Art Party: Penn State New Kensington to hold art fundraiser Friday

Penn State New Kensington is hosting a party Friday to support the institution’s cultural art initiatives, scholarships and programs.

The annual Off the Wall pARTy started in 2017 but was on hiatus during the covid-19 pandemic.

It returns from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the campus in Upper Burrell. Megan Chasin, Penn State New Kensington’s director of campus development, said the event will feature live and silent auctions, food tastings, drinks, music and art.

“The funds go to the cultural arts here at Penn State New Kensington,” Chasin said.

Chasin said the event will have pop-up galleries with work from local artists Jeffrey Donato, Steven Matiasic, Becky Mormack, Nancy Rusbosin, Stacey Pydynkowski and Erina Weidenbacher.

“We have a number of artists in the region showcasing their work,” said Tina Booth, an administrative support assistant in the school’s development office.

There also will be interactive art projects from the Andy Warhol Museum, where event-goers can make artwork using Warhol’s signature silkscreen technique. Chasin said a live art auction featuring 20 works will begin at 7:45 p.m.

Music will be provided by ARTISTREE, one of the city’s premier, high-energy dance bands, Chasin said.

A VIP experience from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. boasts a “red carpet” experience where guests can interact with Pittsburgh-based artist George Williams, a speed painter and creator of “Art Madness.”

“Watching George Williams do his speed painting will be an experience in itself,” Chasin said.

“It’s an enjoyable, fun evening for everyone,” Booth said.