Paint on the Farm—an Artistic Celebration of Our Local Farm History Rachel Heins Carlson, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, President
We all need an opportunity to reconnect with those things that bring balance and well being to our lives. Saturday, August 27 at Gilfillan Farm provided the perfect chance to explore the creative features inherent in both a historic property and in ourselves. The gallery displays works of the day. The first annual Paint on the Farm event was a fun-filled day of activity at the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair’s (HSUSC) premier property on Orr Road in Upper St. Clair. After a morning yoga stretch sponsored by Yoga Flow in the farm fields, six local professional artists positioned themselves around the property for a plein air art experience that featured the beautiful landscape, architecture, and late summer greenery that is experienced only when someone steps foot onto the breathtaking Gilfillan property. Concurrent to local professionals creating their artwork, David Csont offered a daylong workshop during which amateur painters learned tips and techniques that enhanced participants’ ability to paint outdoors. In addition, a group of high school volunteers, led by Dr. Tim Wagner, HSUSC’s education director, offered a variety of arts and crafts activities for children, including an additive group collage that is publically exhibited. Children of all ages enjoyed using clay and paint and found natural objects to try their hands at the design process, thanks to the efforts of USCHS students and Splat art studio volunteers. As each professional artist completed his or her works An artist, working on her throughout the day and Giant Eagle’s chicken-themed food water color painting truck offered a midday meal, scores of residents explored the farm, took a tour of the historic Gilfillan home, and engaged the artists in processing the depth of their creations. The evening was capped off with Cows, Canvas, and Cocktails, a soiree designed to offer artists an opportunity to sell their work from the day, raise funds for the Gilfillan Farm, and to bring community members together. Susan Wagner curated the gallery and Linda Csont coordinated the art sales. Enjoying the crafts With entertainment by Tone/Overtone and tantalizing food choices from Atria’s, HSUSC’s exclusive caterer, more than 80 attendees enjoyed a night of art, music, and camaraderie. Modeled after other regional plein air art events, but characterized by the charm that typifies Gilfillan Farm, the first annual Paint on the Farm was a wonderful success. Proceeds from the event and artwork sales benefited the HSUSC and specifically the historic restoration of key buildings on the property. The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair looks forward to continued opportunities, including a second annual art event that invites community members to share in the peace and beauty of our treasured Gilfillan Farm. n For more information about Gilfillan and rental opportunities or other Historical Society of Upper St. Clair sponsored events, or to get involved in supporting the society’s mission as a volunteer or benefactor, visit www.hsusc.org or call 412-304-8609. Winter 2016
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