Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery showcases work by East Suburban Artists League

All of this amazing art is in one place.

It’s the East Suburban Artists League’s annual holiday season art show running through Dec. 27 in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery.

Visitors can meet the artists from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6.

Tina Booth, art gallery coordinator, says the variety of the artwork and the mediums the artists use makes the exhibit a must-see. The gallery is also used for class work, so many of the Penn State students will have an opportunity to view the work, too.

The space will showcase everything from paintings in oil, acrylics and watercolors, along with pastels, pencil and ink, fiber materials and wood. There is also photography.

“It’s never the same show,” Booth says. “They are an art group that brings forward diverse art which we enjoy showcasing at this gallery.”

Each artist can contribute two pieces — many of which will be for sale, says Betty Trout of Murrysville, who handles publicity for the show.

“We give everyone the opportunity to be part of the show,” she says. “There are plenty of choices, so we can appeal to everyone. We have a wonderful group of artists who love what they do.”

Formed in 1965 , the East Suburban Artists League is a nonprofit association of artists from communities in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Members meet monthly in Murrysville from September to November and February to May to foster arts and crafts and to educate, inspire and encourage artists and patrons throughout this area, Trout says.

This is done through lectures, forums, panels and critiques and by league sponsored shows, displays and juried exhibits.

“In addition to being a beautiful art exhibit, it always has been a great event to celebrate the holiday season, while enjoying some delicious refreshments and catching up with members,” says Arlene Holtz of East Liberty, East Suburban Artists League co-president. “For those not in our group, it is a way to meet the artists and chat with them about their process.”

One of the show coordinators, Joy Anglin of Murrysville, says she hopes “that viewers take away an appreciation of the artistic talent that abounds in our community.”

There are 60 pieces of art from 31 artists — which takes time to organize, Anglin says.

“It’s like a puzzle,” she says. “We all have some input on how the pieces will be displayed. We try to group them by color and size, so they look appealing on the wall. That is very important. When it all comes together, it looks great.”

The Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery is located at 3550 Seventh Street Road (Highway 780), Upper Burrell, in room 115 of the Administration Building.

Hours are 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and noon-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is suggested to call ahead.

Details: 724-334-6056 or ESALart.org