Local Seniors On The Art Scene

Nearly 10 years ago, a small group of seniors at Hillsdale Community Resource Center took a painting seminar. They liked it so much they asked the center to hire an on-site art instructor.

LifeSpan, a Pittsburgh group that provides support programs to Allegheny County seniors, stepped in. In 2001, they hired Pat DiPippa to oversee classes as well as donating an art studio space in the Hillside center in the .

So was born Primary Colors Art Guild. The group will hold its ninth Annual Spring Art Event this Friday and Saturday at the center.

Founding member and former Primary Colors chairperson Mary Simon said what was once a group of four or five has grown to include nearly 30 artists.

“It’s a very welcoming group,” said chairperson JoAnne Tierno. “We laugh a lot.”

Tierno credits DiPippa with much of the group’s success.

“She’s an inspiration to us all,” Tierno said. “She’s such a wealth of information.”

This weekend’s show will feature about 120 paintings created by 22 Primary Colors members, who will compete for cash prizes. Pittsburgh watercolor artist Barry R. Jeter will judge the event.

Cindy Kostelnik, Center Services Manager for LifeSpan, expects “well over 200 people” to attend the two-day exhibit.

Friday night, said Kostelnik, LifeSpan will provide hors d’oeuvres, pastries and punch throughout the evening. She said the event’s venue—spanning three floors of the borough building—lends itself to a sophisticated evening.

“It’s first-class all the way,” said Kostelnik.

In addition, LifeSpan will hold auctions and raffle off gift baskets during Friday’s exhibit to raise funds. One lucky winner will walk off with a “Definitely Dormont” basket filled with a summer pass, gift certificates to Dormont businesses and other borough-themed treats. A 50/50 raffle will also be held to benefit Primary Colors Art Guild.

Saturday’s event will be more of an open house, Kostelnik said. Food and drink will not be provided.

“It’s a good time to look at the pieces without all the crowds around,” said Tierno.

Kostelnik also said LifeSpan will provide program books detailing the artists and their work to the exhibit’s guests.

Tierno, who will be exhibiting an oil painting, said that being part of Primary Colors has been very fulfilling.

“We’ve gained painting experience,” said Tierno, “but we’ve also gained friends.”

LifeSpan’s programs at Hillsdale Community Resource Center, including Primary Colors Art Guild, are open to all South Hills residents over the age of 50, said Kostelnik. 

This weekend’s art show will take place 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Free shuttle service on Friday will be provided between the Dormont Pool parking lot and the municipal building during the event.