February 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Sommer Toffle, SAMA-Ligonier Valley Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA-LIGONIER VALLEY APPOINTS GARDEN PARTY CHAIRS

            Ligonier – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is gearing up for its ninth annual Garden Party, and is doing so with the help of newly appointed co-chairs Barbara Kravits and Peggy Shepler, both of Ligonier. The two will work with Museum Coordinator Sommer Toffle and the Garden Party steering committee in organizing the Museum’s annual spring fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, June 5. This year’s Garden Party will feature a black and white theme, titled “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,” to coincide with the Museum’s upcoming exhibition, America’s Spirit Revealed: Photographs by Skip Allen.

“I am looking forward to working with Peggy Shepler, Sommer Toffle and the SAMA staff, the local community, and especially all the members of the auxiliary to raise funds for our Museum, a treasure of the Laurel Highlands,” said Kravits. Since moving to Ligonier five years ago, Kravits has been an active participant in many local and regional organizations including Fallingwater, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, Ligonier Valley Historical Society, Ligonier Valley Library, Touchstone Center for Crafts, and the SAMA-Ligonier Valley Auxiliary. In addition to her commitment to community organizations, she has a lifelong passion for the arts, as she and her husband have been actively involved in collecting, exhibiting and selling art and antiques for more than 40 years.

Shepler also has deep ties to the Ligonier community. She has been actively involved with the Fort Ligonier Days Parade for many years, and as a former elected official served on Ligonier Borough Council for eight years. She served as Secretary of the Planning Commission for 14 years, and formerly volunteered for the American Red Cross, teaching CPR and first aid. She currently serves on the board of directors of Chestnut Ridge Historical Society and is involved with Ligonier Valley Railroad Association and Ligonier Valley Library. “I am very excited to be more involved in this year’s Garden Party,” she said. “I am eagerly looking forward to working with co-chair Barbara Kravits; Sommer, Chris and Terry at SAMA-Ligonier Valley; and the auxiliary to make this year’s Garden Party another successful evening.”

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 at (724) 238-6015 or visit www.sama-art.org.