Current Exhibitions
Exhibition In the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
Steel Yourselves
10.09.20-12.05.20
This exhibition will feature local artists Bill Scimio and David Beach. Both artists use metal in their sculptures, creating elaborate and beautiful pieces. Six-foot dragons, life-like birds, and an iron throne await visitors at this unique exhibition in downtown Altoona.
An avid outdoorsman, Bill Scimio draws inspiration from the natural world and the often-overlooked treasures found there—an antler shed, a grouse feather, an oak branch with acorns. These treasures are reimagined into metal. Their sculptural forms—sometimes realistic, sometimes interpretive—display a sense of presence, of personality, and often of whimsy.
David Beach grew up in Roaring Spring Pennsylvania the son of Rex and Priscilla Beach. He learned about metal from his father, a master level mechanic, machinist, welder and fabricator, and his mother was an artist, creating her work through pottery and painting. Beach’s shop, Fox Chapel Iron Works, was established in 2006 and he has since done over 2500 designs. Beach has exhibited and been juried in numerous art shows, festivals and art galleries over the years and won best in sculpture awards.
To celebrate this exhibition, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona will host a Wine Pairing and an Opening Reception. The Wine Pairing, occurring October 21st, features a wine tasting where the wine varieties have been paired with the art and light refreshments. Tickets are available at $20 per person, and they can be purchased by emailing or calling at 814.946.4464. Guests may either choose to attend from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm or 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Space is limited due to capacity restrictions.
Exhibition In the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery and
Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
Artists in Our Midst: Juried Exhibition of works by Art in Common
09.04.20-12.05.20
Artists in Our Midst is the annual juried exhibition of work by members of Art in Common. Art In Common is a nonprofit organization that started in 1986 as a forum for artists, photographers, digitals artists and sculptors to network with other artists, exhibit and promote their artwork. Twenty-seven local and regional artists are showcased in this exhibition.
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona will be hosting an opening reception to celebrate the opening of Artists in Our Midst and Steel Yourselves exhibitions on October 22nd, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Please contact SAMA Altoona at or 814.946.4464 for more information.
Exhibition In the Titelman Galleries
October 24, 2020 - January 31, 2021
A Century of Women in the Arts: Selections from the Permanent Collection can be viewed in our Titelman and Lemley Galleries located on the main level. The Lemley Gallery features Sue Severson’s urban-scapes and abstract paintings where the people blend into the world around them. Her paintings invite you to imagine the story that is unfolding on the city street.
A native of Brooklyn, New York her subject matter in many of her paintings present the life of the region’s busy streets and bustling sidewalks. Severson attended Brooklyn Museum of Art School and the Art Students League of New York. She earned her MFA from Brooklyn College. After she and her husband retired to the Altoona area, she become a member of an organization called Art in Common and became active in Southern Alleghanies Museum of Art.
In addition, works by the following women – Mary Cassatt, Glenna Goodacre, Colleen Browning, Barbara Hollander, and Helen Srankenthaler are included in the celebratory exhibition.
Exhibition in the Paula and Dean Lemley Gallery
The museum continues the A Century of Women in the Arts: Selections from the Permanent Collection theme in the Paula and Dean Lemley Gallery.
Exhibition In the Donald Robinson Gallery
Colorful Abstractions and Birds
July 17, 2020 - November 1, 2020
Exhibition In the Ashe and Regional Galleries
Words Have Failed Us
July 24, 2020 - October 31, 2020
Tom McGahuey is a prolific painter, watercolorist, and master ceramicist. This exhibition is a retrospective tour through an artist’s life. His energetic and whimsical spirit is translated into 2- and 3-dimensional works. His life experiences and his curiosity join in unpredictable combinations of shape, form, tone, and line. McGahuey distinguishes himself in his work with his own visual language. His rich life experiences and influences are expressed in the art pieces on display.
EXPLORE NATURE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE ARTISTS AT
SOUTHERN ALLEGHENIES MUSEUM OF ART AT LIGONIER VALLEY
Ligonier- If you are looking to delve into the beauty that nature depicts, then this exhibition is for you. Open from August 21, 2020, through October 31, 2020, this multiple artist exhibition will take you through, “Journeys in Nature” capturing the majesty and splendor that nature has to offer.
Kelly Coursey Gray photographs from a unique perspective. She is continuously evolving her artistic vision and adapts to meet the needs of her surroundings. Kelly is a life-long learner and traveler who enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with others. Her photographs tell fascinating stories and you will be captivated by the imagery and emotions they evoke.
Richard McWherter is a beloved visual art teacher and photographer. He shares his passion for nature which is clearly demonstrated through his images. His unique expressionistic views offer distinctive perspectives into nature. Richard blurs the lines between photography, drawing, and painting to create beautiful dreamlike imagery that transcends time and place.
Vincenzo Spinelli takes everyday ordinary objects and creates undeniable extraordinary creations. He takes whatever twisted, rusted, archaic metal scraps he comes upon and with executed precision, creates sculptures of natural beauty. From delicate rose petals made of copper to towering spirals made of steel, Vincenzo takes the cold, lifelessness of metal and transforms it into the beauty and effervescence of nature at its perfection.
Travel with our artists as they share their talents, experiences, and passion through, “Journeys in Nature”. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is pleased to offer our patrons this exciting exhibition from three of our region’s outstanding artist
Exhibition In the Sullivan Gallery
2020 Biennial
October 16, 2020 - January 16, 2021
Exhibition in the Margery Wolf-Kuhn Balcony Gallery
Deep Cuts from the Permanent Collection
January 31 - October 5, 2020
"A song by an artist that only true fans of said artist will enjoy/know. ... Typically refers to a more obscure or less accessible song in an artist's portfolio, one that only dedicated fans are aware of. Also increasingly used to refer to any obscure or less accessible artwork, opinion, trivia, etc."