Celebrating Our History Through Art

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Hi, it’s Linda!

What a great day it was!!!

Four paintings celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States were unveiled on Saturday, featuring the creativity of three Pittsburgh artists – Maria De Simone Prascak, Johno Prascak, and myself. Each painting (commissioned by the Bethel Park Community Foundation) tells a story of some of the best aspects of our country. As with my painting of “Our Lady of Liberty,” Maria’s painting of the eagle flying upward and forward symbolizes the strength, optimism, resiliency, hope, and joyful inspiration that our country was founded on.

Click here to see all the prints and ornaments!  https://pci.jotform.com/form/253423385024149
KDKA’s Larry Richert, who served as the MC, introduced several dignitaries who were present and spoke about what the Foundation hopes this project will achieve for the community. Among those present to lend their support were Allegheny County Executive Sarah Innamorato, State Senator Devlin Robinson, State Representative Natalie Mihalek, County Council Representative Dan Grzybek, Mayor Jack Allen of Bethel Park, Superintendent of Bethel Park Schools Dr. James Walsh, as well as several school board members, local officials, business leaders, and numerous members of the community.

As County Executive Innamorato said, the work that started 250 years ago is not over. We will add our own chapter to the story of our nation. I hope that my painting will serve as a visual reminder of the importance of the Statue of Liberty as a unique and cherished national symbol and its message of “Liberty and Justice for all.” The prints are now available for purchase. All proceeds will go to the Fantastic Four Bethel Park Charities to help create a better community.

In fact, the building where the event was hosted – the Schoolhouse Arts Center and History Center, celebrated in Johno’s painting – was completely restored by these local charities. It was completely run down and dilapidated when my husband’s seventh grade homeroom was in it but now stands as a shining star in Bethel Park’s landscape. The Schoolhouse Arts Center and History Center is a credit to the cooperative work of these community groups. Johno sure did make his painting sing!

The Schoolhouse Arts Center now houses a museum, Reginald’s Coffee House, and a space for art and special events, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the community.

JP Diroll, one of Pittsburgh’s premier photographers, helped turn Maria’s strikingly beautiful paintings of Old Glory, the bald eagle, and the Liberty Bell into gorgeous ornaments. He also has created ornaments of the school district’s six elementary schools that will be closing at the end of the school year. All six schools will unite in one amazing new elementary school, opening next school year… complete with an outdoor classroom!

Andy Amrhein (on Saturday morning, AKA “Alexander Hamilton”) is one of the region’s great visionaries and has worked relentlessly to make this 250th anniversary project memorable. Other special guests were the “Statue of Liberty,” (otherwise known as Christine McIntosh, Executive Director of the Bethel Park Library), and our “Betsy Ross,” portrayed by Event Planner Jacqueline Volpe.
All in all, everyone present had a great time. We hope that you will enjoy our artwork dedicated to this historic year as we all strive toward building “a more perfect union.”

Have a great week!