Uniontown Art Club provides opportunities for artists of all genres
Since 1927, the Uniontown Art Club has been the home for artists in every medium, reaching throughout Fayette County.
“It’s a pretty rare thing to be around for nearly 100 years. Over the years, we’ve met in homes, at the library for several years, and about eight years ago, we were able to move into a place of our own,” said Pete Pasqua, treasurer of the nonprofit club.
They call the space on 86 W. Main St., Gallery 86 and offer a gift shop, filled with original artwork by local artists along with a variety of classes throughout the month.
“The club sponsors the gift shop, and all of the artwork is solely created by art club members,” Pasqua said. “If you’re looking for something unique or a special gift, everything in here is a one-of-a-kind item.”
Also unique to the Uniontown Art Club is the variety of mediums.
One might think an art club equals paint and canvas artists – and they do have several painters – but the club is home to many others as well.
“We have approximately 22 members and have all types of different work. I am a wood carver/sculptor. We have leather crafters, jewelry makers, potters and photographers,” Pasqua said. “We also have people doing art with epoxy resin, spinning cotton into cloth and quilling, where they take pieces of paper and create art with twirls and twists.”
All of the various works are displayed at Gallery 86 and in turn, local artists are supported.
They even have original work from their founder, Edna Evans.
“We have a collection of her work, including a sketchbook she used as a teenager. Edna used to paint personalized Christmas cards and mail them to friends and family. Every so often, someone stops by to donate something like that to our collection in the gallery,” Pasqua said.
They occasionally host art shows and can often be seen doing demonstrations at community events like Founding Day and others.
Most recently, the Uniontown Art Club increased its class offerings throughout the month.
“We’ve had paint-and-sip classes, journal making classes and woodworking classes,” Pasqua said. “We want to invite the community to get involved.”
This month, they’ll offer a variety of holiday-related classes: make your own ornament or paint glass for unique home décor, with more to come in the new year.
It not only highlights their talents but supports the community’s love for the arts. The club aims to give artists of any kind an outlet to share their passion and spread art within the community.
Anyone can be a member. Members support the work of Uniontown Art Club from across Pennsylvania to Florida. They can be as involved as much or as little as desired.
Gallery 86 is operated by volunteers. They are open five days per week for a few hours each day.
Stop by from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Follow the Uniontown Art Club on Facebook or visit https://www.uniontownartclub.org/ for upcoming classes and opportunities.