February 27, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

TEXTILE ARTIST TO SPEAK AT LUNCH A L'ART

            Altoona – Textile artist Mary Sheppard Burton will speak at a Lunch a l’Art program at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona on Friday, March 14. The program begins at noon with lunch and is followed by a lecture by the artist about her exhibition, Mary Sheppard Burton: The Art of Textiles, on view at SAMA-Altoona through May 25. Cost for the program is $12 or $10 for members. Reservations are requested by March 12 and can be made by calling the Museum at (814) 946-4464.

            A resident of Germantown, Md., Burton is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities and lecturers on the art of rug-hooking. In addition to creating a large volume of works, Burton has authored three books, two of which are used extensively by home economists as guides when judging county and state fair rug-hooking competitions. She has taught numerous classes and workshops throughout North America and has a long list of accolades and awards. Her current exhibition at SAMA-Altoona features nearly 20 rugs and wall-hangings. Viewers of her work often marvel at Burton’s intricate use of patterns, designs and colors, as well as the elaborate detail and sheer size of her work.

            Lunch a l’Art programs are offered to encourage a greater understanding of various art forms and movements, as well as a deeper appreciation for the exhibitions presented by the Museum.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. 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. Parking is available in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building or in the garage across the street. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.