Summer art gallery at Belmont celebrates community through the arts
July 24, 2026
Summer art gallery at Belmont celebrates community through the arts
Armstrong County Arts Council’s (ACAC) inaugural event recently drew artists,
families and art enthusiasts to East Franklin site
KITTANNING — Despite smoky skies from Canadian wildfires and passing summer
storms, the Armstrong County Arts Council’s (ACAC) inaugural Summer Art
Gallery at Belmont recently drew artists, families, and art enthusiasts together
for a weekend that celebrated creativity, collaboration and community, according
to a press release.
Held at the Belmont Complex, the two-day pop-up gallery welcomed visitors
from throughout Armstrong County and beyond.
Guests browsed original artwork, met the artists behind the creations, purchased
one-of-a-kind pieces, and experienced firsthand the remarkable artistic talent
found throughout the region.
The gallery featured paintings, quilts, and handcrafted works by local artists.While visitors admired the artwork, the artists themselves found something
equally valuable — the opportunity to meet one another, exchange ideas, share
techniques, and build new friendships.
Exhibiting artists include: Judy Carvell, Jen “Suki” Kornasiewicz, Giuseppe
Mammano, Rod Morris, Larry Smail, Cathy Strate and Holly Jo Wood.
“The Summer Art Gallery event at the Belmont was such a great experience,” said
participating artist Jennifer “Suki” Kornasiewicz, who sold several pieces of her
artwork during the weekend.
“I got to meet and talk with other local talent and
share ideas, as well as meet members of our community who stopped in to
support us.”
Pictured (from left) are Armstrong County Arts Council’s (ACAC) board member Ron Olsen,
Armstrong County Jail Warden Jessica Hicks, and ACAC Executive Director Donna Weckerly
displaying the inmate art.
Fellow artist Holly Jo Wood agreed that the event was about much more than
displaying artwork.
“I love what is happening in the arts community in Armstrong County,
” Wood said.
“The Summer Art Show was a really enjoyable experience. I had fun meeting other
artists and seeing their work, trading tips, and sharing ideas. I hope there aremore opportunities in the future for events, meet-ups, and collaborations.
”
The gallery also inspired some of its youngest visitors.
Children asked artists about their paintings, techniques, and creative process,
turning the exhibit into an educational experience that encouraged curiosity and
imagination.
One of the weekend’s most meaningful displays featured artwork created through
the Armstrong County Jail’s inmate art program in celebration of America’s 250th
anniversary.
The exhibit was the result of a partnership between the Armstrong County Jail,
Inside Out Ministries at Harvest Church, and the Armstrong County Arts Council.
Armstrong County Jail Warden Jessica Hicks attended the event to show her
support for the program and the artists whose work was on display.
Pictured: Artwork by Inmate artist A. Fox for
America 250
“On behalf of Armstrong County Jail, I sincerely thank the Armstrong County Arts Council for giving our inmate artists the opportunity to display their work at The Belmont,” Hicks said. “This experience gave participants a chance to take pride in their accomplishments, express their creativity, and work toward something meaningful. Seeing their dedication and excitement throughout the project was rewarding. We are grateful for this partnership and for supporting opportunities that encourage personal growth, responsibility, and positive change through art.
Volunteer art advisor Pina Edwards, who worked directly with the inmates, said the program has been a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
“The artwork that was displayed at the ACAC event was a product of Armstrong County Jail and the Inside Out Ministries from Harvest Church, and also the Arts Council. The five men involved have shown how thankful they are for the opportunity for the program to have been presented to them and for them to be given the freedom to create and just have the hour and a half every Saturday of unity. Two of the participating artists are tattoo artists, and three are new to this talent. “Remmy” and ‘Hippie’ are planning to open a tattoo shop upon release, and Fritz, Jesse, and Jimmy are actually new to the art world. They would love to continue to develop their talents,” Edwards said. “All the inmates did express their desire to continue an art program. Warden Hicks has permitted programs to create calendars in the past, and she may be open to starting a new program due to the fact that the Inside Out team has a volunteer system that would be more than happy to volunteer for the hours needed. And I myself am just simply filled with joy to have been a part of their journey, and I pray that there are future programs that will be offered to the inmates at the Armstrong County Jail.”
For many participating artists, the weekend was rewarding in more ways than one.
Several exhibitors sold original artwork while introducing their work to new collectors.
More importantly, the event fostered an atmosphere where artists supported one another and strengthened the growing creative community throughout Armstrong County.
Drenda Tigner, president of the Armstrong County Arts Council board of directors, believes the event represents the future of the organization.
Pictured: Artwork by artist Larry Smail
“The Summer Art Gallery at Belmont was more than an art show. It was a celebration of creativity, community, and opportunity for artists at every level,” Tigner said. “From professional artists and first-time exhibitors to the inspiring artwork created through the Armstrong County Jail program and the young visitors who left inspired, this event reminded us why investing in the arts strengthens our entire community. This is just the beginning.”
The Armstrong County Arts Council extends its sincere appreciation to every artist, board member, and community member who helped make the event possible.
Special thanks go to Gary Montebell, the Friends of the Belmont Complex board of directors, and their staff for partnering with the Arts Council to transform the Belmont Complex banquet room into a welcoming gallery space.
“(I’m) very glad it was successful!,” Montebell said.
Most importantly, the Arts Council thanks everyone who attended despite the challenging weather.
Every conversation with an artist, every volunteer, every piece of artwork purchased, and every child who left inspired helped make the inaugural Summer Art Gallery at Belmont a success.
The weekend was a reminder that art does more than fill gallery walls.
It creates conversations, builds friendships, encourages learning, supports local artists, and strengthens communities.
The success of the Summer Art Gallery at Belmont demonstrated what is possible when artists, volunteers, organizations, and community members come together with a shared purpose.
There are already plans underway to schedule another ‘pop up’ art gallery.
Pictured (from left) are Armstrong County Arts Council’s (ACAC) board member Ron Olsen, Armstrong County Jail Warden Jessica Hicks, and ACAC Executive Director Donna Weckerly displaying the inmate art.