Out & About: Aspiring teacher shows artwork at Greensburg library

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, July 15, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Monday, July 15, 2019 12:01 a.m.

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Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Zoe Robinson, 9, and her brother, Nate Robinson, 11, both visiting from Arlington, Va., pose for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Donna Dolan, administrative assistant at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, Rose Sovyak, Greensburg Art Center’s liaison with the library, and Jamie Falo, the library director, gather for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Gretchen Speece (left) and Caitlin Olexa, both of Greensburg, pose for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Kylie Mulnix of Ruffsdale and Seth Savage of Acme pose for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Teddy Jeannette of Plum and Christine Evans of Indiana pose for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Susan Pollins, exhibiting artist Sara Thomas and Melissa Thomas, all of Greensburg, gather for a photo July 12 during “Picture This at the Library,” artwork by Sara Thomas, at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg.

Most endeavors are easier when you know someone has your back.

During a July 12 reception for her “Picture This” exhibition in the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, artist Sara Thomas of Southwest Greensburg was quick to acknowledge people who have supported her.

Now entering her senior year as an art education major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Thomas said she has a longtime mentor in noted Greensburg artist Susan Pollins.

“She’s amazing,” Thomas said. “I’m 21 now, and I’ve been taking classes with Sue at the Greensburg Art Center since I was 12. I wouldn’t be here without her.”

When she completes her education, she says she intends to teach in Pittsburgh, where — according to her artist statement — she will be “using art to empower young learners with self- esteem and autonomy, closing educational inequity gaps in her classrooms.”

Thomas’ exhibit, running through July 31, includes impressionistic oil and watercolor still lifes and landscapes. Some are for sale.

Showing up at the reception to celebrate the young artist, she said, were her boyfriend Trevor Barry and “the whole Thomas side of the family,” including mom Melissa Thomas and grandma Sue Morris with her husband, Robert Morris.

Also seen: Barbara Ferrier, Gloria Gonzalez, Jan Smith, Josh and Caitlin Olexa, Becky Hohol, Barbara Park, Seth Savage, Marissa Finoli, Cindy Finoli, library director Jamie Falo and Rosemary Sovyak, a liaison from the Greensburg Art Center, which co-sponsors the “Picture This” exhibition series.