Out & About: Latrobe artist’s portraits capture loved ones

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 12:01 a.m.

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Photos: Kim Stepinsky | for the Tribune-Review

From left: Gloria Gonzalez joins Stacey Pydynkowski during the opening reception for “Picture This at the Library”, held at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg on Friday evening, October 18, 2019.

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | for the Tribune-Review

Barbara Ferrier (left) and Kathy Dlugos

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | for the Tribune-Review

From left: Susan Wisneski of Hempfield and Pat Majcher of Hempfield, pose for a photo during the opening reception for “Picture This at the Library”, held at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Greensburg on Friday evening, October 18, 2019.

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | for the Tribune-Review

Michael Fogel of Latrobe joins his wife, exhibiting artist, Rachel Wheeler, (art shown back), during the opening reception for “Picture This at the Library.”

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | for the Tribune-Review

From left: Greensburg Art Center’s Rose Sovyak joins Martha Pattullo, circulation clerk at the library.

Latrobe-based artist Rachel Wheeler specializes in painting portraits of loved ones — both human and animal.

According to her website, she accepts commissions to create lasting mementos that include:

• Lively pet portraits that capture your animal’s personality.

• Stunning images of babies, children and family that emit love.

• Vibrant images of nature that enhance your home.

If you are interested in seeing some examples, Wheeler’s work is on display through Nov. 26 in a “Picture This at the Library” exhibition in the Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library. A reception for the show was held Oct. 18.

An Oil City native and Saint Vincent College graduate, Wheeler was a 2015-18 exhibitor in the Oil Heritage Festival Art Show.

Locally, her work has been included in shows at the Latrobe and Greensburg art centers and at Main Exhibit Gallery in Ligonier. In June, her painting entitled, “Queen,” received the Latrobe Art League Award at the annual Latrobe Art Center Open Show.

Wheeler’s show is the library’s final exhibition for 2019 of the “Picture This” series, a joint endeavor of the library and Greensburg Art Center. For information on becoming an exhibitor for 2020, artists can contact Rosemary Sovyak at 412-558-0810 or rosemarysovyak@gmail.com.

To learn more about Wheeler, visit rachelwheeler arts.com.