March 30, 2012
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

PITTSBURGH ARTIST FEATURED IN SAMA-LIGONIER VALLEY EXHIBITION

            Ligonier – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is pleased to announce its latest exhibition, People, Places and Things: Works by William DeBernardi. Opening April 27, the exhibition features 136 oil paintings by the renowned Pittsburgh artist. The exhibition will remain on view through August 12.

DeBernardi is a gifted artist who primarily focuses on portraits, still lifes, and nocturnal landscapes. His work highlights a single subject and explores social norms through body language and non-verbal communication, creating significance in ordinary objects and people in everyday situations. DeBernardi has a knack for turning mundane subjects into something impressive and introspective, and his work is executed in rich, realistic detail, with special attention paid to form and expression.

            “I am excited to show William DeBernardi’s work at the Museum,” said SAMA-Ligonier Valley Coordinator Sommer Toffle. “I am drawn to his paintings for their descriptive narrative qualities and for reminding us of what we find familiar in our daily lives. His work is a direct reflection of his outstanding physical and conceptual talent.”

DeBernardi received an M.F.A. in painting from Indiana University and a B.F.A. in painting from Pennsylvania State University. He currently is an Associate Professor in the Art Department of Carlow University in Pittsburgh. The artist has exhibited his work nationally and abroad. He has received numerous awards for his paintings, which are included in private, corporate, and museum collections throughout the U.S., France, Italy, and Venezuela.

The artist will be on hand for the Museum’s eleventh annual Garden Party, scheduled for June 2. The event begins at 4 p.m. with a champagne reception in the Museum gallery celebrating People, Places and Things. DeBernardi will be in attendance to greet guests and discuss his works on view. Throughout the Garden Party, guests will be treated to cocktails and gourmet cuisine catered by Ernie Vallozzi, live music by Tropical Sands Steel Drum Ensemble, and live and silent auctions featuring a variety of antiques, artwork, jewelry, gift baskets, garden accessories, and gift certificates. Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations are required by May 22 and can be made by calling the Museum at (724) 238-6015.

The Museum also will host a Lunch a l’Art program with DeBernardi artist on Thursday, July 12. The program, which begins at noon, includes lunch and a presentation by the artist. Cost is $13 or $12 for SAMA members. Reservations are requested by July 6 and can be made by calling the Museum.

            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.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.