Visitors mingle at the opening of the “Emergence” art show at the Bottlebrush Gallery in Harmony on Friday night, March 8. William Pitts/Butler Eagle
HARMONY — More than 60 pieces of art from more than 30 artists were on display for the first time at the opening of the Cranberry Artist Network’s “Emergence” art show at the Bottlebrush Gallery on Harmony’s Main Street on Friday night, March 8.
According to the network’s exhibitions director, Vickie Schilling, the theme of “emergence” was broad and could be interpreted in many different ways.
“We thought, maybe it's springtime and everything's emerging from the ground or from the trees,” Schilling said. “But the theme doesn't necessarily reflect the paintings or pictures.”
Aside from the general theme of “emergence,” there were almost no restrictions on what could be submitted for the show. While most of the pieces on display consisted of paintings, drawings and photographs — in other words, 2D art — there were some exceptions, such as jewelry.
This marks the second art show the Cranberry Artists Network has held at the Bottlebrush Gallery, following the 2023 Holiday Show in November and December. Normally, the group hosts its events at the Cranberry Municipal Building. However, that building on Rochester Road in Cranberry Township is currently undergoing renovation.
“They needed a place for their shows, for both the holiday show and spring show,” said M.J. McCurdy, owner of Bottlebrush Gallery. “I'm a member (of the group), and so they asked me if they could use the gallery.”
Schilling expects the group will return to the Cranberry Municipal Building in time for its next big art show, which is scheduled in July and will feature even more art.
“Here we have, maybe, 65 pieces,” Schilling said. “At that show, it'll be maybe 120, 130, something like that.”
Musical accompaniment for the show was provided by the network’s vice president, James Tobin, and his wife, Debbie. The two are well-known in the Western Pennsylvania art community for contributing both art and music at shows, and albums of Tobin’s music on compact disc were available for sale during the show.
“They’re everywhere. You will find them at so many of these events,” Schilling said. “They’re with different art groups.”
Nearly all of the works of art at the Emergence show were for sale, at prices ranging from $50 to $800.
“Prices are determined by the individual artist,” Schilling said. “Everybody's got their formula of how they do it. Some artists might feel that they spent seven hours on this, and since they spent a long time then they should get a higher price.”
The prize winners were announced midway through the opening night festivities. However, the judging took place on Saturday, March 2, when guest juror Hiromi Katayama came to the Bottlebrush Gallery and examined each of the submitted pieces.
Taking home first place was Lynda Kirby, for her piece, “Soggy Spring Hike.” She knew the result before the night of the show’s opening, because she was the one tasked with designing the certificates for the winners.
“It's a very humble, simple piece that I put into the show, and there's so much amazing art here,” Kirby said. “I didn't really think that it was going to qualify for a placing, so it was a very big surprise.”
Second prize went to Susan Walker for “Joyful Bliss,” while third prize went to Sherrie D. Gallagher for “In Shadows of our Past.”
Cranberry Artists Network vice president James Tobin, right, awards a certificate to Lynda Kirby for taking first prize at the “Emergence” art show on Friday night, March 8. William Pitts/Butler Eagle
From left, Cranberry Artists Network vice president James Tobin and his wife, Debbie, play music at the opening of the “Emergence” art show at the Bottlebrush Gallery in Harmony on Friday night, March 8. William Pitts/Butler Eagle
Cranberry Artists Network vice president James Tobin, right, awards a certificate to Susan Walker for taking second prize at the “Emergence” art show on Friday night, March 8. William Pitts/Butler Eagle
