Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona

10/20/2026

🎹 TWO WEEKS! Are you ready to swing? The countdown is on to SAMA Dueling Pianos: Stars, Stripes & Art! Round up your friends, put together your best patriotic outfit, and get ready for an evening of Dueling Pianos, dancing, American art, great food, and plenty of surprises.

Do you remember the last time we celebrated in red, white, and blue!? Check out these memories from the 2017 Gala.

Whether you're a lifelong swing dancer or someone who has never stepped onto a dance floor, there’s a place for you at this America 250 celebration.

🎟️ Tickets are going fast—make plans to join us November 6!

November 6 | 6:30–11p.m. | Scotch Valley Country Club
Tickets & sponsorship opportunities available at https://www.sama-art.org/dueling-pianos

10/16/2026

✈️🌎 YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE COULD SUPPORT THE ARTS! Ready to travel? Bid on an exciting getaway during the silent auction at SAMA Dueling Pianos: Stars, Stripes & Art! Thanks to Blue Tree Travel Marketing, these travel packages offer something for every kind of explorer:

☀️ Orlando, Florida – Enjoy a getaway to the Sunshine State!
🌊 Boothbay Harbor or Belfast, Maine – Discover charming coastal towns and New England beauty.
🍇 New York Finger Lakes – Explore scenic landscapes and wine-country charm.
🏈 Go to Any College Game – Cheer on your favorite team with a college sports getaway!

Your winning bid does more than bring a new adventure within reach—it helps support the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and its mission to provide exhibitions, arts education, and cultural experiences throughout our region.

November 6 | 6:30–11p.m. | Scotch Valley Country Club
Secure your ticket today at https://www.sama-art.org/dueling-pianos and get ready to raise your paddle!

❤️🤍💙 Bid on a getaway. Support the arts. Make memories!

10/13/2026

We’re on TV! The excitement is building for SAMA Dueling Pianos: Stars, Stripes & Art! Our event chair, Ehrin Ward, and site director, Jodi Peachey, along with Simply Grace Trio recently appeared on Studio 814 to share all the details about this unforgettable evening of music, dancing, patriotic spirit, and support for the arts. 🇺🇸 🎹

Watch the video to hear what makes this America 250 celebration so special, and learn how you can be part of the fun!

📅 Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6:30–11 p.m.
📍 Scotch Valley Country Club
🎟️ Tickets: $150 per person
https://www.sama-art.org/dueling-pianos

Featuring the interactive, all-request show by Flying Ivories, this is your chance to swing, celebrate, and support the arts while helping SAMA continue its mission of bringing art and cultural experiences to our region.

Gather your friends, get your tickets, and join us for a night to remember!

🎙️What does a 1940s-inspired USO show sound like? The Simply Grace Trio stopped by to give us a sneak peek ahead of SAMA's annual fundraiser. ⭐🎶

https://www.wtaj.com/studio814/814-good/sama-prepares-for-dueling-pianos-fundraiser-814-good/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Studio_814

10/13/2026

Here’s another sneak peak, this time highlighting the "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" exhibition also opening this Friday!

George LaVanish has dedicated his career to portraying the beauty, majesty, and quiet spirit of North America's wildlife for more than fifty years. His meticulously detailed paintings capture the essence of Pennsylvania's forests, streams, mountains, and fields, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for nature, conservation, and the rich traditions of the outdoors. His work resonates with hunters, anglers, conservationists, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike through its authenticity, technical excellence, and deep respect for the natural world. The exhibition will feature a remarkable collection of original paintings highlighting Pennsylvania's native wildlife, sporting traditions, and scenic landscapes.

Join the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art for the opening Exhibition Celebration of "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" and "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per person and includes refreshments and light appetizers.

Registration is encouraged but not required for George LaVanish & David Whiteman Exhibition Celebration at https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/lavanish-whiteman.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

10/12/2026

Some stories should never be forgotten.

On Veterans Day, hear the firsthand story of Bob Rummel, a 1968 U.S. Air Force Airborne veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. During Vietnam Revisited: 58 Years Later, Rummel will reflect on his experiences in combat, the sacrifices of those who served alongside him, and a devastating September 1968 battle that claimed 31 lives and wounded 40 soldiers in approximately 30 minutes.

He will also share photographs and stories from his recent journey back to Vietnam—this time as part of a mission focused on reconciliation between American veterans and former Vietnamese combatants.

📅 Nov. 11, 2026 | 12–2 PM
💵 $10 | Light refreshments included

👉 Reserve your spot: https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/veterans

10/10/2026

Here’s a sneak peak at "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" exhibition we are installing this week!

David Whiteman’s photographic journey has taken him from the landscapes of Centre County to some of the most remarkable places in the world. His work encompasses landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and the distinctive visual moments he encounters during his travels. While his photographs reflect an appreciation for distant places and extraordinary landscapes, they also demonstrate his belief that compelling images can be found close to home. The exhibition will feature a selection of Whiteman’s photographic work spanning landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and travel. Together, the photographs reflect a lifetime of exploration and a continuing curiosity about the natural world.

Join the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art for the opening Exhibition Celebration of "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" and "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per person and includes refreshments and light appetizers.

Registration is encouraged but not required for George LaVanish & David Whiteman Exhibition Celebration at https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/lavanish-whiteman.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

10/09/2026

🎨🔨 SNEAK PEEK: A NEW WAVE OF ART IS COMING TO SAMA ALTOONA! 🖼️📐

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a new art exhibition to life? There’s a whole lot of painting, hammering, measuring, planning, and behind-the-scenes hard work that happens before the first visitor ever steps into the gallery! 👀

Over the next week, we’re rolling up our sleeves and working diligently to transform our galleries in preparation for TWO extraordinary new exhibitions featuring the talent of local Pennsylvania artists!

🦌 Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish
Discover the beauty of the natural world through the remarkable wildlife artwork of George LaVanish of Tyrone, PA.

📸 The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman
Experience the world through the lens of Centre County photographer David Whiteman, whose photography captures the art of seeing in a whole new way.

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

✨ Friday, October 16: Our galleries REOPEN with these exciting new exhibitions!

🥂 Saturday, October 24 | 6–8 PM: Join us for our official opening reception and be among the first to experience these remarkable collections!

We can’t wait to share the finished results with you! From the first hammer swing to the final artwork hung, every detail matters when it comes to creating an inspiring gallery experience. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes glimpses as we get everything ready!

Two artists. Two unique perspectives. One incredible reason to visit SAMA Altoona! ❤️

📍 Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art – Altoona
1210 11th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601

🕛 Museum Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 12–4:30 PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
🎟️ Free admission; donations appreciated.

📞 (814) 946-4464
🌐 www.sama-art.org http://www.sama-art.org