Sweetwater Center for the Arts Hosts Exhibit Opening

Sara Welte doesn’t want the folks in Sewickley to be bored with the “same old, same old” art exhibit.

The artistic director for the teamed up with local artist, Cynthia Shaffer, to create the new exhibit opening Saturday evening at the Center: In the Belly of the Beast: Run Through the Jungle - Don't Look Back.

“It is a show about nature, but the raw force – in ways that you may not typically see it,” Welte explained, “We focused on plants, earth, animals, water, fire and the sky in unusual ways.”

Welte said the two decided to come up with an unusual focus after two years of focusing on another unusual topic – art by Pittsburgh tattoo artists.

“That was not only the body art – and we had some of that – but also artwork by the artists. We did it for two summers and we had such a huge response, but we wanted to take a break so the public wouldn’t get bored,” she explained.

Welte put her head together with Shaffer and they came up with an exhibit about nature, with the unusual twist.

“Cynthia uses pieces of things she finds in nature, for example, a porcupine quill or part of an insect, and creates a work of art. She takes something that people may normally find repulsive and makes something really very beautiful,” said Welte.

There are over 37 pieces of artwork by 34 artists including Shaffer, according to Welter. Some of the artwork will be available for purchase.

“The pieces run the gamut from ceramics, photos to paintings and pencil sketches,” she said.  

The exhibit will kick off with an opening Saturday evening at the Center from 7 to 9 p.m. A special appearance by animals and staff from the Animal Rescue League Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will be featured at the opening. Guests will also be treated to wine, appetizers and other beverages. The opening is free and open to the public.

“We think kids will really love seeing the animals. Cynthia teaches wild animal art and has a partnership with the Center, so this is perfect,” she said.

The exhibit will run through July 28th. The Center is open Monday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours may vary: please check the website for changes. The Center is closed on Sundays and will be closed on July 4.