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2025 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.
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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 31, 2025 – April 6, 2025
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The Museum’s twenty-seventh 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.​
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A Journey to Wonderland
artwork by Jessie Luke
in the Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
April 23, 2025 – July 6, 2025
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Jessie Luke is recognized for her incredible photographs created with the Holga plastic toy camera. Luke has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her exhibition, "A Journey to Wonderland," visually displays the narrative of the timeless classical children's novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by English author, Lewis Carroll. It is a theatrical pictorial adaptation that reflects Alice’s long journey down the rabbit hole. There she discovers an extraordinary world of unusual characters and encounters unforeseeable challenges.
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Gravitas of the Sycamore
artwork by Judith Peck
in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Galleries
April 23, 2025 – July 6, 2025
A solo exhibition of oil paintings by Virginian artist, Judith Peck. The series depicts a singular sycamore tree she discovered while walking near the Potomac River. What follows is a series of oil paintings which serve as rich, artistic meditation on the themes of resilience, and the stabilizing ground around which our souls gravitate, as we attempt to live our lives amidst a chaotic and ever changing world.
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Poetry of the Earth: Edward Glannon
selections from the Permanent Collection
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
April 23, 2025 – July 6, 2025
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Pennsylvania-raised artist Edward Glannon wrote in his journal that he "learned to love the poetry of the earth and the music of landscapes" and that it "motivated me all my life." "Poetry of the Earth" showcases Glannon's masterful landscapes and aims to instill a sense of musicality in all of those who view it. Glannon’s paintings and prints evoke a sense of meditative reverie, much like the works of his near contemporary, Andrew Wyeth. Featuring pieces from SAMA’s permanent collection, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the artistic legacy of a painter who found beauty in the vast and varied landscapes of America.
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All My Life’s A Circle
artwork by Barbara Hollander
in the Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery and Paul I. Detwiler Education Center
July 18, 2025 – October 5, 2025
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Barbara Hollander dedicated over two decades of her life to SAMA Altoona, where she served as both the Education Coordinator and Site Coordinator. In these roles, she was instrumental in growing attendance, developing educational programs, and fostering meaningful connections within the community. Her work embodies SAMA's mission of inclusivity and creativity, and this exhibition serves as both a tribute to her contributions and an invitation to the community to experience her artistic legacy.
Poster Perfect: A Cinematic Showcase
selections from the Permanent Collection
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
July 18, 2025 – October 5, 2025
See an exhibition featuring art for movie promotions from the Mark del Costello special collection of posters. This exhibition runs in conjunction with the Altoona Reel Film Festival, Altoona's first film festival, hosted by Penn State Altoona on September 20, 2025.
​​​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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Art in Common's juried exhibition features artwork from a collective of local artists demonstrating the creative talents of our community. This annual collaboration offers local working artists a space for recognition of their talents and an opportunity to show in an accredited museum. This interorganizational collaboration serves to strengthen the foundation of the arts community in Altoona and the surrounding areas.
Transcontinental: Photographs by William H. Rau and Contemporaries selections from the Permanent Collection
in the George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery
October 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
This exhibition features 11 pieces of artwork from "Picturing the West," a travelling exhibition curtesy of Art2Art, as well as selected photographs from the William H. Rau collection. "Transcontinental" showcases the American Railroad as it expanded westward, with a particular focus on Pennsylvania and Southwestern American states.
Bedford
​​Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
in the Titelman Galleries
February 14, 2025 – April 27, 2025
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The Museum’s twenty-seventh 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.
Inspired by and In the footsteps of Donald M. Robinson
in the Paula and Dean Lemley Gallery
February 14, 2025 – June 29, 2025
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These exhibits celebrate the works of Donald M. Robinson. The exhibition is the result of two workshops led by artist Recie Dolan and photographer Skip Allen, in which artists of all mediums were invited to create an artistic representation, reaction or response to pieces in the Donald M. Robinson collection ahead of the Donald M. Robinson Photography Biennial. The exhibition and workshops were sponsored by the Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation.
Wild Realms: A Global Journey in Animal Photography
selections from the Donald M. Robinson Permanent Collection
in the Donald M. Robinson, Ashe, Jerry & Joan Hawk, and Children's Discovery Galleries
February 21, 2025 – June 29, 2025​
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See a collection of photographs centered on exotic animals and wildlife from around the world, including Africa, South America, and Antarctica taken by Donald M. Robinson while traveling the globe.
Echoes of Summer
selections from the Donald M. Robinson Permanent Collection
in the Titelman Galleries
May 9, 2025 – July 13, 2025
The exhibition features selections from the extensive Donald M. Robinson photography collection, which includes over 800 works documenting Robinson’s travels across six continents and more than 60 countries. His nature and documentary photographs capture the beauty and diversity of the natural world, offering viewers a glimpse into landscapes and moments from around the globe. In addition to Robinson’s works, the exhibition will showcase pieces that reflect the essence of summer, as well as other works that evoke the feeling and memory of summer even in different seasons.
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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.
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Season's Greetings
in the Titelman Galleries
October 31, 2025 – February 1, 2026
During his tenure at the MoMA, Wheeler heavily influenced typography, book design and the development of the museum exhibition catalog.He also developed close relationships with many of the artists whose works he exhibited and published. From the 1940s through the 1950s, Wheeler corresponded with artists whose works he selected for reproduction as original MoMA cards and prints. And as a gesture of friendship, these artists sent beautifully and intricately designed holiday greetings that he cherished and kept. In 1950, he wrote Nelson A. Rockefeller, a museum trustee since 1932: “As our Christmas card business has been so successful and remunerative, we are now entering the field of year-round greeting cards with no printed message.” These unique handmade and printed limited edition Christmas and greeting cards come in dimensions that range from postcard to folio and can be adapted to many spaces with the use of vitrines to complement the framed art. Artist biographies and a catalogue listing are provided.
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Meaghan Troup
in the Paula and Dean Lemley, Donald M. Robinson, Ashe, Jerry & Joan Hawk, and Children's Discovery Galleries
October 31, 2025 – February 1, 2026
​Meaghan Troup, an artist from Mifflinburg, PA, has been drawn to art since childhood, refining her creative instincts and imagination through years of education, travel, and training. Her work is deeply influenced by her Christian faith, viewing God as the ultimate artist who carefully shapes each life with purpose. This spiritual connection informs her artistic process, allowing her to reflect grace and strength through her creations. A battle with leukemia profoundly impacted her perspective, heightening her appreciation for life and influencing the vivid yet peaceful quality that defines her work. Inspired by the overlooked beauty of everyday life, Troup seeks to capture the harmony and depth found in both nature and human connection.
Johnstown
​Artists of the 21st Century
artwork by grade-school students in the six counties SAMA serves
January 17, 2025 – March 30, 2025
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The Museum’s twenty-seventh 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.
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Inside Out, A Collection of Artists' Point of View
April 11, 2025 – July 27, 2025
Artists are expertly skilled in showing the world as they see it, creating images that draw us in and remind us of places we have visited or would like to visit. Artwork from artists Charles Biddle, Edgar Imler, David Hopkins, Bradley Shoemaker and Robert Kipniss give visitors the opportunity to see how indoor and outdoor light can and does affect color, mood and environment. Take a few minutes of your day to enjoy a walk through the exhibition and view the world through the artist’s eyes.
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Celebrations
August 8, 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 Auto Group.
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 14, 2025 – April 20, 2025
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The Museum’s twenty-seventh 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.
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Spirit of Place: Fallingwater Paintings
by Ron Donoughe and Workshop Artists
May 2, 2025 – August 3, 2025
This exhibition showcases the stunning work of Ron Donoughe and talented workshop artists, capturing the iconic architecture and natural beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece. Through vibrant landscapes and thoughtful interpretations, the exhibition explores the profound connection between Fallingwater and its surrounding environment. Visitors will experience unique artistic perspectives that celebrate the harmony of art, architecture, and nature.
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Nora and Stu Thompson: Sharing Spaces
August 15, 2025 – November 2, 2025
​Southwestern Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
artwork by artists from the 19 southwestern counties of Pennsylvania
November 14, 2025 – February 1, 2026
The 30th annual SPCARTS exhibition features work by artists from the 19 southwestern counties of Pennsylvania. Featured works will span a variety of media, including acrylic, oil, photography, pastel, watercolor, wood, masonry, and many others. Since its inception, the exhibition has become known for its freshness and energy in the art of emerging young artists and for the dazzling presentations of established artists who are developing a new direction with their art.