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Altoona
A Mother and Child Reunion
artwork from the Seltzer Family of Collectors
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
July 17, 2026 – October 4, 2026
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art presents a memorial exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Joan Marie Seltzer and her son, Michael Harris Seltzer. Bringing together their distinct yet connected creative voices, the exhibition explores themes of family, resilience, imagination, and the enduring power of art across generations. Joan’s diverse works in still life, abstraction, and drawing reflect her lifelong dedication to creativity, while Michael’s intricate pen, ink, and watercolor cityscapes reveal his unique vision and devotion to artistic expression. Together, their work offers a meaningful reflection on the bond between two artists and the lasting impact of their creative journeys.
Altoona
Conversations with Light
artwork by Skip Allen
in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery
June 26, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Conversations with Light highlights Skip Allen’s decades-long exploration of photography through light, texture, and landscape. Inspired by a lifelong passion that began with a Kodak Brownie camera at age seven, Allen built a successful commercial photography career before turning his focus to landscape photography and the expressive possibilities of place and atmosphere. Influenced by mentors such as Bill Bordas and Rod Dresser, Allen’s work reflects his belief that meaningful photographs emerge through patience, observation, and connection with the subject. His images, exhibited throughout Pennsylvania and Nevada, continue to capture the emotional and visual poetry of the natural world.
Altoona
Under A Glowing Sky
artwork by Philip Koch
in the Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
June 26, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Philip Koch is widely recognized for his vividly colored, emotionally resonant landscapes that explore the power of light, memory, and the natural world. Raised along the shores of Lake Ontario and deeply inspired by Maine’s coastal landscapes, Koch paints from direct observation and memory rather than photographs, creating works rich in atmosphere and authenticity. Originally an abstract painter, he shifted toward realism after discovering the work of Edward Hopper and later completed numerous residencies at Hopper’s former Cape Cod studio. Koch’s celebrated paintings have been featured in fourteen solo museum exhibitions and are included in the permanent collections of major American art museums.
Bedford
Biennial 2026 Juried Art Exhibition
in seven galleries of the museum
July 24, 2026 – October 18, 2026
Biennial is the Museum’s juried exhibition occurring every two years that highlights the very best in regional artistic talent typically displaying work by more than 50 artists. SAMA’s Biennial is considered to be one of Pennsylvania’s top exhibitions for contemporary local artists, and this installment features works in photography, watercolor, wood, oil, clay, bronze, pastel, pencil, acrylic, and mixed media, among others. The exhibition and events are sponsored by Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery Inc., The Drawing Room - Lisa Denison, Barry H. Newborn, Barbara O'Brien, Scott Riner, Jana Sidler, Chantel Ventura, and Weyant Landscaping Inc.
Johnstown
Inspiration: Life
selections from the Permanent Collection
September 4, 2026 – January 8, 2027
This selection of permanent collection artwork explores what inspires artists. Whether we are busy with our daily routines, responsibilities, friends and families we all seem to be in a hurry. Artists help us to see the beauty, complexity and humor of the world we rush through. Birthday celebrations, gossiping with siblings, family meals, the neighborhood or firehouse and house chores seem monotonous at times but there is beauty to be found. “Inspiration: Life” is an exhibit of daily scenes, chores, views and interactions with friends and family. These paintings are predecessors to our digital cameras, cell phones, giving us a taste of history and stolen moments in time.
Ligonier
50 Years of American Art
selections from the Permanent Collection
August 14, 2026 – November 1, 2026
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, established in 1976, has a permanent collection of over 7,500 pieces. This special exhibition will feature a curated selection of works from SAMA’s permanent collection, celebrating five decades of art and culture. Visitors can view iconic works of art by Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell and selections by local metal sculptor, Kurt Bonello. The display reflects the museum’s growth from 47 works in 1976 to more than 7,500 pieces today.
Ligonier
50 for $50
exhibition of round robin painting sessions
August 14, 2026 – November 1, 2026
The exhibit features 50 paintings created during Round Robin Painting sessions that were held during our open studio times. These 50 paintings feature collaborative paintings created by local artists, teachers, students, and plein air painters. All proceeds from the sale of these paintings will be applied to SAMA's education programs, helping to inspire the next generation of artists. The “Round Robin Painting” sessions and resulting exhibition were made possible by a grant for the Laurel Ridge Foundation.
