July/August 2015 - Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

DIRECTOR’S DESK ... WITH G. GARY MOYER
37th ANNUAL GALA TO OFFER AFRICAN ODYSSEY
SAMA opened its doors at the Loretto Museum
in June 1976 with a meager collection of 47 paintings, drawings and sculptures plus 20 etchings by
John Sloan. Thus began the art museum that is today
the longest running museum satellite system in the
country. SAMA’s permanent collection has grown
from its humble beginning forty years ago to become
a noteworthy collection of fine art.
SAMA’s permanent collection of American art has grown to number
more than 4,200 pieces of art, including works by Leonard Baskin,
George Bellows, Thomas Hart Benton, Albert Bierstadt, Charles Burchfield, Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, Walt Kuhn, Reginald Marsh,
John Singer Sargent, John Sloan, Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, George
Tooker, Robert Vickrey, Andy Warhol, Grant Wood, and other noted artists. Celebrated regional artists also contribute to the collection. We boast
several works of historical significance including Thomas Dow Jones’ bust
of Abraham Lincoln and a collection of William H. Rau photographs.
SAMA is honored to be the repository of several special collections including the Catherine and David O’Neill Collection of Old Master Prints
and Drawings, Charles Schwab Collection, Colleen Browning Collection,
Donald M. Robinson Collection, Mark del Costello Collection, Nicholas
Unkovic Collection of Steuben glass, the Rezk Collection of Tibetan and
Nepalese Art, and the Walter Carlyle Shaw Collection of paperweights.
According to Ohio State University professor John C. Huntington,
“One of SAMA’s paintings is the finest example of a Tibetan rendition
of Mahotamma Heruka known, and the Guhyasamaja deities that was
also in the exhibition is exquisitely painted in one of the most beautiful
of all Tibetan styles, the Karma Gadri School. For me personally, one of
the most wonderful of all Tibetan paintings anywhere in the world is the
Blacksmith Mahakala that graced the cover of the Mirrors of the HeartMind catalog. In short, the SAMA collection has a substantial number of
paintings of considerable importance.”
SAMA is pleased to make selections from the permanent collection
available to the general public in exhibitions at our four sites throughout
the year. Through a planned and executed calendar of exhibition events,
SAMA offers its constituents an interesting, entertaining and diverse art
experience. The Museum staff transports, installs, and develops didactic
materials and education programs and materials for all its exhibitions.
Our programs are designed to address multiple points of entry to the arts
through exhibitions and education programs. In leveraging the resources
of our permanent collection, SAMA’s mission remains to evoke an interest in, an understanding of, and an appreciation for art.
SAMA is the steward of a wonderful collection of fine art. It is our
charge to protect and preserve these works for the people of this region
and for generations to come. It is a responsibility not taken lightly by
Guests at SAMA-Loretto’s 37th annual Gala this
summer will be in for a wild time. On Saturday, July
18, the Museum will bring the sights and sounds of
Africa to the Saint Francis University campus for “African
Odyssey.” The event will offer a variety of games, live
entertainment, silent and live auctions, and fabulous
specialty bars.
Under the tent, guests will be dazzled by vibrant Zuluthemed decorations while tables are adorned with animal
pattern fabrics and African-inspired centerpieces. Perhaps the
most powerful decorations will be the life-sized, erected fiberglass
skeletons of a stegodon and a woolly rhinoceros on view inside the
Museum. Donated by Treasures of the Earth, Ltd., the two
replica skeletons are being featured in the Gala auctions.
Music for the evening will be provided by Quintessence. Altoona’s P&J Productions will offer special entertainment at the Gala, as costumed dancers perform under the tent. Guests are encouraged to add to the ambience
with the dress code, “Go Wild!”
“The dress for this year’s Gala says it all – Go Wild,” said Jim Cayce, a member
of the Gala Leadership Circle. “Visitors will have the opportunity to feast on our
always fabulous raw bar, dine on delectable delicacies and savor our ‘spotted leopard’
specialty martinis.”
For those looking to take home a souvenir
from their “African Odyssey,” the silent and live
auctions will provide a number of spectacular
shopping opportunities. The silent auction will
feature a variety of African-inspired art and
artifacts, while the live auction will offer several
prestigious items, such as a scholarship to Saint
Francis University, an antique music box, a bubbling rock water feature from Tussey LandscapThis stegodon skeleton will be
on view during the Gala
ing, a diamond ring, and a five-night vacation to
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Also available in the live auction will be a whimsical Raku-fired
sculpture by Helen Gorsuch, a Mount Aloysius winter scene watercolor by Kevin Kutz,
and a Pittsburgh Pirates package that includes 15 tickets in a Pirates Charities suite, four
parking passes and a visit from the Pirate Parrot. The highlight of the live auction is a
2000 Yamaha Mark III Series Disklavier Grand Piano. For more information on the live
auction, please see page 3 of The Gallery. Also available for purchase at the Gala will be
fabulous original artwork by Ron Donoughe, Chuck Olson and Scott Steberger.
Leading this year’s Gala is a Leadership Circle comprised of 21 talented individuals:
Jim Cayce, Glenda Forosisky, Chantel and Dr. James Garofalo, Kerrie Kinzle, Kashana
Kopac, Lindsey Kranich, Marian Morgan, Barbara and Ed O’Brien, Andrea Okonak,
John Reffner, Barbara and Larry Savino, Judy and Dick Scholton, Nancy Sheetz, Barbara Sincak, Margaret and Michael Strueber, and Samantha Wall.
The Gala will begin at 6 p.m. on July 18. Tickets are $175 per person. Reservations are
required by July 14. For tickets or more information, call the Museum at (814) 472-3920.
“Director’s Desk” continued on page 4
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SAMA NEWS
IN THE NEWS
ARCHIVAL STORAGE EXPANSION PROJECT
•Congratulations to SAMA-Ligonier Valley Site Coordinator Sommer Toffle
and her husband Barrett Goddard on the birth of their second daughter,
Bowie Lana.
SAMA Facilities Manager Lee
Rummel, Trustees Cassandra
Davies and Tim Houser,
Curator Dr. Scott Dimond
and Executive Director Gary
Moyer were on-hand for a
ceremonial start to demolition work in support of the
Loretto Museum’s Archival Storage Expansion Project. The demolition was
finished in May, and upon receipt of a construction permit, the Museum will
move forward with the project that will provide significant expansion and
enhancement to SAMA’s collections management operation.
•Pittsburgh photographer Donald M.
Robinson signed copies of his book,
In Harmony with Nature, for Dr. Anne
Creany and many others following
Robinson’s Lunch a l’Art presentation at
SAMA-Altoona in early May. The Museum celebrated the artist’s remarkable
career this spring with the retrospective
exhibition, The World at His Fingertips.
•SAMA is partnering with the Johnstown Tomahawks to offer a special Art
of Hockey exhibition surrounding the Kraft Hockeyville game between the
Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning at the Cambria County War
Memorial in Johnstown on September 29. Area students are invited to create works featuring Penguins and Lightning players, the NBC Sports team
and other scenes highlighting Johnstown’s rich hockey history. If your child
would be interested in participating, please contact the Museum.
SAMA gardener Anne Clark gave a walking
tour of the SAMA-Ligonier Valley gardens
as part of the third Ligonier Art Walk in
May. The event began with breakfast and
a presentation by Susan Kemenyffy. The
Art Walk featured a full day of art activities,
presentations and receptions at SAMA and
seven Ligonier galleries. Stay tuned to The
Gallery for information regarding the fourth
Ligonier Art Walk in the fall.
•SAMA was the recipient of a Ligonier Valley Endowment grant designed to
help the Ligonier Valley Museum address expenses associated with its summer art camp. The grant award was presented to Gary Moyer in Ligonier
on May 27.
•SAMA will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016 and the Anniversary Committee has already begun planning for the year-long event that will involve
every aspect of museum operations and SAMA programs.
•On June 11, SAMA partnered with the Cambria County Historical Society
and the Johnstown Area Heritage Association for a special Conversations with
the Curator presentation at the Johnstown Flood Museum. Dr. Scott Dimond’s lecture, “Documenting Disaster: Photographers and the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889,” attracted strong interest from the local community.
AUXILIARY PRESENTS STUDENT ART AWARDS
SAMA Trustee and Auxiliary President
Madelon Sheedy recently presented the
Auxiliary’s annual 21st Century Artist
Awards for Outstanding Student Art
to four young artists before a SAMALigonier Valley Lunch a l’Art. Joining
Sheedy in the photo is Jessica Anto, a
grade 12 student from Ligonier Valley
High School; Clark Huey, a grade 12 student from Greensburg Salem High
School; and Sammy Suppes, a 6th grade pupil from Valley School of Ligonier.
Grade 2 pupil Vincent Gaskey of Mountain View Elementary School was an
award recipient but not in attendance. The awards were chosen by Auxiliary
members Mary Campfield, Mary Clark and Bonnie Hoffman. The award
winners and their art teachers were invited to the Lunch a l’Art, with each
child also receiving a cash prize. The awards were in support of SAMA’s annual
student art exhibition, Artists of the 21st Century.
Annual Giving Campaign 2015
Help SAMA reach its goal of $175,000 in 2015
by contributing to the Annual Giving Campaign.
Donations offset the costs of our exhibitions and
programming and allow us to keep all four museum
sites open to the public free of charge.
SAMA-LIGONIER VALLEY RECEIVES GARDEN
SCULPTURE DONATION
The Ligonier Valley Museum recently received a sculpture donation to enhance its
flower gardens. Ann Hewat of Ligonier donated Noah’s Ark in memory of Doris Mullan. The sculpture came from Main Exhibit
Gallery and was created by Ohio artist Don
Drumm and fabricated by Cricket Forge. It
is made of ¼ inch steel, galvanized to prevent rust, and then painted with a base coat
and finally, hand-painted. Pictured with the
sculpture is Hewat and her dog, Niki, with SAMA Facilities Manager Lee
Rummel and SAMA maintenance crew Freddie McCabe.
FREE MUSEUM DAY
Two sisters proudly display their finished
scavenger hunt papers at Free Museum
Day in early May. The Ligonier Valley
Museum joined five other Ligonier-area
museums for the annual promotion that
offers a variety of family-friendly activities
and free admission throughout the day.
WICKED WEDNESDAY
The Altoona Museum recently
hosted a Wicked Wednesday
program with featured artists
Lynn Marchetti Heverly and
Donald M. Robinson and a
performance by Raining Blue.
Among those enjoying the festivities were Barb O’Brien, Phil
Sky, Mickey Sky and Roz Sky.
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GALA NEWS
GALA LIVE AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
SAMA will celebrate its 37th annual Gala, “African Odyssey,” on Saturday, July 18 on the campus of Saint Francis University in Loretto.
Below are the incredible items to be featured in the live auction.
$6,000 SFU Scholarship
Help the young
student in your
life with this
$6,000 tuition
scholarship to
Saint Francis
University. Payable over four years
for first-time, full-time students.
Certain restrictions apply. Contact
the Museum for complete rules
and regulations.
2000 Yamaha Mark III Series Disklavier Grand Piano
This piano delivers superb musical performance along with an unprecedented
range of digital/acoustic capabilities. This series of piano allows you to
record and play back your own piano performance, create multi-track arrangements and connect to the world of musical opportunities offered
by MIDI devices, personal computers and the Internet. Other functions include built-in stereo amplifiers and speakers and the capability
to play audio/MIDI CDs. This model also incorporates Yamaha Silent
technology, which enables you to instantly switch from acoustic to digital
mode for low-volume speaker or headphone play. And for those who’ve always
wanted to play the piano, new SmartKey™ technology makes it easy, guiding
you through songs note by note while adding professional embellishment.
Vacation Package
Helen Gorsuch,
The Max Truck
Enjoy a fabulous fivenight vacation at beautiful
Paradise Village in Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico. Located
on the coast of Banderas
Bay, the resort offers a water
sports center, two spas, and
seven on-site restaurants
(visit the website at www.paradisevillage.com). Or, pick a
destination of your choice for seven days anywhere in the
world! See a list of locations from the Interval International
Resort Directory at www.intervalworld.com. Booking details will be available the night of the auction.
Gorsuch’s whimsical sculptures
are inspired by nature, religions,
mythology, classical pottery and
ancient and folk cultures. She
designs and hand-builds a limited
number of Raku-fired ceramic
sculptures each year. The exclusivity of her work makes her list of
honors all the more impressive. This year’s auction features
The Max Truck, which won First Place at Art in Common’s
2014 Artists in Our Midst exhibition at SAMA-Altoona.
Diamond Ring
Bubbling Rock
Water Feature
Looking for the tranquil
sound of moving water in
your garden? This bubbling
rock water feature from Tussey Landscaping is a beautiful stone element that can be placed
anywhere in your yard and is both safe and maintenance-free.
Pittsburgh
Pirates Package
Available in the live auction is this
exquisite ladies’ 14ct yellow gold
diamond ring featuring 9 princess
and 22 round cut
diamonds for
a total weight
of 1 ½ carats.
Antique Music Box
This antique Kalliope walnut-cased music box features a
burled insert lid and is dated between 1889 and 1910. Made
in Saxony, the box is in excellent condition and the lift top
has a colorful Victorian-decorated advertisement for Kalliope. The music box features a hand crank on the
right side with a single comb, with the left
side featuring a play/stop knob. Included
with the box are 18 13” discs. The case measures 17.5” wide x 16.5” long x 9.5” high.
What could be a better way to
enjoy a day than cheering your
Pirates on to victory? Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Gerrit
Cole, Josh Harrison and the rest of
the Bucs have brought winning baseball back to the ’Burgh,
and now you have an opportunity to watch them live and in
style. This Pirates package includes 15 tickets to a game in a
Pirates Charities Suite, along with four parking passes and a
visit from the Pirate Parrot. Raise the Jolly Roger!
Kevin Kutz Painting
Kevin Kutz is one of the region’s
best known and best loved artists.
Offered in the live auction is his
brilliant watercolor, Mount Aloysius
Winter. Dated 2015, the painting
measures 10” x 20” (unframed).
Finished work will be framed by
Scott Steberger.
Thanks to our Gala 2015 Sponsors and Patrons
Sponsors
Patrons
Andrews & Beard Law Offices
Karen and Dr. Magdi Azer
Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery
Blair County Anesthesia, P.C.
Jim Cayce and Tom Dosh
Coldwell Banker Town & Country Real Estate
Deborah DeGol and Robert Krumroy
Chantel and Dr. James Garofalo
Jeanne and Robert Gleason
Kooman & Associates
Kranich’s, Inc.
Marianne and Guy Landolfi
Laurel Motors Holding Co.
Diane and Dr. Scott Little
Marian and Dr. Owen K. Morgan
Dorothea Nelson
Barry Newborn
Barbara and Ed O’Brien
Penn State Altoona
Margaret and Michael Strueber
Treasures of the Earth, Ltd.
Dr. Paul V. Woolley and Janet M. Turjan
Aline and Gerald Wolf
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ALTOONA
SAMA NEWS
ART-IN-EDUCATION UPDATE
SUMMER EXHIBITIONS GUIDE
By Jessica Campbell
Life’s Abstractions: Lynn Marchetti Heverly (Through August 8)
This exhibition features more than 40 works from the self-taught Altoona artist.
Heverly began her artistic career as a photographer before branching out into oil
painting. Since that time, she has turned her focus to digital art, including her “cat
abstraction” pieces, which begin as photographs of cats and are then “re-imagined”
on her computer.
Lynn Marchetti Heverly,
Big, Bold and Beautiful: The Permanent Collection
Jingle Kitsia, n.d.
(Through September 19)
Although diverse in subject matter and style, the 25 works in this exhibition each fit
the bill of being big, bold, and/or beautiful. Featured artists include Brian Connelly,
Josefa Filkosky, Paul Jenkins and Peter Max.
Paper and Fire: Prints by Leonard Baskin (August 14 through January 16)
Renowned American printmaker Leonard Baskin is celebrated in this exhibition
culled from the permanent collection. Among the 55 featured prints are 41 works Leonard Baskin, King
Solomon from ‘The Five
acquisitioned into the Museum’s holdings last year.
Scrolls, Illustrated by
Leonard Baskin’, 1984
JOHNSTOWN
Herbert Bayer,
Twin Gyrations,
n.d., c. 1973
Projections on Paper: Abstract Prints and Drawings from the Permanent Collection
(Through August 21)
Drawn from SAMA’s permanent collection, this exhibition features a number of noted
artists working in a variety of abstract styles. From the subtle calculations of color theorist Josef Albers to the mathematically complex Op Art compositions of Marko Spalatin,
the exhibition promises a feast for the eyes for lovers of abstract art.
LIGONIER VALLEY
Pastel Expressions (Through August 23)
This exhibition features 40 works by members of the Central Pennsylvania Pastel Society
(CPPS) and Pittsburgh Pastel Artists League (PPAL). Each organization juried in 20 of
the other’s paintings to ensure the utmost quality and expertise. The CPPS and PPAL are
the two leading pastel societies in Pennsylvania, renowned for the quality and excellence
of their producing artists.
Shari Finney, The
Next Pitch, 2015
LORETTO
Kevin Kutz,
Through Bonnard, 2014
Reflections: Artwork by Kevin Kutz (Through October 10)
This special loan exhibition charts Kevin Kutz’s evolution as an artist. Featuring
more than 50 paintings, drawings and mixed media works, the exhibition provides an overview of the artist’s progress from one chapter of his life to another,
while also revealing the many changes and directions his art has undergone. A
painter and innovator, Kutz ranges from traditional plein-air realism to dreamlike explorations of time, place and memory.
Kathleen Cochran Zimbicki: 45 Years of Color, 1970-2015
(Through December 5)
Pittsburgh artist Kathleen Zimbicki has been painting whimsical, yet highly innovative watercolors for nearly 50 years. Bold and colorful, Zimbicki’s work pushes
the boundaries of representational imagery and the watercolor medium itself.
Kathleen Cochran Zimbicki, Green Orbs, 1984
Director’s Desk (continued from page 1)
Museum leadership and SAMA staff. We are dedicated
to the care and development of the permanent collection. As an accredited museum of fine art, we strive for
museum excellence.
In this regard, SAMA recently initiated the Archival
Storage Expansion Project to expand and improve
our collection management facilities at the Loretto
Museum. Proper archival storage is essential to the
permanent collection’s survival. This is no small undertaking and thanks to the generosity of both the Colcom
Foundation and The Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation, SAMA’s permanent collection will have
a new home in the not-too-distant future.
SAMA’s permanent collection belongs to the people
of this region. It is a regional treasure of which you can
be very proud.
I asked Melissa
Peppetti,
principal at Mowrie
A. Ebner Elementary School,
part of Altoona
School District,
to share a few
words about how
SAMA’s residency
program impacts
their school. The
elementary school Ebner Elementary students
has been participat- have created murals at the
ing in our residency school through SAMA’s Artistprogram for the last in-Residence program.
three years and, with the help of EITC funds,
SAMA has been able to help provide extra
funding when necessary. SAMA would like to
thank the following businesses that participate
in this year’s EITC program: Benzel’s Bretzel
Bakery, Inc.; C & G Savings Bank; and Highmark Health Insurance Company.
Our PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) values programs like SAMA’s Artistin-Residence initiative to enhance the
instructional art program here at the school.
The school fundraises each year so that 6th
grade students can leave their artistic mark
at the building. We have participated in this
program for three years. Students use their
knowledge and creativity in a way that inspires both a love and appreciation for the visual arts. The Museum offers our students the
opportunity to tour the new exhibits as part
of the residency. The Museum, along with its
sponsors, have supplemented funding so that
we can participate each year.
To that end,
our teachers,
students and
parents
are
thankful.
Ann Van Kuren (right) and Jan
Jan Kinney
Kinney (second from right)
has worked
lead students in voice and
with our aumovement activities.
tistic students for two years. The program is
a win-win for everyone. Teachers learn from
the artists each day and incorporate new
techniques into their classroom approaches.
The artists benefit from working with a
diverse group of students to broaden their
knowledge of learners with unique learning
styles. The feedback we have received from
both of these programs is remarkable. This
year students had the opportunity to work
with Jan Kinney and Ann Van Kuren.
– Melissa Peppetti
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SAMA NEWS
NIGHT OF DISTINCTION
The
Southern
Alleghenies
Museum of Art at
Loretto celebrated
the fourth annual
Night of Distinction in April. The
program is a special
dinner-and-awards
The evening’s honorees: Chuck Olson, Shirley Hoyne,
Jeanne Gleason and Barbara Savino. Joan
event designed to
McCreary was unable to attend.
honor the Museum’s
most
dedicated
and longest serving
benefactors.
Jeanne Gleason,
Shirley Hoyne and
Chuck Olson were
presented with the
annual Service to
Ann and Bill Benzel
Dr. Anne and the
the Arts Award at the
Hon. Timothy Creany
program. Barbara
Savino was honored
with the Volunteerism
Award,
while Joan McCreary was named
Trustee Emeritus in
recognition of her
Margaret Strueber, Ed O’Brien,
nearly 30 years of William and Shirley Hoyne
Helen Gorsuch and Rosemary
service on the SAMA
Pawlowski
board.
The Museum congratulates each of the honorees and is grateful to our
patrons for helping us celebrate these five extraordinary individuals. Night
of Distinction will return on April 23, 2016.
Chantel and Dr. James Garofalo with
Kashana Kopac
Jeanne Gleason and family
Carolyn and G. William Ward
with Dorothea Nelson
Lee and Jane Hite with Nancy
and Don Devorris
Barbara and Larry Savino
Dr. Owen and Marian Morgan
Chuck and Marie Olson
“HOOKED ON ART”
Nearly 200 attendees were “Hooked on
Art” at SAMA-Ligonier Valley’s 14th
annual Garden Party on May 30. Chairs
Josita Karolyi, David Miller and Molly
Miesse Miller organized a unique and
inspired program that featured fly fishing presentations and demonstrations
by members of the Forbes Trail Chapter
of Trout Unlimited. Highlighted by a
Chas Fagan oil-on-canvas and a $2,000 Garden Party Co-Chairs Josita Karolyi,
gift certificate to the luxurious Lodge at David Miller and Molly Miesse Miller
Glendorn, the live auction was one of
SAMA’s most successful ever. SAMA is
grateful to the Garden Party Committee,
donors, patrons, volunteers and vendors
for helping to make this a very successful
fund-raising program for the Museum.
Special thanks are extended to Mary
Weidlein, Naiads & Nymphs Sponsor;
and Somerset Trust Co., Rainbow, Brook Distinguished SAMA Auxiliary Honoree
& Steelhead Sponsor.
Bonnie Hoffman with husband, Bill
Mark and Libby Gaier (right) won the bidding
for Chas Fagan’s oil-on-canvas, Current
Events. With the Gaiers are Fagan’s parents,
Stephanie and Charles Fagan.
USA Fly Fishing Team member Leo Vensel
of Trout Unlimited looks on as Dr. Bill
Choby tries his hand at fly casting
Chantel and Dr. James
Garofalo with Jim Cayce
Olive and George
Conte
Madelon Sheedy and
Gertrude Myers
Suzy and
Gary Moyer
Terry Graft and
Linda Brown
Charles and
Cynthia Nied
Lanny and
Annie MacDougall
Jeff Cook and Diane
Harshberger
Rich Lopretto
and Phyllis Bertok
ALTOONA
JOHNSTOWN
JULY
LIGONIER VALLEY
LORETTO
AUGUST (Continued)
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SAMA SITES
ALTOONA
Brett Building
1210 11th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
Ph: (814) 946-4464
Fax: (814) 946-3131
altoona@sama-art.org
JOHNSTOWN
LIGONIER VALLEY
LORETTO
Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center
450 Schoolhouse Road
Johnstown, PA 15904
Ph: (814) 269-7234
Fax: (814) 269-7236
johnstown@sama-art.org
One Boucher Lane
Route 711 South
Ligonier, PA 15658
Ph: (724) 238-6015
Fax: (724) 238-6281
ligonier@sama-art.org
Saint Francis University Mall
P.O. Box 9
Loretto, PA 15940
Ph: (814) 472-3920
Fax: (814) 472-4131
loretto@sama-art.org