Creating Art: Allegheny Mountain Arts Gallery
Creating Art: Allegheny Mountain Arts Gallery
2 professional local artists join forces to open a new gallery in Bradford offering original artwork and handcrafted items for sale, plus art workshops
Artist Greg Souchik explains, “All of our art is original. This painting is of the train which used to cross the historic Kinzua Viaduct.”
First, there was the mural of famous Woodstock performing artists on the side of the large red brick building used by the Bovaird Company founded in 1895. This building stands along Main Street at the entrance to the National Historic District in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
The excitement and chatter started … what is this about? Two professional local artists, muralists, and artistic thinkers, Rick Minard and Greg Souchik, created the mural to bring public art into the City of Bradford. They are hopeful this first mural will be followed by many others.
Now, another dream has materialized with the opening of the Allegheny Mountain Arts Gallery. The sign out front - “Original Art, Curios, and Gifts” - is an accurate description of what you will discover when you enter the gallery. The gallery professionally displays the original artwork of both artists. The scope and style of the art offers a wonderful selection of visual arts. Choose from an industrial rendition of the train which crossed the historic Kinzua Viaduct, painted landscapes, portraits of famous musicians including the boys from Liverpool, and a selection of striking modern art which plays with colors and shapes.
Greg Souchik explains, “We offer only original artwork, handmade and handcrafted items along with a fun selection of curated collectibles and curios, nothing made in China. Prices start as low as $2.00 up to $1,000.”
The gallery highlights the professional level of their talent along with their sense of fun. When you look to the right upon entering, there is a white t-hhirt emblazoned “I was at Woodstock” in large print, with the small print underneath adding the words, The Mural. This shirt is a handmade clothing item, signed by the artist, and it retails for only $19.95 plus tax.
Exploring the curio and collectible items, one will find a varied selection of unique items. Handmade pottery, an 18th century cannon, a free-standing metal sculpture, heartwood baskets, an antique radio, and a set of walking canes. The selection of collectibles and curios will be ever-changing, so it is important to check back regularly to see what is available.
ART WORKSHOPS
Minard and Souchik will also be hosting a series of art workshops at the gallery location. The first two workshops are for adults; future plans include offering classes for both young adults and children.
On September 3, 2021, the on-staff art instructors will be conducting their first two painting workshops for novice painters - one in the afternoon, the second in the evening. The workshops will be taught by Professor Rick Minard and Greg Souchik.
The first workshop will be a pouring program where you will learn the techniques to create your own unique abstract art painting. There is no prior experience required and all the materials are provided for this two-hour program. This workshop will start at 3:00pm.
The second two-hour workshop will feature basic acrylic painting technique, including under-painting, shadow, and depth. Participants will end up with a painting they will be proud to hang on their wall and to claim they are the artist. This still-life workshop will begin at 5:30pm.
The fee for either of the programs is $35 which includes all the supplies. Programs are limited to 12 adult students which allows the instructors to provide personal attention to each participant.
Reservations need to be made in advance. To reserve your seat at either of the workshops please email GSouchik@yahoo.com.
The Allegheny Mountain Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon-6:00pm or by appointment. It is located at 181 Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701. For those traveling from outside the area, they can ship your purchase upon request. They do accept credit cards. For additional information go to www.facebook.com/Allegheny-Mountain-Arts
For a list of things to see and do, restaurants, lodging, and a list of upcoming events, please go to VisitANF.com. Or call 800-473-9370 to receive a free Travel Guide for the Allegheny National Forest Region in Pennsylvania.