Greensburg Art Center 2021 Biennial includes ‘sociopolitical statements’
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The Greensburg Art Center 2021 Biennial will open on Saturday — although the open juried exhibition technically could be called a triennial, said co-chair Pat Majcher.
The show should have taken place in 2020, but was delayed by the pandemic, she said. It will run through June 25 at the center at 230 Todd School Road, Hempfield.
Hours for the free opening reception will be 6-8 p.m., with outdoor festivities including an ice cream truck, other refreshments and awards announcement at 7 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the artworks in the center’s Rowe Gallery, and indoor seating will be available. Masks will be required for those entering the facility.
The biennial features 63 pieces in various mediums by 55 western Pennsylvania artist, which were chosen by juror Kurt Shaw from among 198 submissions.
“There was a nice cross section of media, which was good to see. There are some really talented folks in the region,” said Shaw, a Pittsburgh-based artist; appraiser of art, antiques, furniture and other valuables; and former owner of Shaw Galleries in downtown Pittsburgh.
In judging submissions, Shaw said, he looked for “good design, good composition and works that made a sociopolitical statement — those had an edge.”
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“The most important thing was that it had to be transformational in some way,” he said. “I don’t want to think about what it’s made of. I’m not interested in the medium, but are you making something beyond what it is?”
“In reviewing the entries, I was intrigued by the variety of compositions, media, and techniques. As a professional artist and art critic, I have the utmost respect for the unique artist’s voice and the diversity of perspectives offered to the patrons,” Shaw said in his juror’s statement. “My criteria for judging the work included the nature and quality of the composition, design, originality, timeliness, and impact.
“Above all, the work was judged on its merits. Indeed, excellent art can be found in many forms, as evidenced by the selected works.”
Joining Majcher as exhibition co-chair was art center member Marcy Koynok. The show was hung by a team of volunteers under the direction of center member and award-winning artist, Sue Pollins of Greensburg.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Beginning June 3, there will be extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
Details: 724-837-6791 or greensburgartcenter.org