The State Museum to Present Next Installment of 'Artists Conversations'

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Museum of Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the 2012 "Art of the State" exhibition currently on view, presents the second of three "Artists Conversations" at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17. Painter Carol Oldenburg of York, a featured artist in the Art of the State exhibition, and David W. Dunn, State Museum director, will collaborate to provide an insightful insiders' tour of the exhibition.

In conjunction with Harrisburg's 3rd in the Burg, a monthly celebration of the capital city's arts and entertainment, the Friends of the State Museum will also host the event with a complimentary wine and cheese reception that evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Oldenburg has two paintings in "Art of the State," one of which was chosen as a State Museum Purchase Award and will become part of the museum's permanent collection. The work, entitled "Day of Remembrance," is a reflection on the tenth anniversary of the horrific Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She holds a BFA degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and has been featured in solo and juried shows throughout the country. She is a participant in the "Art in the Embassies" program, and displayed work at the American Embassy in Togo, Africa. Oldenburg was also invited to the White House for the 40th anniversary of the program.

"Artists Conversations" is free with museum admission.

The third and final "Artists Conversations" program will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. and pairs Bucks County sculptor Mark D. Pettegrow with State Museum Education and Outreach Chief Beth A. Hager.  

"Art of the State" is recognized as the official, statewide juried competition for Pennsylvania artists. This year's show, featuring 129 pieces by 115 artists working throughout the state, is on display through Sept. 9, 2012.  The annual exhibit is co-presented by the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and The State Museum.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 25 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History®. Founded in 1905, the museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania's fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story.

Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and senior citizens.

For more information about the museum, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.

Media contact: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission