Art Appreciation
ZELIENOPLE — The Zelienople art group doesn't have an official name, but it's been meeting since 1968 around the borough to perfect painting skills.
“We had quite a class when we started up here (in Zelienople),” said Janie Springer of Zelienople. “Quite a few people. It was nice.”
The group of eight is preparing works for its art show opening Thursday at the Bottlebrush Art Gallery in Harmony.
The show will feature about 50 works from the group on a variety of subjects.
Dee Graham of Cranberry Township enjoys painting still lifes, such as her family's 200-year-old home.
“The kids grew up and left home, and I didn't have that much spare time, but I just thought this is my chance to get out and do something,” said Graham about joining the group.
When the group originally started, it had a teacher named Mary Lestyan of Beaver Falls.
“She was from Hungary and had been trained by all the old masters,” said May Lutz of Zelienople.
Lutz originally heard of the late Lestyan from a friend in the borough.
She attended some of Lestyan's classes before asking Lestyan to come teach in Zelienople.
“I went down and I was very impressed of course,” Lutz said. “I really didn't do artwork at all except in high school.”
Lestyan taught the group for about 20 years until Keith Osbourne took over the instructor position for a few years.
The group has been without an instructor for about three years, and that's just fine with its members.
They have contacted a few people about possibly being the teacher, but because of a lack of funding and membership they decline.
“One reason we don't have more people is that paints are very expensive,” Lutz said.
There is no fee to paint with the group, but the artists provide all their own supplies.
When the members gather from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday, they work on their individual projects.
“We all do diverse things,” said James Hulings of Zelienople. “It's fine art. We don't do modern art.”
“When you look at it, you know what it is,” Springer added.They critique each other only to improve one's art, not to pass judgment.“We are all very good friends,” said Springer. “We care about each other.”“And I don't think there's any competition,” said Debbie Markich of Harmony.Markich recently rejoined the group after stopping to raise her children.The members are dedicated to devoting every Monday to painting their works.“Don't interrupt my Monday,” said Lutz. “About the only thing I'll accept interruption for is a funeral.”Without a teacher, the group uses the time to socialize and be completely devoted to their art.“We are very open to anyone who wants to paint,” Springer said.Some members of the group have taken classes on the different aspects and techniques of art, but many have not.Betty Korcznski of Zelienople studied at the Artist's Studio School in Pittsburgh.“It was the Art Institute's biggest competitor at one time,” said Korcznski.Now that she is retired, Korcznski comes every Monday to express herself on canvas.Korcznski said, “It's the desire to paint.”<B>IF YOU'RE GOING</B><B>What: </B>The Zelienople art group's Fine Art Show<B>When: </B>Opening reception and exhibit 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Make reservations by calling 724-452-0539.The show will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to April 29.<B>Where:</B> Bottlebrush Art Gallery, 539 Main St., Harmony<B>Cost: </B>Free<B>What: </B>The Zelienople art group meeting<B>When</B>: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday<B>Where:</B> Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople<B>Cost: </B>Free
