It's Our 20th Year!

Wood, steel and cement:  sounds like components for a construction project, but it’s the media of choice for three Western Pennsylvania artisans, Paul Sirofchuck, Andrew Jacobs and Jack Mayer. Their work will be part of 20+@20, Main Exhibit Gallery’s twentieth anniversary celebration and show, which runs August 2-31 in our gallery’s newly-expanded and accessible space. Paul and I opened the gallery in 1994,  and have invited 20 (plus) artists who have shown work at Main Exhibit in the past and present. The all-Pennsylvania show will also feature works by photographers Alexis Dillon and Skip Allen; painters Maura Kohler-Keeney, Jeannie McGuire, Sue Pollins, George Wazenegger, Ernie Witalis, Bill Hoffman and emerging artist Xan Mayer; printmakers David Clark and Mary Hamilton; metal artists Martha Murphy and Melissa Davenport; wood artisans Edric Florence and Miguel Burgos; glass artist Mike Mangiafico; ceramicists Jim and Linda Winegar, Ron Korczynski and Gwen Korvick; jewelers Cheryl Robertson, Lisa Pierce, Jennifer Gourley, Laurie Leonard; fiber artists Sandy Kephart and Helen Sirofchuck.

The opening reception is Saturday, August 2 from 5-8 pm at Main Exhibit Gallery, 301 W. Main Street, Ligonier. The show runs through August 31. Call 724-238-2310 or visit Facebook.com/MainExhibitGallery or  www.MainExhibitGallery.com  for information.

Watercolors by McGuire

Jeannie McGuire’s watercolors graced the walls at Main Exhibit Gallery in our early years. I’ve always loved her fluid style, which is summed up by this description: “ a brilliant combination of emotion, movement, natural design, and sheer artistry that has been expanded upon from her days as a commercial graphic designer and photographer. Impressionistic in nature with an identifiable subject, her strong, figurative approaches are unique in more ways than one.” Come see her work at "20@20", August 2-31.

“Using my own photography, acquired snapshots and life drawings to spark my creativity, I strive to invoke individual interpretation through my artwork, utilizing a free application of paint and stylistic forms of expression to communicate stories and feelings.” ~ Jeannie McGuire

Wood Collage by Wazenegger

George Wazenegger is one of our 20+@20 Artists. He will have several pieces in the show.

"I create one of a kind originals of fictitious architectural structures. They are recycled wood construction with acrylic paint and other selected materials. They could be anything that you can imagine such as a small country town, a road side diner or a shore cottage. I create these because of nostalgia, love for the architecture, their charm and character. I have been inspired by many structures throughout the land and I have stored these images within. Since 1970 my Wood Collage have grown to include just about every architectural structure imaginable. I feel that I am on a creative journey which will include many wondrous places along the way." - George Wazenegger

Beaded Jewelry by Lisa Pierce

Years ago we had some fun with Lisa Pierce's unusual fishing lure and bead necklaces. This successful businesswoman has also achieved much success with her intricately-beaded jewelry. We'll have several of her beautiful pieces at 20@20.

“My ideas come from stray comments friends make, from my life experiences, from pointed suggestions, and from items I personally enjoy creating. After the inspiration, comes the execution. Bead embroidery looks precise, but does not lend itself to exacting graphic images like wildlife illustration or botanical illustration. My designs come closer to a Pointillism painting suggesting the design. For energy in the design outline, I stitch in the direction of the flow of the design. If the design depicts a rolling ocean wave, I will stitch in a circular motion corresponding to the movement of the water. Slowly, the beads totally cover the intended parameters of the item.” ~ Lisa Pierce

Sculpture by Mayer

Jack Mayer has been with Main Exhibit Gallery at least 15 years. You know him for his giant acorn sculptures, but his talent goes far deeper:

"Over the past several decades I've worked in various media, including woodworking, painting, photography and jewelry. Only in recent years have I found the versatility of concrete to be irresistible; consequently, it has become my medium of choice. My sculptures begin by forming a metal armature, and then they come alive by applying layers of masonry. Although my acorns have become very popular, my passion lies with doing fanciful creatures, which resemble nothing of which we are familiar.

"I wish everyone could experience the excitement I enjoy with the start of each new piece." J.A. Mayer