Transit
Fine Arts Gallery
Oil City Arts Council
 
 

 

The Transit Fine Arts Gallery, an all-volunteer directed arts organization working under the auspices of the Oil City Arts Council, is located in the historic National Transit Building at the corner of Seneca and Center Streets in downtown Oil City. It is open year-round with the hours of 10:00-4:00 on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday with extended hours during Oil Heritage Days in July and during the holiday season in December. The Gallery showcases the work of regional artists with work such as paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, weaving, and much more..

More that 100 artists exhibit and sell their work in the Gallery every year. Nearly all of the artists are from Western Pennsylvania and most live in or around Venango County. A few with out-of-state addresses are artists with ties to the area who now live elsewhere. Artists sell their work on a consignment basis and are paid monthly.

The work varies from paintings to pottery, from jewelry to photography, from glassware to fine porcelain, and offers a wide range of items, both functional and decorative. Most of the work on display is one-of-a-kind. Some production work is also available, such as signed and numbered prints by several artists.

Among the regional artists in the Gallery are Fred Carrow, Mary Hamilton, Pauline Case, Robert Elliston, Ellen Amsler, Judy Slater, Jill Mattson, Helen Oxenham, Jack Paluh, Butch Quinn, Joanne Garret, Bob Tait, Yvonne Klapec, Linda Lineman, and the late Harry Hickman. Their painting talents stretch from watercolors, oils, acrylics, printmaking, and porcelain and from folk art to impressionism.

A special section of the Gallery houses a growing selection of books written by area authors. Many books are about the history of the Oil Region. Among the local writers are Margo Mong, Carolee Michener and David Swatzler......just to name a few. Several books of poetry by area poets are also available.

Also popular are CD's and tapes with music by local individuals and groups. Among these musicians are Rex Mitchell, Ken Hall, Jill Mattson, Jim Self, Cahal Dunne, and the band Phoenix. Recently added to the Gallery's collection is a tape of music from the Seneca Indian Nation.

Each month an "Artist of the Month" is named with special displays of their current work, and often an evening reception is held in the artist's honor.These events are open free to the public and intended as times for the artist to meet and greet guests and to answer questions about their work.

This years Schedule of appearance for the Gallery

WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING
 "ARTISTS-OF-THE-MONTH" IN 2008.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COME VISIT US
 AND SEE THEIR WONDERFUL WORK.
 

Our schedule is set for a full year of artists and artwork at the Transit Fine Arts Gallery and the Oil City Arts Council is proud to announce the following featured “Artists-of-the-Month.” For additional information, call 677-3707. Mark your calendar for these special exhibits

January

"Winter Art" is a collection of snowy paintings & photography by a variety of local artists such as Carol McDonald, Jerry Sowden, Judy Slater, Judith Gallagher, Robert Elliston & more.

February

We honor the late Eugene Monrean, a local basketmaker who made white oak baskets from the tree-to-the-finished basket just as his father,
grandfather and great-grandfather did. This fourth-generation basketmaker was recognized by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for his long history
of crafting functional baskets. A small collection of his work will be on display in the Gallery throughout the month.

March

Local potter Don Lombardo will exhibit his work this month. This self-taught potter with ten years of experience enjoys making functional items such as pitchers, mugs, bean pots....and more. What a delight to see his work in our own Gallery!

April

Tom Shreve, Oil City artist, will present his exhibit of mixed media paintings "City in Abstraction" which focuses on the character of architectural structures in some Oil City buildings we know and love.

May

We celebrate "Bird Month" in May with the wonderful paintings of Jocelyn Beatty who focuses on her love of nature as she creates colorful wildlife, strong in details & composition to produce beautiful high contrast paintings in watercolor & acrylic. Her work is represented in galleries throughout Northeastern United States. Don't miss the "Birding Festival" on the weekend of May 2-4......complete with guided birdwalks, field trips, tours, outstanding speakers & more....all coordinated by the Oil Region Alliance. We salute our wonderful feathered friends with artwork and festivals during this fun month.

June

Clarion resident, Cathie Joslyn brings a series of large, colorful fabric prints titled "Luminous Threads" which is work from her second trip to Peru. Ancient Andean masks, birds, animals & magical motifs speak of her experiences teaching art during a Fulbright in South America. June is sure to come alive in the Gallery with this amazing artwork!

July

Chuck Stubler, retired businessman, Oil City Arts Council Board Member & painter is our featured artist this month. This local gentleman has been painting for many, many years and his work is outstanding! We are pleased to present this collection of some of his newest & most favorite work.

August

Donald Thomas, retired art instructor from Keystone School District & Thiel College, is our featured artist for August. His oil paintings have won him honors in various shows in the Pennsylvania/Ohio area and in Scotland over the last 45 years....and now we are pleased to present his work at the Transit Gallery. Don't miss this exhibit!

September

"A Potpourri of the Arts" this month helps us to celebrate the "OIL 150" celebrations. We will be seeking artwork from and about our "oil region." More details TBA.

October

"The Colors of Fall" is a photography exhibit by Jim Kronmiller. This Franklin resident has been enjoying his art for many years and is now teaching & sharing this popular artform in our area.....in fact, upstairs at the Oil Valley Art Center!!

November

We welcome Sue Clark and her colorful artwork this month...sure to bring a smile and a warm feeling to us all. Sue, a Franklin native who now lives and does her artistic work in Hawaii, will be presenting this month's
exhibit via long distance and via her twin sister Kathi Clark who still resides in Franklin.

December

"Holidays in the Gallery" We celebrate the holidays with a variety of fine art & craft work...items large & small, appropriate for all of your gift-giving needs. Unique one-of-a-kind art treasures & fun seasonal items will make the Gallery the place to visit this month. And, don't forget to stop by the National Transit Building on December 31st for our FIRST NIGHT fun & Festivities...we'll be open until midnight!!