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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: Music
selections from the Permanent Collection
March 20, 2026 – August 2, 2026
This exhibition will include photographs, etchings, paintings and drawings of musically inspired art. Artist Auguste Rodin once said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” “Inspiration: Music” is an exhibition of artwork created by visual artists to celebrate the music created by musical artists. View paintings of musicians performing, photographs of musicians singing, etchings of musical instruments. Abstract paintings with titles inspired by music vocabulary and pieces of music round out the permanent collection exhibit.
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.
