March 6, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA-ALTOONA EXHIBITION TO FEATURE WORKS BY MASTERFUL ALTOONA ARTIST

            Altoona – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, John Rita: Aspects of the Muse. The exhibition, on view March 20 through July 11, features 40 oil paintings created specially for this exhibition.

            An Altoona artist, Rita creates haunting and powerful portraits through the eye of a keen observer and the heart of a Renaissance artist. His technical virtuosity, imaginative perceptions and connection to his subjects exhibit deep feelings and insight. Thanks to his mastery of light and color, his work is remarkable for its resemblance to that of the great European masters.

            Rita’s artistic legacy stretches far beyond his paintings. He was cofounder of Albert Michaels Conservation Inc., a historic preservation firm, and is owner of Albert Michaels Gallery in Altoona. Rita has overseen numerous major conservation projects, including several at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, various local churches, and Altoona’s Mishler Theater. An award-winning artist, Rita was awarded both the People’s Choice Award and Third Place for Painting at the 2006 Blair County Festival of the Arts. He was a recipient of SAMA’s Service to the Arts Award in 1999, and was inducted into the Blair County Arts Hall of Fame in 2003 for public art and architecture.

            “John Rita’s artwork possesses elaborate, interpretive, and creative elements which transform the female figure from sublime to extraordinary,” said SAMA-Altoona Coordinator Barbara Hollander. “His focus on composition, lighting, angle, shading, proportion and expression are evident in every work. While some artists revel in the distortion of the figure, John captures a beauty reminiscent of the Renaissance era that includes affection, tenderness, sensitivity, and erotic overtones. I am proud to be showing the work of an artist of this caliber.”

            The artist will speak at a Lunch a l’Art program at the Museum on Thursday, April 2. The program, which begins at noon, will feature lunch and a presentation by the artist. The cost is $12 per person, or $10 for Museum members. For reservations or more information, please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464.

            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. Saturday. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the garage across the street or in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.