Out & About: Greensburg Art Center show contemplates humanity, nature

Shirley McMarlin
Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 12:01 a.m. | Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 12:01 a.m.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Terry Rowley of McCandless with exhibiting artist Michael Walter and his partner Joy Hess, at the Aug. 5 opening of Walter’s exhibition, “Exaltation/Exultation,” at Greensburg Art Center.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Bill and Jean Walter of Carnegie, parents of artist Michael Walter, at the Aug. 5 opening of his exhibit, “Exaltation/Exultation,” at Greensburg Art Center.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Greensburg Art Center Vice President Rosemary Sovyak (left) and member Susan Wisneski at the opening of artist Michael Walter’s exhibit, “Exaltation/Exultation,” on Aug. 5 at the Hempfield center.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Madeline Hess (left) of Wexford with Gloria And Jack Morgan of Lewiston, Mifflin County, at the Aug. 5 opening of artist Michael Walter’s exhibit, “Exaltation/Exultation,” at Greensburg Art Center.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Haylee Stepinsky (left) and her mother, Kim Stepinsky, of Sewickley Township at the Aug. 5 opening of artist Michael Walter’s exhibit, “Exaltation/Exultation,” at Greensburg Art Center.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Becky Mormack (left) of Unity and Pamela Cooper of Greensburg at the Aug. 5 opening of artist Michael Walter’s exhibit, “Exaltation/Exultation,” at Greensburg Art Center.

The current exhibit at Greensburg Art Center is called “Exaltation/Exultation.”

“It’s two bodies of work joined by the idea of raising an idea up for consideration or celebrating the beauty of something,” featured artist Michael Walter explained during an Aug. 5 opening reception.

The work includes a group of drawings and prints about the human condition in relation to time, space and change, Walter said, along with landscape paintings that celebrate nature.

“Everything in some ways is physically inspired by the joy of creation, thinking about time and one’s place in it and enjoying the color and the beauty of being out in nature,” the Carnegie resident said.

Walter is the tour coordinator for the Nationality Rooms in the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning and an adjunct instructor of drawing at the Community College of Allegheny County.

Walter served as awards judge for the center’s 2021 member exhibit, “Vision.” He also won second prize in the its “Biennial 2023” exhibit.

“Exaltation/Exultation” contains a mix of recent and older works, dating back to a 25-year-old depiction of the biblical Adam being expelled from Eden. Despite the drawing’s age, Walter said, this is the first time it has been shown.

Walter’s work will remain in the Hempfield gallery through Aug. 26. Many pieces are for sale.

Seen at the opening: Joy Hess, Bill and Jean Walter, Madeline Hess, Jack and Gloria Morgan, Jerry Scorpion, Rosemary Sovyak, Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, Terry Rowley, Joe and Olga Herbert, Richard and Eileen Stoner, Linda Blum, Becky Mormack, Shirleah Kelly, Pamela Cooper, Michaelene McWhinney, Kim Stepinsky, Haylee Stepinsky, Ken and Lynn Cutway, Marcy Koynok, Bob and Pat Majcher, Carolyn Taylor, Susan Walker, Eileen Yeager and Susan Wisneski.