Out & About: The Westmoreland celebrates community with 'Block Party'

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is joining in the Westmoreland 250, a yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Westmoreland County, with the exhibit,“Block Party: Community and Celebration in American Art.”

Running through Sept. 17, the exhibit takes inspiration from the World War I-era innovation of the block party, where neighbors gather along their street for food, fellowship and fun.

Installed throughout several galleries, the works of 28 artists and one collective reflect on themes of community and celebration. Pieces include large-scale installations, videos and examples of historical American art.

Speaking of the collaborative nature of the exhibition and the artists involved during a June 24 opening reception, Chief Curator Jeremiah William McCarthy said, “We sometimes think culture arrives in the mail one day, but the people making it are sometimes on the margins, and it takes a while to recognize them.”

He praised museum staff, saying that an exhibit of this scope can take years to organize, but they put it together in six months.

Among featured artists at the reception were John Morris of Shadyside and Steve Alexis of Miami, Fla.

Also present were The Westmoreland’s former Chief Curator Barbara Jones and former Director/CEO Judy O’Toole, now executive director of the Fine Foundation, which provided support for “Block Party,” along with The Heinz Endowments and The Westmoreland’s Hillman Exhibition Fund.

Seen: Kevin O’Toole, John and Sheri Boyle, Rhonda Madden, Doug Evans, Erica Nuckles, Greg Murman, Gavin Benjamin, Linda Blum, Sue Pollins, Kitty Hricenak, Doug and Crystal Stone, Kyli Stoner, Jean McClung, Gordon Wilkins, Steve and Sally Nuckles, Bill and Gina Falcon, Carolyn Falcon, Joe and Ann Nemanic, Marty O’Brien, Lisa Gordon, Jim and Karen O’Connor, Rebecca Sexton, Pamela Cooper, Kalona Foster, Cam DePalma and Brian, Laura, Heather and Bella Long.