Latrobe Art Center hosts 10th annual Mr. Rogers juried exhibition

The 10th annual Mr. Fred Rogers Juried Art Exhibition opens Wednesday at Latrobe Art Center.

Paying tribute to the children’s television icon and Latrobe native, the show will feature 65 pieces by local and regional artists including two- and three-dimensional works, paintings in a variety of mediums and photography.

The show will open with a free reception from 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday at the center, 819 Ligonier St. Featuring live entertainment, light bites and beverages, the reception will be held, weather permitting, on the street in front of the center, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Guests will be allowed in the gallery 25 at a time to view the exhibition. Face masks and social distancing will be required.

Awards will be announced at 7:15 p.m. Coming with cash prizes, the awards include Best of Show, Mr. Fred Rogers Award of Distinction, Ned J. Nakles Award of Excellence in Oil/Acrylic and Awards of Merit.

Works on display were selected by juror Cecile Shellman, a Pittsburgh-based diversity and museum professional.

Hope, beauty and joy

“As an educator, artist, sometime curator and lifelong learner, I was struck by the hope, beauty and joy of the selections,” Shellman said. “From the works of Sunday painters to those of more seasoned artists, each piece had vibrancy by virtue of its rhythm, color, pattern or theme. Each spoke of humanity: the humor, hubris and hardiness that allows us all to thrive despite suffering.

“As I reviewed each piece in the show through a blinded process, I searched not only for technique, but for soul; not just for proficiency, but resilience,” she said.

“Artists also have the opportunity to be chosen by Greater Latrobe high school, junior high and elementary school students to have their work permanently displayed in Greater Latrobe School District’s Special Arts Collection, a program designed to expose students to original art,” said center Executive Director Lauren Buches.

“We’re delighted to be a part of this tradition,” Buches said. “As a Greater Latrobe graduate, I am always so excited to see which of the artworks are chosen by the local students to become a part of the schools’ permanent art collections.”

The exhibition will continue through Sept. 30 in the center.

Details: 724-537-7011 or latrobeartcenter.org