MOUNT CARMEL - Residents were impressed Saturday morning with a varied art collection on display at the Guarantee Trust Building at Third and Oak streets and hope organizers of the exhibit make it an annual event in the borough.
"It's a grand collection containing a wide variety of artists from Pablo Picasso, Frederick Remington and impressionists," commented Marie Philips of Coal Township, after viewing approximately 100 artworks at the "Art in Our Town" exhibit sponsored by Mount Carmel Downtown Inc., Mount Carmel's 150th Anniversary Committee and Realty World, Molesevich and Associates.
Philips, an art lover who takes classes from well-known area artist Mark Sassani, added, "It's a very impressive display with many nice pieces."
Joan Todisco, a committee member of Mount Carmel Downtown Inc., stated, "This is an awesome display. The turnout was good for a Saturday morning."
Ralph Yeddo of Sagon made shadow boxes for each of the artworks and covered them with plexiglass to give them a very attractive appearance. Yeddo said it took him about two years to finish all the woodwork that surrounds the pieces.
Yeddo has been a woodworker for 40 years and also is a former painter who has painted the walls of the American Express and Playboy Magazine offices in New York City, and homes in New Jersey and Connecticut owned by the Westminster Bank of England.
Judy and Howard Burge of Mount Carmel also enjoyed the exhibit.
"I appreciate good artwork and I was really impressed by it," said Mr. Burge.
His wife added, ""I was very inspired by the artwork. It was very worthwhile coming here and I think it's great for the community to have an exhibit like this. I hope it becomes an annual event."
Maryanne Palovick, another volunteer committee member of Mount Carmel Downtown Inc., said, "It was a nice turnout today and we're hoping more people attend the exhibit later this month. The exhibit has been successful and hopefully we can hold it every year."
Palovick noted many of the paintings are done by local artists.
The exhibit features approximately 100 works of original art and prints, which are part of a private collection from a person who is allowing the art works to be displayed for three weeks. The sponsors of the exhibit expressed their gratitude to the art collector, who wants to remain anonymous.
In addition to being held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, the free exhibit also will be open to the public April 21, 22, 28 and 29 during the same hours as this past weekend. Free-will donations will be accepted to benefit Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. and Mount Carmel's 150th Anniversary Committee.