For immediate release contact: Carol O’Sullivan

June 28, 2010 412-681-5449

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Announces Opening of

Commissioned Artworks at Butler Health System

Pittsburgh, PA – Serving as art consultant, Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (PF/PCA) announces the opening of a newly constructed patient tower at Butler Health System (BHS) which features commissioned artworks. The public is invited to attend the free opening event in Butler on Sunday, July 18, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The address is One Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001.

The theme of the collection is inspired by Butler’s community and landscape. The hospital is set upon a hilltop, surrounded by neighborhoods, rolling hills, with the greenery and textures of the trees. The design of the new facility provides a soothing and welcoming space for the community.

About the project, PCA Director, Laura Domencic says, "A collaboration like this is a great example of how artists and organizations can make a truly positive and profound impact on the community. It is a wonderful opportunity for artists as well as a strong statement by Butler Hospital of the necessity of art in our lives."

Among works included in the collection:

Artist Michael Stadler has created an installation in the main entrance/atrium of the new patient tower, consisting of curvilinear ash wood suspended from the ceiling. This piece was inspired by the surrounding landscape of the Butler area.

Filmmaker Ben Hernstrom is documenting the creation of Stadler’s sculpture and its installation, which will be produced by Pittsburgh Filmmakers. The documentary also explores the idea that art can promote healing. It will be shown in the lobby and waiting areas as well as on the hospital television channel.

Photographer Brian Cohen was commissioned to photograph the city and county of Butler. Four images of the area are being used as “wayfinding” signs. Another 30 of his images are installed in the corridors of each floor.

Painter and photographer Deborah Hosking’s digital images have been selected for 52 patient rooms.

Other works include:

Alison Newman, stitched collages

Malgorzata Mosiek, archival ink jet prints from Leaf in the Water series

Kaoru Tohara, archival inkjet prints

Philomena O’Dea, archival inkjet prints from Organic Cosmic Mandalas series

Clayton Merrell, inkjet and screen print on paper

Audra Azuory, stone and metal sculptures

Sharon Wilson Wilcox, painting

John Hanna, color intaglio print and monotype

Tina Williams Brewer, fiber and mixed media quilt

Meagan Chaney, multiple small earthenware clay sculptures

Michael Bauermeister, carved wood wall piece with a tinted lacquer finish

There are also areas for rotating, temporary exhibits by regional artists, as part of an ongoing partnership between PF/PCA and BHS.

Butler Health Systems is a healthcare organization that includes outpatient locations, medical associates, and resource centers throughout Butler County. Butler Memorial Hospital is the centerpiece of the health system. Founded in 1898, the independent regional hospital serves patients from throughout Western PA.

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is a non-profit community arts campus, founded in 1945, that offers arts education as well as contemporary art exhibitions. It provides services and resources for individual artists throughout Western PA. In 2006, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts merged with Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

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