Sept. 15, 2005

Contact: Gordon Ovenshine 724-738-4854;gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

NATURE-THEMED ART SHOW SET FOR SEPT. 23-25 

AT MCKEEVER ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

SANDYLAKE, Pa. – Wildlife paintings, nature photography, pottery and woodcarvings will be displayed when McKeever Environmental Learning Center hosts its Third Annual Nature Art Show Sept. 23-25. The dinning hall will remain open.

SlipperyRock University administers McKeever, an environmental educational facility 80 miles north of Pittsburgh owned by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

This year’s art show has been expanded to include eight regional artists. 

Galleries will be located in North, South and West lodges, the Sandy Creek Conservancy Conference Room and three areas inside the Discovery Building.  An information booth, music and the espresso bar will be located in the Dining Hall, where a map identifying artists’ locations  will be available.

The hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23; 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 24;  and noon-4 p.m. Sept. 25. Classical guitarist Julie Harris will play in the Dining Hall Friday evening.  There is no charge.

Refreshments and lunches will be sold in the Dining Hall throughout the weekend.

Wildlife artist Jim Bortz earned a degree from Slippery Rock University and built his understanding of ecology and natural history into his artwork.

Bill Brunken received a bachelor of fine arts from Slippery Rock University. Starting with still life painting, Brunken’s moved onto landscapes. 

Jocelyn  Beatty paints nature, animals and flowers

Tom Darby specialized in nature and color images.

Sheree Daugherty paints animal and the outdoor scenes in acrylic 

Ceramic artist Robert Isenberg studied pottery at Slippery Rock University.  He is the resident potter at the Pottery Dome in Leesburg.

Dr. Gil Twiest photographs have been in books, textbooks, journals and magazines.

Brad Wiley is an award winning wood carver specializing in songbirds and birds of prey. 

#PN