SAMA’s Art After Dark event offers food, music and culture
Altoona branch brings alternative to bar, sports game outings
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The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art presents Art After Dark from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 22 with a Valentine's twist as attendees meet three artists featured in "Artists of the 21st Century," enjoy acoustic music and shop with vendors.
SAMA Altoona Director Dante DiAndrea said the ongoing bi-monthly series is designed to attract those who haven't visited the museum and are looking for a creative experience that can also be an opportunity to meet new people.
"For me personally as a young professional who grew up in Altoona, I never really felt like there were any spaces in the area that spoke to me as places where I was wanted or that I felt like I belonged," DiAndrea explained. "So, this is me kind of solving that. It's one way that I'm trying to solve my own perspective and issues for people in my age demographic and that is providing more interesting cultural programming for folks that are still here in Altoona that aren't a bar, a sports game or the woods."
The After Dark event debuted in September and was also held in October and December and is switching to a bi-monthly format this year.
"We typically get between 60 and 70 people," DiAndrea said, although attendance dropped in December likely because of other social and holiday events. "We expect February to return to those levels and are kind of expecting it to exceed those levels."
Each After Dark is unique but features three components: an opportunity to meet an artist whose work is showcased at the museum, live music or a performance element and vendors who are given an opportunity to display and sell their wares.
Another After Dark is planned for April 5. Planning for it is underway and information can be found closer to the date on the SAMA Facebook page and its website. Registration is not required and admission is $15 per person per event.
"They all have the same structure but they all look and feel different," DiAndrea said. "I try to program different vendors for each event and coordinate with the theme of the evening if there is one. I also try to refrain from having repeat vendors -- or at least not back to back repeat vendors in order to provide and encourage as much diversity in our community participation as we can."
The After Dark event for Feb. 22 will have a Valentine's Day theme featuring heart-shaped pinatas and Susan L. Youshaw's SLY Photography of Hollidaysburg will provide a Valentine-themed backdrop for photography fun. The pinatas, DiAndrea said, "is a cheeky way to incorporate both the positive and negative perspectives on Valentine's Day."
Musical entertainment will be provided by singer/songwriter Bree Gearhart of Hollidaysburg, who will perform both cover and original songs. In 2023, she released two singles, "If I Stay Right Here" and "Somewhere We Belong." Gearhart plans to record a new full length album in 2024, she stated in an email.
Vendors include Luvie Crafts, Penelope + Co. and Aesthetics by Kell.
"We are excited to be a vendor for Art after Dark and will be bringing our Aesthetics By Kell Skincare line, best selling whipped body scrubs, new brands and products we recently brought in to ABK and more," stated spa owner Kelly McGee. Aesthetics By Kell opened in July in downtown Bedford and recently completed a renovation to the medspa.
McGee started Aesthetics By Kell "to offer clean skincare & beauty products." An aesthetic nurse practitioner, McGee developed her own clean, toxin-free skincare line and offers medspa services including chemical peels, microneedling, botox, filler and intravenous hydration.
Luvie Crafts owner Amber Indrunas of Duncansville makes a variety of crocheted and stuffed animals, crocheted wearables like scarves and hats and homegoods. Prices range from $5 up to $50. "If you can crochet it, I can do it," she said.
Penelope + Co., owned by Kailee Mathews of Bellwood, will have acrylic earrings of her own design and permanent, custom fitted jewelry. Permanent jewelry includes necklaces, bracelets and anklets, which are made from 14 carat gold or .925 sterling silver, and welded onto the wearer's body without a clasp.
On the art side of the evening, three high school students representing Hollidaysburg, Altoona and Bishop Guilfoyle, whose work is displayed in the exhibit "Artists of the 21st Century," will be on hand to talk about their art. "Artists of the 21st Century," the museum's 26th annual student art exhibition, features the work of artists in grades kindergarten through 12th. DiAndrea declined to identify the students by name in keeping with the museum's privacy policies.
Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.