Out & About: The Westmoreland gives curator Barbara Jones diner-style send-off
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In museum circles, Barbara Jones is known for her curatorial expertise in the areas of 19th- and 20th-century art.
Less well-known is her interest in a niche area of popular culture — diner food.
That interest was celebrated at a retirement luncheon in Jones’ honor on Friday, the end of her almost 27-year tenure at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.
Hosted by The Committee for The Westmoreland, the luncheon featured upscale takes on familiar diner foods like sloppy joes and potato salad, gussied up with gourmet touches and artistic names.
As a nod to Jones’ work on “Born of Fire: The Valley of Work,” the museum’s scenes of industry collection, there was “Born of Fire Chili,” paired with “Curator Cornbread.” Guests also filled plates with “Conceptual Cobb Salad” and “Still Life Fruit Plate.”
To cap the meal, there was a table filled with another Jones and diner favorite: “Pop Art Pies.”
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Jones shared that she and her late partner, the artist and educator David Ludwig, sought out old-time, hole-in-the-wall diners wherever they traveled. Their favorites were the vintage aluminum, railroad car-style eateries.
Following the meal, there were gifts and tributes, including an orchid, Jones’ favorite flower; the fixings for White Russians, a favorite libation; and a photo print of Pittsburgh’s Hill District by late Pittsburgh photographer Clyde Hare, purchased by the Committee in Jones’ honor for the museum’s collection.
Anne Kraybill, The Westmoreland’s Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO, offered thanks and a glowing tribute, while Director of Learning, Engagement and Partnerships Erica Nuckles presented a collection of thoughts and memories from colleagues and friends.
“I don’t cry very easily, but this is all too much,” Jones said.
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“It’s wonderful that Barbara will have the free time to do what she wants to do, but it won’t be the same here without her,” said Committee President Sally Loughran.
Jones replied that she isn’t saying goodbye, as she lives just blocks away and has a lifetime membership to the museum.
Seen dining: Carol Zera, head of the luncheon planning committee, Karen Douglas, Kathy Longacre, Sally Ann Novak, Jan Taylor-Condo, Susan Ciaramboli, Shirleah Kelly, Susan Pollins, Sharyn Sekora, Linda Blum, Marie Gallatin, Kitty Hricenak, Joan Stairs, Linda Kuzmkowski, Roxie Fontanesi, Candy Squires, Amy Faith, Scott Hunter and Ruth McDonald, along with the museum staff, including Bonnie West, Doug Evans, Ginny Leiner, Rhonda Madden, Rachel Harris, Maggie Geier and Claire Ertl.