Celebrate the arts in Pennsylvania on Sunday, September 28, when Indiana is the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth for the Day, hosting a slate of festive activities capped by the presentation of the state's highest arts honors to five recipients at the 31st Governor's Arts Awards.
Admission to all events is free, but seating at the awards event is ticketed: Reserve your free tickets online or by calling Lively Arts at (724) 357-ARTS.
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Artist Open Studio Tours
Eleven professional artists open their doors and invite you to a behind-the-scenes look at creating art today. Take a pretty country drive to their studios in Indiana County in this free, self-guided tour. Bring along your love of art and curiosity about the artistic process.
Noon-3:30 p.m.: Open Houses at Cultural Venues
The Artists Hand Gallery, Indiana Theater, and Indiana Players welcome you to their open houses: stop in for snacks, coupons, giveaways, and a chat with these members of Indiana's friendly cultural scene.
Noon-3:45 p.m.: Exhibits, Art Flags
See what's on the minds of Indiana County's most accomplished young artists: The IUP Performing Arts Center will display works by the 35 students recognized out of hundreds of k-12 participants in the Indiana Arts Council's seventh annual Youth Arts Celebration in May.
Outdoors, take in the Indiana area's artistic spirit, flying high in 500 decorated pennants on the PAC terrace.
Head into Kipp Gallery for paintings and drawings by artist Teresa Getty, who draws inspiration from the rhymes, songs, and poems of childhood, and the University Museum for a display of the Maureen A. Flaherty Post collection of irons. See the humble iron in a whole new way.
2:00-3:45 p.m.: Bandstands
Tap a toe to the festive sounds of local musical talent in the Oak Grove and Crimson Cafe/Cogswell Hall area: ApPlause, from Purchase Line High School; Vocally United, from United High School; the Marion Center High School Women's Choir, IUP Hawkapella, and IUP Choirs; IUP Opera/Music Theater; IUP Dance; Laurel Highlanders Pipes and Drums; the Wildcat Regiment Band; and the IUP Steel Band.
4:00-5:30 p.m.: 31st Governor's Arts Awards
Join Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett provided a spirited tribute to the 2014 recipients of Pennsylvania's highest arts honors:
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, Arts Innovation Award
Painter Robert Qualters, Pittsburgh, Artist of the Year
Composer Jennifer Higdon, Philadelphia, Distinguished Arts Award
Myron Hay Tomb, Esq., Indiana, Arts Leadership and Service Award
Mark Pasquerilla, Johnstown, Arts Patron Award
“The best way to understand why we keep this tradition is to experience the event,” said Heather Doughty of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, which administers the awards for the Governor's Office. “I encourage everyone to join us on September 28. From my experience, I can guarantee you'll find something to inspire you on your own journey.”
5:30-7:00 p.m.: Public Reception: Western Pennsylvania Menu
Gather at the new Crimson Cafe for pierogies with haluski, Primanti's-style sandwiches, stuffed cabbage, Smicksburg cheeses, Cunningham meats, Hershey cookbook desserts, and more delectables we think yinz will love. Music by the IUP Jazz Combo and Dad Band will end a fine day on a good note.
The Wildcat Regiment Band is one of nine western Pennsylvania music groups that will fill the air with festive sound from 2:00 to 3:45 p.m. at two bandstands near the Performing Arts Center.
-Deborah Klenotic