"Community Canvas”: showcasing local art and creativity
Explore Armstrong County’s vibrant arts scene on the Community Canvas page! Discover local art events, creative community projects, and inspiring initiatives happening across Armstrong County. From gallery exhibits to public art installations and hands-on workshops, this page celebrates the talent and creativity that make our region unique. Stay connected with the latest updates and support the arts in your community!
If you would like your project showcased on our website, please email the Director at: director@armstrongcountyartscouncil.org for more information. Thank you.
Pizza Mural
Local pizza shop owner, Jeff Bowser, worked with Cadogan resident muralist, Giuseppe Mammano, to create this eye-catching mural on the side of Bugsy’s Pizza in downtown Kittanning.
Photo cred: Donna Weckerly Photography
Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Founded in 1971, the folk festival is held along the Allegheny River in Kittanning Riverfront Park during the first weekend in August each year.
Armstrong School District’s 1st Public Art Mural
This fabulous mural project was the idea between Erin Lasher, ASD STEAM math teacher and Chris Bauer, Grove City Community Art Club advisor. Its purpose was to foster excitement in young people in the arts, science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The mural resides on the entrance wall to King’s Lanes bowling alley in Kittanning, PA.
Vintage Art Display
Local artist, Deb Hank, curated a vintage art display at the Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society in Kittanning.
Totem on the Trail
Wood carver, Shawn Farester, designs a public art project for Armstrong Trails at Kiski Junction in Schenley, PA.
Photo cred: Shawn Farester
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Allegheny River Artists Project
Robin Lemmon and Brian Lang host an “artists on art” speaker series. Artists share their journey of their life’s work at “The Building” in downtown Kittanning.
Easter window design
Check out this awesome window design at DiMaio’s Market in Rural Valley. This incredible Easter design was hand-painted by a local family in the community.
Photo cred: Cathy Strate
Painting Classes
Local artist, Cathy Strate, from Dayton, PA, shares her love for painting by offering community paint classes.
Phot cred: Cathy Strate
Quilt Exhibit
The Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society hosted a Quilt show in July 2023. Quilts displayed by Country Quilters of Dayton, PA, Armstrong County Arts Council, and local quilters.
High School Musical
Students at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School (AJSHS) performed “Grease: School Version” musical in March 2024.
Photo cred: Michael Reed (Facebook)
The McCain House Artisan Festival
The Armstrong County Historical Society and the Armstrong County Arts Council co-sponsored an artisan festival in May 2024.
Summer Artist Series
Local chef and owner of A Mano Eatery in Kittanning hosted a series of summer art exhibitions featuring local artists.
Adult Art Therapy
The Kittanning Public Library hosts a special evening of crafts dedicated to adult art therapy. Contact the library for additional information and to participate.
Photo cred: Kittanning Public Library
Yard of The Month
The Ford City Garden Club selects a Ford City home each month during the summer to award ‘Yard of the Month’. In August 2024, Greg and Gina Englert’s house was chosen.
Vandergrift Artfest
This annual art festival hosts a myriad of artistic activities like crafts, food, live music, an art show, performances, and much more. Visit their Facebook page for all the details.
Smail’s Custom Student Recital 2025
On January 18, 2025 the Mike Smail Custom Music Recital showcased the incredible talent of young music students as they performed a variety of pieces for an appreciative public audience. This inspiring event highlighted the students’ growth and celebrated the joy of music in our community.
Mission Coffee Artists
Mission Coffee & Tea Co features monthly artists and schedules creative workshops for the community. Contact Cathy Bruno at the coffee shop for more information and follow their Facebook page.
River Walk / Sidewalk Chart Art
Downtown Kittanning, Inc. promoted sidewalk chart art during its “Spring Sprint” shopping event in April 2024. Local artist, Maria Pos assisted children with their art creations.
Freeport Theatre Festival
Freeport Theatre Festival was founded in 1989 by Rennick and Marushka Steele and is based in the rural Allegheny Kiski Valley at the northernmost tip of the Laurel Highlands, once an area where steel was king not so long ago. The palpable depression of the area in 1989 inspired the Steele’s to found the theatre as a means to serve the valley’s communities with plays chosen to lift spirits and entertain, as well as provide an outlet for the area youth to get involved in a different kind of “team” effort.
Cadogan Mural
Be sure to stop and admire this fabulous mural in Cadogan, Pa designed and painted by local artist, Giuseppe Mammano.
Easter Art
Divine Redeemer, a regional Catholic preschool - 6th elementary school located in Ford City, PA continues to provide artistic experiences for all their students.
Robin Lemmon, owner of The Building
“I hope the (ACAC), with their awareness of (the importance of) pulling in so many more people in the arts, (encounter) community support for the arts, and financial support for all the things they want to do. Through the (ACAC), DKI and all the different organizations locally, they are really working together, and we’re really getting results. I just think the whole joint effort of everyone is really starting to pan out, and it’s exciting.”
- Robin Lemmon
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
On November 28, 2023, the community gathered at 10th Street Station event venue to listen to Dmitri Koval perform the work of George Gershwin.
Art Walk
The Ford City Farmer’s Market features a monthly ‘Art Walk’ during the summer months. Visit their Facebook page for their schedule and information.
The Rainbow Gallery
A permanent art installation at “Connections of Armstrong County” comprised of ten local Armstrong County artists.
Image: Leader-Times article 4.3.24
