member/$30 non-member

SUMMER ARTISAN MARKET

Saturday, July 19 > 10am –5pm

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Escape the heat and spend a summer day enjoying live music while shopping for unique, handmade items including jewelry, ceramics, home décor, and more. Join us to celebrate American artistry and craftsmanship showcasing some of the region’s most talented craftspeople. While here, relax on the Swank Terrace under the shade of the umbrellas and enjoy a bite to eat or refreshing beverage for purchase from one of the food vendors. You don’t want to miss this unique shopping experience!

To register or purchase tickets for these events visit thewestmoreland.org/events

Advance registration is recommended for most events.

August

Sunday Fun Day Animal Kingdom

Sunday, August 10, 10am–3pm

Join us for a fur-tastic day of fun, creativity, and community! Celebrate the wonders of the animal kingdom with interactive education sessions and hands-on animal-themed art activities. Immerse yourself in a day filled with excitement, learning, and artistic inspiration, all dedicated to our love for animals. Plus, don’t miss your opportunity to explore the Art Maze, and celebrate the unveiling of Westmoreland County’s America250PA commemorative bell.

FREE

Enjoy food and drink options available for purchase. Art Maze is free during this event.

Tours of Penguin Court and The Westmoreland

Sunday, August 24

Group A: 10am–12pm Penguin Court Tour

1:30–3:30pm The Westmoreland Tour

Group B: 10am–12pm The Westmoreland Tour

1:30–3:30pm Penguin Court Tour

Join us for a special day of guided tours at Penguin Court in Laughlintown, PA, owned and operated by the Brandywine Conservancy, and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Learn about each site and their special connections to each other.

$25 member/$30 non-member

Advance registration is required; deadline is August 22.

Pop-Up Studio Batik Design

Thursday, August 28, 10am–1pm

Back by popular demand! Batik is an ancient textile method to create beautiful designs on fabric. Learn basic batik techniques by applying colors and wax to cotton fabric followed by a cold-water dye process. Be sure to wear your painting clothes!

$20 member/$25 non-member

Advance registration is required; deadline is August 20 Materials will be provided.

September

Homeschool Day

Thursday, September 4, 10am–1pm

Join The Westmoreland for a day filled with art-making and learning. Students of all ages are welcome to explore our galleries through guided activities.

FREE

Members Opening The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis & Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance

Saturday, September 6, 6–8pm

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and entertainment while experiencing a first look at the exhibitions The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis and Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance

FREE

Artist Talk

Dr. Grace Hampton & Brynn Hurlstone

Sunday, September 7, 3–4:30pm

Celebrate the Year of Women Artists as Dr. Grace Hampton, guest curator of The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis, and Brynn Hurlstone, artist of the exhibition Resonance, discuss these exhibitions.

FREE

Welcome Back Teacher Workshop

Thursday, September 11, 5–7pm

Active public school teachers are invited to kick off the school year with The Westmoreland. Join us for an evening of exploring the galleries through hands-on learning experiences to take back to your classroom!

FREE

Eligible teachers will receive two Act 48 credits issued by the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit.

Teacher programs supported in part by contributions from businesses eligible for tax credits through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

Public Tours

Saturdays, 1–2pm

Drop in for engaging, docent-led tours of the exhibitions on view.

FREE

No advance registration required.

Art on Tap Creative Couture

Friday, September 12, 6–9pm

Join us for a special evening of Art on Tap featuring a Wearable Arts Fashion Experience. Peruse the galleries and appreciate local fashion designers' unique, sustainable creations. Enjoy a Museum scavenger hunt, signature cocktail, and more! Guests are encouraged to wear their most creative, fabulous looks.

$12 member/$15 non-member Event is 21+. Ticket includes entertainment, light bites, and one free drink from the cash bar.

Sunday Fun Day Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Sunday, September 21, 10am–3pm

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at The Westmoreland with a vibrant day of performances and hands-on art-making activities for all ages. Join us as we honor the rich traditions, diverse cultures, and creative expressions of Hispanic heritage.

FREE

Enjoy food and drink options available for purchase.

Pop-Up Studio Haunted House

Tuesday, September 23, 6–8pm

Scare up the courage to attend this eerie and fun painting class. Join us for a spooky evening as you create your very own haunted house masterpiece.

$20 member/$25 non-member

Advance registration is required; deadline is September 16. Materials will be provided.

To register or purchase tickets for these events visit thewestmoreland.org/events

Advance registration is recommended for most events.

SPOTLIGHT

Shining a Light on the People Who Make The Westmoreland

Deeply connected to both the Pittsburgh and Ligonier communities, Christine LeClere Hilliard has a background in retail, marketing, and education. She has co-chaired the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Hat Luncheon and served on several non-profit boards in Pittsburgh. She is passionate about the arts, the natural world, and goodwill.

Carolina Vélez has worked in various roles at Microsoft over the past 10 years and is currently the COO for Federal Civilian. She sits on the Carlow College board of trustees and was an adjunct professor at Washington & Jefferson College. She received her JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. A native of Pittsburgh, Carolina earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University.

The Westmoreland Welcomes Annie Urban!

In March, The Westmoreland welcomed Annie Urban as the Museum’s new Deputy Director, Development & External Affairs. Most recently, Annie served as Executive Director of Principal Gifts & Community Engagement at her alma mater, Seton Hill University. Her previous work includes serving as Executive Director of Fort Ligonier and holding various management positions in our region’s hotel and tourism industry.

Active in the community, Annie serves as President of the Greensburg Community Development Corporation, on the Advisory Board of the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Greensburg. She is a Past President of the Ligonier Valley Endowment Board of Governors and the YWCA of Westmoreland Board of Directors.

She is a past recipient of Seton Hill’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Service and the Boy Scouts of America Citizen of the Year Award. She resides in Ligonier with her rescue dog, Fred.

Weddings at The Westmoreland

A Celebration of Love in an Iconic Setting

Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by timeless art, stunning architecture, and elegant spaces designed to make your wedding day truly unforgettable. At The Westmoreland, we offer an unparalleled backdrop for your special day, blending romance, sophistication, and creativity in every detail.

From intimate ceremonies to joyous receptions, your guests will revel in the charm of our versatile spaces, including:

• A beautifully-appointed event room accommodating up to 120 guests.

• Picturesque gathering areas, including an outdoor terrace (weather permitting), a light-filled atrium, and inspiring art galleries.

Our expert team is devoted to making your vision a reality, creating a day that reflects your unique love story.

Make your wedding a masterpiece at The Westmoreland. Contact us at eventrentals@thewestmoreland.org to begin planning your unforgettable celebration.

Exclusive Art Collectors Tour

Saturday, June 14, 9:30am–4pm

Join fellow Westmoreland Society members for a rare opportunity to explore two remarkable private art collections in Pittsburgh. Experience outstanding examples of Arts and Crafts design as well as artworks ranging from Tonalism to Abstract Expressionism.

Available for members at the True Blue level and above. For more information, visit thewestmoreland.org/art-tour or contact Collections and Advancement Coordinator Miranda Harkins at mharkins@thewestmoreland.org or 724.837.1500 x127 thewestmoreland.org / 13

221 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601

724.837.1500 thewestmoreland.org info@thewestmoreland.org

Admission is free.

September–May

Wed–Sun: 10am–5pm

June–August

Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10am–5pm Fri: 12pm–7pm

Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day

Free admission is generously supported by

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United Way Designation Code: 16577660

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Visitors enjoying Art in Bloom 2025

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