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2026 Exhibition Schedule
Support YOUR Museum
Serving the community through the many educational, cultural, and fulfilling opportunities requires assistance from a range of resources. To maintain free admission to our museums, we need your support! Thoughtful donations by members and patrons help us keep our five museums in Altoona, Bedford, Johnstown, Ligonier, and Loretto open to the public free of charge.
Read about the upcoming exhibitions at each SAMA site and donate to help support an exhibition that interests you! Please contact the SAMA site of your choosing if you would like help or more information about sponsoring an exhibition.
Altoona
Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
in the Wolf and Pechter Galleries and Detwiler Education Center
January 30, 2026 – April 2, 2026
The Museum’s twenty-eighth annual student art exhibition will be displayed at Altoona, Ligonier, Bedford, and Johnstown. Held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibition is open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Arts-in-Education or Artist-in-Residence program. These programs serve six counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland. Through the programs, SAMA educators and professional artists travel to public and parochial schools to provide lessons designed to enhance students’ understanding of art creation, technique, history, critique, and aesthetics. SAMA’s award-winning education initiative is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth.
50 Years of American Art
staff selections from the Permanent Collection
in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery
April 17, 2026 - June 12, 2026
This special exhibition will feature a curated selection of works from SAMA’s permanent collection, celebrating five decades of art and culture. Visitors will view iconic works including Andy Warhol and selections by local metal sculptor, Kurt Bonello. The display reflects five decades of collecting and preserving American art, showcasing the museum’s growth from 47 works in 1976 to more than 7,500 pieces today. Visitors will experience highlights of SAMA’s artistic legacy and learn about the cultural impact of these works on the region.
Walker Evans in Cuba: The Ernest Hemingway Collection
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
April 17, 2026 – June 12, 2026
This traveling exhibition, courtesy of Art2Art, features 44 vintage photographs by renowned documentary photographer Walker Evans, drawn from Hemingway’s private collection. Captured in Havana during May and June of 1933, these powerful images reveal the streets, people, and poverty that inspired Hemingway’s novel To Have or Have Not. Visitors will explore the rich connection between Evans’s stark visual storytelling and Hemingway’s literary style, alongside interpretive materials and special film screenings. Collection of Michael Mattas and Judith Hochberg. Exhibition organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions. The project was financed [in part] by a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Into the Light: Survivors of the Holocaust
portrait photographs by Nancy Baron
in the Detwiler Education Center
April 17, 2026 – June 12, 2026
The exhibition presents intimate images of Holocaust survivors from the Palm Springs area, highlighting their strength, resilience, and gratitude for the freedom they found in the United States. Baron’s sensitive documentary style brings viewers face-to-face with individuals whose lives bear witness to one of history’s darkest chapters. Through these moving portraits, the exhibition encourages reflection on memory, survival, identity, and the importance of preserving firsthand historical accounts. This profound installation honors the enduring human spirit while fostering dialogue and remembrance for future generations. Exhibition organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions. The exhibition is funded [in part] by a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Our History is Your History
works by Jewish Artists from the Permanent Collection
in the Detwiler Education Center
April 17, 2026 - June 12, 2026
This special exhibition highlights influential Jewish artists represented in the museum’s Permanent Collection, offering insight into the cultural, historical, and creative contributions that helped shape American art. Through a diverse range of works, visitors can explore themes of resilience, identity, and innovation while gaining a deeper appreciation for the lasting impact of Jewish artists. The exhibition is funded [in part] by the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation and a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
William H. Rau Photography Exhibition
photographs from the William H. Rau Collection
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
June 26, 2026 – July 12, 2026
SAMA has planned a special photography exhibition celebrating America’s railroad heritage alongside Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy No. 4014 visit to Altoona on July 8–11, 2026, as part of the America250 celebration. Inspired by the work of renowned photographer William H. Rau, the exhibition highlights the romance, power, and impact of rail travel through historic railroad imagery and interpretive materials. Rau’s atmospheric photographs documented the transformative role of railroads in shaping America’s industry and culture. Together, the exhibition and steam excursion offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience railroad history through both art and living history.
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.
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.
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
A retrospective on the works of the late Michael Harris Seltzer, and the late Joan Seltzer with potential inclusions of other Seltzer family members.
Bedford
Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
in the Titelman Galleries
February 13, 2026 – April 26, 2026
The Museum’s twenty-eighth annual student art exhibition will be displayed at Altoona, Ligonier, Bedford, and Johnstown. Held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibition is open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Arts-in-Education or Artist-in-Residence program. These programs serve six counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland. Through the programs, SAMA educators and professional artists travel to public and parochial schools to provide lessons designed to enhance students’ understanding of art creation, technique, history, critique, and aesthetics. SAMA’s award-winning education initiative is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth.
50 Years of American Art
staff selections from the Permanent Collection
in the Donald M. Robinson, Ashe, Jerry & Joan Hawk, and Paula and Dean Lemley Galleries
February 13, 2026 – April 12, 2026
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, established in 1976, has a permanent collection of over 7,500 pieces. This collection curated by SAMA staff celebrates the 50th anniversary by highlighting key acquisitions and milestones over the decades. This exhibition will be on display at each satellite museum within the year of our anniversary.
Echoes of a Nation: U.S. National Parks
selections from the Donald M. Robinson Photography Collection
in the Donald M. Robinson Gallery
February 13, 2026 – April 26, 2026
Donald M. Robinson is a Pittsburgh-based internationally acclaimed photographer who has traveled the world in search of compelling images. Numbering in excess of 800 objects, the Robinson collection includes documentary and nature photographs taken on six continents and in more than 60 countries.
Under the Skies of Florida
selections from the Donald M. Robinson Photography Collection
in the Donald M. Robinson, Ashe, Jerry & Joan Hawk, and Paula and Dean Lemley Galleries
April 17, 2026 – April 26, 2026
Donald M. Robinson is a Pittsburgh-based internationally acclaimed photographer who has traveled the world in search of compelling images. Numbering in excess of 800 objects, the Robinson collection includes documentary and nature photographs taken on six continents and in more than 60 countries. Under the Skies of Florida, invites visitors into the vibrant and changing natural worlds captured through the lens of Donald M. Robinson where the quit flutter of butterflies, the striking beauty of the native birds, and the rich tapestry of Florida's flora and fauna reveal the depth and diversity of life beneath the state’s expansive skies.
The Space Between
artwork by Robin Grass
in the Titelman Galleries and Paula and Dean Lemley Gallery
May 8, 2026 – July 12, 2026
In this exhibition, Robin Grass challenges you to reject the search for hidden meaning or tidy explanations. He embraces the idea that images can be mysterious without being solved. Each painting offers an open ended encounter, asking nothing more of the viewer than presence and curiosity.
Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
artwork by Lawrice Dolan
in the Donald M. Robinson, Ashe, and Jerry & Joan Hawk
May 8, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Lawrice Dolan sees art as a joyful, life-giving mission that reconnects us with our wild, intuitive, and spiritual selves. Though rooted in a lifelong love of art, her practice deepened after the birth of her son in 1984 and now spans diverse media, unified by prayerful intuition and recurring symbols—paths, moons, birds, and angels—that express the bond between art and spirit.
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., Barry H Newborn, Chantel Ventura, Jana Sidler, Scott Riner, and Barbara O'Brien.
The Roads That Lead to Wonder
selections from the Donald M. Robinson Permanent Collection
in the Donald M. Robinson Gallery
July 24, 2026 – October 18, 2026
Johnstown
Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
January 17, 2026 – March 17, 2026
The Museum’s twenty-eighth annual student art exhibition will be displayed at Altoona, Ligonier, Bedford, and Johnstown. Held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibition is open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Arts-in-Education or Artist-in-Residence program. These programs serve six counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland. Through the programs, SAMA educators and professional artists travel to public and parochial schools to provide lessons designed to enhance students’ understanding of art creation, technique, history, critique, and aesthetics. SAMA’s award-winning education initiative is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth.
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.
Inspiration: Life
selections from the Permanent Collection
August 14, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Ligonier
Exhibitions in The Elizabeth Shaw Gamble Gallery
Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
February 13, 2026 – April 19, 2026
The Museum’s twenty-eighth annual student art exhibition will be displayed at Altoona, Ligonier, Bedford, and Johnstown. Held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibition is open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Arts-in-Education or Artist-in-Residence program. These programs serve six counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland. Through the programs, SAMA educators and professional artists travel to public and parochial schools to provide lessons designed to enhance students’ understanding of art creation, technique, history, critique, and aesthetics. SAMA’s award-winning education initiative is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth.
Two Voices
artwork by Diane Grguras and Peg Panasiti
May 1, 2026 – August 2, 2026
Two Voices is an engaging exhibition showcasing two distinct yet complementary perspectives. The exhibition highlights Diane Grguras' luminous pastel landscapes, which capture the beauty and spiritual quality of light, alongside Peg Panasiti's vibrant watercolor compositions that transform everyday objects into bold, expressive works of art. Together, their art invites viewers to slow down and rediscover the beauty found in ordinary moments. Two Voices celebrates the shared vision of two accomplished artists whose work reflects a deep appreciation for observation, creativity, and the world around us.