The decades long relationship of the Greensburg Art Club with former member, the late William B. Rowe Jr., resulted in his memorial gift to the GAC for the creation of the recently completed Rowe Gallery annex to the Alex Fletcher Art Center [located one block past the Pleasant Unity Exit ramp from the Rt 30 E bypass from Greensburg), Since its inception 80 years ago in the Kinderhook section of town, Greensburg Club has always been a vital part of the Westmoreland County art scene.
In 1955,26 years after its humble beginnings, the organization was able to purchase the old Hempfield Township Todd School which became the Alex Fletcher Memorial Art Center which housed member meetings, classes, workshops, and art events. As years passed, the old one-room brick schoolhouse was no longer able to accommodate the growing permanent collection .or meet the needs for an ongoing exhibition space for its members.
With this dream finally realized through Mr. Rowe’s generosity, artist members will be guaranteed year round exposure. Supplemental exhibits will also be planned to broaden the scope of artists through juried shows and special guest and group events. Additionally, the lower level of the annex creates an expanded area for ceramic and sculpture classes, allowing the original structure to serve as a 2D studio and meeting room. The inaugural exhibit focused on art from the genesis of the club with such historical names as Alex Fletcher, Martha Morgan, and Sunny Pollins.
Past and present members, along with teachers from the club’s growing years through today, and other GAC associates will be featured along with the newest young faces representing the future of the club. It is the hope that the Greensburg Art Club with increasingly serve the needs of the artist community and, likewise, those who form our audience and support our efforts.