Annual Open Show
Presented by Robindale Energy
Latrobe Art Center’s Annual Open Show showcases the work of all artists—aspiring or experienced—in not only the Greater Latrobe Community, but in the southwestern Pennsylvanian region! Anyone ages 3 and up can submit artwork to this show.
We received 160 submissions from artists to create a truly unique display of amazing artwork!
We recognized the talent of these artists at an opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, June 5th. Award recipients were selected by Kathleen Dlugos, Associate Professor of Art and AFA program director at Westmoreland County Community College. In addition, four awards were given on behalf of the Latrobe Art League.
Thank You to Our 2025 Open Show Sponsors!
Greater Latrobe Education Association
Juror Of Awards
Kathleen Dlugos
Kathleen Mendus Dlugos is an associate professor of art and AFA program director at Westmoreland County Community College in southwestern Pennsylvania. She received her MFA from Pennsylvania State University (painting, art criticism) and her BFA from Seton Hill University (studio art). She has exhibited internationally, nationally and regionally, including the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
For more info, visit Kathleen's website: www.kmdlugos.com
Juror’s Statement
To the community at the Latrobe Art Center:
It has been my honor to be invited to jury the work in the Annual Juried Open Exhibition presented by Robindale Energy.
As a practicing artist and art teacher, I have been evaluating works of art close to 40 years. I have also functioned as a juror for many exhibitions in the region and within this capacity, I have a few guiding questions that compel my jurying process.
- I scan the entire show first, notating works that initially capture my attention.
- I ask myself these questions:
How does this work present me with a viewpoint that invites me to linger?
If I have seen popular, traditional subject matter, does a work present it in a fresh way?
Does the work communicate a unique personality, inviting me to see the ordinary in an extraordinary way?
The chosen works positively answered one or more of these questions. And it is always so critical for any creative person to know that a juror, despite my experience, is only one individual’s point of view. We are all boosted by encouraging words or accolades about our creative work, but the freedom to respond to our internal creative urges, to express our ideas and document this human life is worth applauding in itself.
Congratulations to all our winners, as well as every artist that participated in this exhibition.
A special thanks to Michael Tusay and the staff at Latrobe Art Center for entrusting me with this profoundly meaning task.
Kathleen Dlugos
Associate Professor of Art
Westmoreland County Community College
Awards*
BEST IN SHOW
“Learning Curves” by Marcia Koynok
OPEN DIVISION:
FIRST PLACE
“White Industrial” by Adalberto Ortiz
SECOND PLACE
“Losing Sleep” by Marian Grata
THIRD PLACE
“Moon Glow Field” by James Tobin
HONORABLE MENTION
“The Wait” by Lynda Kirby
“Moore” by Robbie Kollar
“Ol’ Blue Eyes” by Shelley Poli
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION:
PENCIL/INK
“Shadow & Shark” by Briana McGee
ACRYLIC/OIL
“Playing Store” by Alan Byrne
WATERCOLOR
“Summer’s Calm” by Pat Dickun
MIXED MEDIA/3D
“Turned Maple Bowl” by John Krivoniak
PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL ART
“Antebellum Manor” by Fran DiVecchio
AMATEUR ARTIST DIVISION
First Place
“Glass Still Life” by Jay Grata
Second Place
“Old Western Barn” by Cathy Sheffler
Third Place
“Pictures From My Porch #3” by Pork Kuhns
COLLEGE ARTIST DIVISION
First Place
“Daughter of Grief” by Quentin Edge
Second Place
“Silly Goose” by Shannon Grace
JUNIOR ARTIST DIVISION
First Place
“Puck the Puppet” by Virginia Gemas
Second Place
“Summer Utility Pole” by Katherine Snyder
Third Place
“Brothers” by Virginia Burkley
YOUNG ARTIST DIVISION
First Place
“Breathtaking Sunset” by Kacie Monroe
Second Place
“The Horse” by Charlotte Mormack
Third Place
“Boulangerie Benjamin” by Benjamin LaFosse
Latrobe Art League Awards:
Open Division
“Bloom Bloom” by Nancy Rusbosin
“Tifi Mwen” by David Grumbine
“The Village” by Debbie Byham
Young Artist Division
“Strawberry Birthday” by Clara Currie
* Awards are given at the direction of the judge and are based on the number and quality of entries received in each category
Open Division
Original work and composition by an established artist
Amateur Division
An artist with little experience and who has not won any previous awards in our annual show
College Artist Division
Any artist ages 18-21 who are currently enrolled in college
Junior Artist Division
Any artist ages 14-17
Young Artist Division
Any artist ages 3-13
