- Last Updated on Thursday, 30 March 2017 01:53
The South Hills-based arts and cultural center, The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh, will be hosting an exhibit of Pittsburgh Pastel Artists League members titled “Pure Pigment” from Sunday, April 9 through Saturday, May 20 in their exhibition gallery.
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| Artist Carol Donnelly |
Whitehall-based pastel artist Carol Donnelly will have two pastel paintings included in the show depicting imagery inspired by a church mission trip to Kenya, Africa to work with and show love to orphans and widows. The Allegheny Christian Alliance Church team traveled from Nairobi to Bomet to visit 7 different orphanages and Tenwek Hospital. On the way to Bomet her team stopped at the Maasai Mara for a safari. The painting titled “Setting Sun on the Maasai Mara” recreates the amazing sun set she witnessed on the first evening of their safari. “Maasai Village on the Maasai Mara Reserve” was conceived after visiting the Maasai Tribe’s Village on the second day of their safari.
“The Maasai Tribe always wore very colorful red clothing because they could detect their tribes from a distance. Which is a reason I wanted to paint this scene,” explained Donnelly. “Another reason was because The Maasai women are responsible for building the homes. The Inkajijik (the Maasai word for a house) are loaf-shaped and made of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow's urine. Maasai homes do not have windows or chimneys so it is dark and smoky inside. Animal skins are laid on the floor and are used for warmth. There is no electricity or running water. When food and water run out the Maasai pack up their homes and walk across the land to a place where there is food and water for their animals. Maasai people live a nomadic life moving from place to place.”
Gallery visitors will be able to view these pieces and more at “Pure Pigment.” An opening reception with appetizers and refreshments will be held on Sunday, April 9 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Visit http://www.ArtsmithsPGH.com/ for more information regarding gallery hours, artists talks, demonstrations, and classes related to the exhibit.
