Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern PA to mark his birthday

This past year has certainly been a challenge for everyone due to the restrictions resulting from the pandemic. In these difficult times, community participation – virtual or otherwise – can be an uplifting diversion. Consider joining the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports fine art photography.

For art photographers, photo enthusiasts and like-minded people among us, PASNWPA can provide an opportunity to network, share experiences and possibly present your work to the wider community. While the restrictions have affected the art world by limiting in-person art meetings and exhibitions, as the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way.

East Springfield resident Patti larson, who is in the middle of her second term as president of the organization, said: “The pandemic has forced us to get a little more creative and find unique ways to showcase the photographic works of our members. Last year we held our first virtual exhibition where the works of art were exhibited and sold online. Due to its success, we will soon be announcing the opening of an online store where people can view and purchase our members’ artwork.

“Now that things are starting to open up this year,” Larson continued, “we were able to schedule several in-person shows for later in the year. Additionally, this is a milestone year for PASNWPA in As it has been 10 years since the non-profit organization was established in July 2011. We will be announcing plans to celebrate our 10th anniversary soon, so it looks like things are improving as we anticipate a return to exhibitions art in person and celebrate the success of our organization. ”

In December, the organization hosted an online show focusing on the positive forces in our lives, a small way to stay connected to each other with the unmistakable beauty of nature around us.

This year, PASNWPA has two in-person exhibitions planned: at Erie’s Glass Growers Gallery from August to September and at Artlore Studio in Millcreek Township from November to January. In addition, in 2022, an exhibition is planned at the Crary Art Gallery in Warren.

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The organization allocates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its members’ works to local art-related organizations, such as Erie’s Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, North East Arts Council Children’s Events, Erie Shriners Ambulatory Surgery Center and the Outpatient Specialty Care Center, and Erie Arts and Culture. PASNWPA awarded a scholarship of $ 1,000 to a local student pursuing a degree in photography in 2019.

The current board of directors, officers and committee chairs for 2021 include: Melinda Isachsen, vice-president and president of communications; Felege candies, treasurer ; Mary kay talarico, Secretary; Anna marie senita, director; Greg Zbach, director and president of the members; Patty raydo, education chair; Kathy welte, registrar of exhibitions; Susie hosterman, marketing co-president; and Larson, president, president of exhibitions and co-president of marketing.

Other members include Ellen anon, Jack anon, Alex cohen, Christine French, Ricardo gilson, Bill joslin, Kathy maloney, Gerald Meredith, Jean Misterovitch, Bob raydo, Rebecca Samler, Monica schwegman, Rodney Spencer, Jim steadman, Will Vitanyi, Barbara weaver and Gayle winslow.

Many members are also involved in other aspects of the Erie community, such as the Erie Photography Club, the Woman’s Club of Erie, and various garden clubs and charities.

For more information about the organization or to apply for membership, visit their Facebook page or website at www.pasnwpa.org.

Gala

The Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network is finalizing plans for its 14th annual gala. Network Director Heather May Caspar and chairman of the board Phil temple are excited to be able to host the organization’s only major fundraiser for the year, albeit virtually, from May 12-22. An end-of-live-streaming portion of the event is slated for May 22.

The gala is planned by Cass shimek, the chairman of the advancement committee and other kind volunteers. Raychel adiutori will be the host of the final evening and live music will be performed by Mike Malthaner.

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“The virtual format of this year will allow everyone to be able to participate in the event”, spokesperson Gretchen Gallagher Durney noted. “We look forward to this and (are) very grateful for all the support to maintain our mission and our ministries.”

To find out more, visit www.ssjnn.org.

Save this date

Mark this on your calendar for a day of outdoor bliss: Brier Hill Garden Memorial Day Weekend Festival. McBrier flower, an incredible 97 years old, will open his vast gardens to the public on May 29, 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – three days of celebration of gardens and trees. Well known for its large collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, McBrier is known to have organized garden walks in the past, when spring buds first burst, at his location in Fairview Township, 6721 Brier Hill Road, with 11 acres of floral gardens.

One of his biggest fans and self-proclaimed spokesperson is Sue Scholz. Scholz said this year’s open gardens will be very special. Not only has it been extended to three days, but it will also include speakers, tours, exhibits, free tree registrations and refreshments. Taking a picnic is encouraged. Hostesses will be positioned in the gardens to help identify trees and flowers.

“You are invited to the biggest festival of all time,” said McBrier. “Try to come for all the shows. There is something for everyone. It’s free for everyone.

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Speakers for the different days will include Marc Spitulski from MKS Arborist Services; horticulturalist Henri rafferty Johnston’s Evergreen Nursery and Garden Center; and expert in bonsai Dave bennett.

For more information, contact Scholz at 814-823-1378.

POST-SCRIPT: Children need advice and sympathy more than instruction. – Anne Sullivan (1866-1936), American teacher.

Meg Loncharic can be contacted at newsme@aol.com.