Cranberry Raises a Glass to Support Art in the Community

Wednesday’s rains didn’t stop art lovers from descending on the Cranberry Municipal Center for the second annual Martinis with Monet event.

“This is exciting,” said Haine Middle School teacher Noele Reynolds, who had two mixed media pieces in the show. “I think any time we can promote art down here is fabulous, because don’t really have an art hub.”

Hosted by Associated Artists of Butler County and the nonprofit Cranberry Township Community Chest, the juried art show served as the kickoff to Cranberry Community Days, which takes place July 11-13.

The $10 per person ticket price included a martini glass, two drinks and snacks for attendees while they viewed 60 pieces of art by 25 well-regarded artists from across the Pittsburgh region.

“Some of the artists are nationally known, and we have one or two who are probably internationally known,” said AABC board member Terry Hagen.

The art and cocktails mixer was the brainchild of Cranberry Supervisor Chairman, and CTCC treasurer, Bruce Mazzoni. 

After attending similar events in New Jersey, Mazzoni has said he wanted to bring the concept to Cranberry as a way to revive art in the community as well as to extend the reach of the AABC, which has a gallery in Butler, into Cranberry.

"I'm very happy with it," Mazzoni said. "I think it's a big success."

Instead of the Cranberry Highlands Golf Club, this year’s event was held at the municipal center, where had more room for the art displays.

All the artwork at Wednesday's show is for sale. Mazzoni said four corporations in the area have agreed to purchase at least one piece of art each for the walls of their headquarters. 

Among the event’s business sponsors was Cranberry-based law firm Lynch Weis, LLC. In a speech to attendees, partner Dan Lynch said he believes in promoting the arts.

“It’s one of my beliefs that the arts need to be supported by private funding,” he said. “It’s important to me, and it’s important to my partners with Lynch Weis that we support the arts.”

There also was a drawing for a chance to win a piece of original artwork by artist Mary Kay Richard. Marilyn Tyman won the drawing to take home the watercolor, titled “Storm on the Horizon.”

Cash prizes adding up to $1,000 also were handed out at the event. Cranberry resident Christine Swan took best in show, and won $300, for her piece “Comfort.”

The pastel depicts Swan’s daughter Corinne, now 12, when she was age 5. Swan said she was pleased win first place.

“There are a lot of good artists here,” she said.

The art exhibit winners are:

Best of Show: Christine Swan, “Comfort,” pastel— $300

First Place: Peggi Habets, “Little Guardian,” watercolor—$200

Second Place: Mary Mason, “Sip Wine, Enjoy Summer Blossoms,” jewelry—$150

Third Place: Frank Webb,” Portuguese Beach,” watercolor—$100

Honorable Mentions—$50 each

• Carol Begley, “Cloudy Day Over Presque Isle Lagoon,” pastel
• Damian Mark Cassano, “Allira,” oil on wood
• Mary Kay Richardson, “Jazz Man” pastel
• Bill Perry, “Herefords” oil
• Lisa Sten, “Manny” pastel