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Altoona
Artwork from the Permanent Collection
in the Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
October 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
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Joe Servello Memorial Exhibit
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SAMA Altoona proudly remembers devoted artist, illustrator, teacher and hometown champion, Joseph "Joe" Servello, through an exhibition showcasing artwork from the permanent collection by Joe Servello. Joe leaves behind a legacy of visual storytelling, mentorship, and deep love for the Altoona community. May his vivid lines, generous heart, and commitment to art continue to inspire those who walk his beloved Altoona streets, view his murals, read his illustrated stories, and cherish the beauty he has left behind.
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Reflections in American Art
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The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art is proud to showcase a selection of works from its distinguished permanent collection. This display highlights the depth and diversity of American art, featuring pieces that span a variety of styles, mediums, and eras. Each artwork reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving and celebrating creativity across generations. Visitors are invited to explore the collection and discover the stories and inspiration behind these remarkable works.
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Altoona
Artists in Our Midst
artwork by Art in Common
in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery and Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
October 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
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An annual collaboration between SAMA Altoona and Art in Common, the juried exhibition continues the Museum’s mission of celebrating and supporting the visual arts of the Southern Alleghenies region. The exhibition offers the public an opportunity to experience diverse artistic voices and provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to share their work with the community.
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Altoona
Transcontinental: Photographs by William H. Rau and Contemporaries
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
October 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Art2Art presents works by renowned masters of photography, as well as contemporary sensations. Featuring 11 works from the traveling exhibition "Picturing the West: Masterworks of 19th Century Landscape Photography" courtesy of Art2Art. "Picturing the West" resonates with museum audiences on several different levels simultaneously. It is, first of all, a visual synopsis of the Era of Exploration in American history, and a touchstone for discussion of the issues involved in the opening of the American West. Secondly, the show works on a purely aesthetic level: a great Watkins mammoth plate is now seen as comparable to a great painting by Thomas Cole, Thomas Moran or Albert Bierstadt. Along with selections from the museum’s Rau collection, "Transcontinental" highlights the expansion of the American Railroad, with a focus on Pennsylvania and the Southwestern United States.
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Bedford
Donald M. Robinson Photography Biennial 2025
juried art exhibition in all eight galleries of the museum
July 25, 2025 – October 19, 2025
The Donald M. Robinson Photography Biennial is a juried exhibition occurring every two years attracting photographers from across the nation. Cash awards will include a top prize of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 second place award, and $750 for the third-place award. Artworks included in the exhibition were selected by juror, Nicole Elliott. Prizes will be awarded during the celebration and were selected by juror, Skip Allen. The exhibition and events are sponsored by the Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation and Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery Inc.
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Johnstown
Celebrations
August 15, 2025 – December 2025
In conjunction with The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) fiftieth anniversary celebration, we are excited to announce an exhibition of vibrant art created by artist Anita Williams at our Johnstown location. Along with selected pieces from SAMA’s permanent collection, the exhibit features artwork celebrating nature, movement and the arts. This exhibition is sponsored by Laurel Toyota.
Ligonier
Nora and Stuart Thompson: Rots, Pots, and Mountaintops
August 15, 2025 – November 2, 2025
A compelling and whimsical exhibition celebrating the talents of husband-and-wife artists, Stuart and Nora Thompson. "Rots, Pots, and Mountaintops" are divided into three vibrant sections:
· Rots features Nora Thompson’s playful and eccentric cast of characters. Imbued with personality and charm, these imaginative figures offer a humorous and heartfelt exploration of identity and artistic freedom.
· Pots showcases the collaborative clay work of Stuart and Nora. These three-dimensional pieces reflect the couple’s creative synergy and technical mastery in ceramics.
· Mountaintops spotlights Stuart Thompson’s award-winning paintings, known for their vivid color and subtly representational style that invites the viewer to look again—and look deeper.
