April 25, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Janet Bucciarelli, SAMA-Ligonier Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Ligonier – Pittsburgh photographer Donald Robinson has previously taken the viewer of his works around the world, providing glimpses of African wildlife, the arctic poles, and even our own backyard. In his latest exhibition, currently on view at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Robinson opens a window to the ever-changing, yet very traditional country of India, a nation one-third the size of the United States but with a population of more than one billion. This stunning exhibition, titled Face of India: Photography by Donald M. Robinson, will be on view at the Museum through July 22.

The 72 photographs featured in this exhibition capture the disparities within India, from the congestion of elephants and buggies on a bustling main street to the quiet majestic palaces of the maharajahs. Through these images, the viewer gains a better understanding of the country’s complex world of religions, class systems, and social relationships.

Robinson is a celebrated photographer who has been exhibited throughout the world. In 1991, he was awarded the EFIAP Award (Artist of Excellence) by the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique. He also has been awarded the Photographic Society of America’s Galaxy Award and has won 25 gold medals for "Best of Show" in various international photography exhibitions.

Robinson was educated at the University of South Carolina and Harvard Graduate School of Business. He developed two successful businesses and has been deeply involved in humanitarian aid. His current exhibition at SAMA-Ligonier Valley marks his 50^th museum exhibition since 1988.

Robinson will be at the Museum to greet visitors to SAMA’s sixth annual Garden Party, scheduled for Saturday, June 2. The event, with this year’s theme Peacocks & Posies, will begin at 4 p.m. with a champagne reception with Robinson in the Museum gallery. Guests later will proceed outside to the Museum lawn for a gourmet dinner catered by Vallozzi’s Restaurant in Greensburg, and a silent auction featuring a variety of antiques, collectibles, artwork, jewelry, garden accessories, and vacation packages. Tickets are $125 per person. For more information, please call the Museum at (724) 238-6015.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is located at One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South in Ligonier. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.