Westmoreland Art Nationals May exhibition goes virtual

Because of current covid-19 restrictions, the Westmoreland Art Nationals Fine Arts and Photography Exhibition originally scheduled for May 16-June 3 at the Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood campus will be a virtual exhibit.

“Having the virtual exhibition will still allow the juror-selected artwork to be seen, purchased by viewers and have awards given,” says Diane Shrader, executive director of the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, which annually presents the WCCC exhibition and a second exhibition during the festival itself. The annual Arts & Heritage Festival is currently scheduled for July 2-5 at Twin Lakes Park in Unity.

The Westmoreland Art Nationals show can be viewed at artsandheritage.com.

Because there are no space restrictions for the virtual exhibit, more pieces were selected than normally would be chosen for an exhibition in a physical space, Shrader says.

“After the original selections and awards by the juror, I asked her to select an additional 50 pieces to include in the virtual exhibit,” Shrader says. Total number of pieces is 158.

For those interested in purchasing artwork, prices are listed in the information below each piece. Those with an “NFS” notation are not for sale. Information on purchases is available by calling 724-834-7474 or emailing info@artsandheritage.com. All sales are final.

Viewers can vote for their picks for the People’s Choice Award on the festival’s Facebook page. Those without access to Facebook can send their choices to the above email address. Voting will be open until June 3.

The juror’s awards will be posted on the festival website and Facebook on May 16. Categories include Best of Show, Painting, Graphics, Craft, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media and New Entrant.

Juror for the WCCC virtual exhibition is Kimberly Goff, an artist based in Long Island, N.Y.

“Goff paints in the tradition of the abstract expressionists having been influenced by many of the artists and works of art she was exposed to as a young artist,” according to the festival website. “She has worked as a curator, freelance photographer, private art dealer, fashion designer, boutique owner, tour guide on whale watching trips, and has organized and judged juried art shows.”

She also has taught children’s art workshops and has a clothing collection of wearable art made from primarily vintage fabrics.

Curator is Victoria Jennings, a Pittsburgh-based artist whose work includes mural and portrait paintings.