The Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts celebrates a milestone, with the opening of its 25th regional juried exhibition on Friday at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier Valley.

Featuring 60 works by artists from 19 counties in the southwest region of the state, the exhibition will continue through Jan. 31.

“The accepted works reflect the freshness and energy in the art of emerging artists, as well as current works of established artists, providing all of us with a great variety of subject matter, mediums and techniques,” said SPCA board president Susan Kiren.

“In selecting the work, I thought about the individual’s commitment and the care and experience they brought to their work. I tried not to be swayed by any preconceptions or themes but to include as many voices as possible,” said juror William Mammarella, an exhibiting artist and chair of fine art and assistant professor at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.

“Especially in these isolating times, it is encouraging to see the vision, creativity and commitment of so many individual artists,” he said. “The desire to reflect and create is evident in the many works that form this exhibit and demonstrates the spirit and vision of the region.”

“It’s an excellent show with some really fabulous pieces,” said Kristen Miller, SAMA-Ligonier Valley site coordinator. “Every year, it’s kind of like Christmas when the artists bring their pieces in and start to open them up.”

This is the 17th consecutive year for SAMA-Ligonier Valley to host the exhibition.

Because of covid-19 gathering restrictions, there will not be an opening reception for the show, Miller said. There are plans for a virtual tour led by award-winning artist and art educator Susan Pollins to be available on both the council and museum websites.

“For those who don’t feel comfortable coming out, it will give them an opportunity to still view the show,” Miller said. “But it’s very important, especially in the arts, to keep this going and keep the doors open — so people have a place to get away from all the turmoil going on and to find some peace and find some beauty.”

The 25th anniversary exhibition is dedicated to Arlene Kendra, said SPCA board member Bonnie Hoffman.

“Arlene has been involved in area art associations for probably 50 years, including The Westmoreland and Greensburg Art Center,” Hoffman said. “She’s just a great advocate for the arts.”

Kendra is a member of the SPCA board and also Latrobe Art Center, the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, the Westmoreland Historical Society and area garden clubs. She is a founder of the antiques and collectibles market at Historic Hanna’s Town.

The exhibition can be viewed from noon-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays at the Ligonier Township museum, 1 Boucher Lane.

“(Admission is) technically free, but we always appreciate a $5 donation,” Miller said.

The exhibition catalogue, including award winners and prices of pieces for sale, also can be viewed at spcarts.org.

Voting for a people’s choice award can be done at the museum or on the council website. The winner will be announced on Feb 5.

Details: 724-238-6015 or sama-arts.org

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