Out & About: Westmoreland Museum unveils annual winter light display

Shirley McMarlin, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Nov. 27—"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness," so the saying goes.

At The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, it is better to light the building's entire south-facing facade during the darkest days of the year.

This year's light show was revealed during Winter Lights Illumination Night on Nov. 18 at the Greensburg museum. It will continue from dusk until 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 29.

Braving January-like temperatures, a crowd of hearty souls watched as the switch was flipped to reveal the shifting colors and patterns designed by LUXE Creative of Pittsburgh.

The festive event took place both inside and outside the museum.

Outside, fire pits offered a way to keep warm while building a s'more or downing a hearty meal from the Pit Take BBQ truck, or the complimentary cookies and hot cocoa offered on the terrace.

Inside, there was music by Act II, cash bar with special winter-themed cocktails, gift-buying in the museum shop, socializing in the community room, photo station, perusing in the galleries and an all-ages craft corner with children's activities.

Guests were invited to make a winter wish ornament to take home.

James Brooks of Greensburg was the embodiment of holiday spirit, with ornaments emblazoned on his bright-green, Christmas tree-shaped hoodie and also dangling from his beard.

Museum staffers mingling with guests included Suzanne Wright, Doug Evans, Lisa Stipp and Paige Mastrippolito.

Andrea Bortoluzzi represented sponsor First Energy, while Kary Milan with husband, Josh, and daughter, Mila, represented sponsor Penn State New Kensington.

Seen: Melissa Frichtel, Alan and Therese Brooks, Glenn and Cathy Campbell, Barbara Ferrier, Linda Hammers and Pat Maloney, Ashley Velez, Megan Gretz, Francis and Kelly Keracher, Bill and Autumn Stankay with daughter Orsaline, Greg and Michelle Schaffer, Lauren Deemer, Connie Deemer, Micki Biltz and Jeremy Siard, Doug and Jan Bailey, Brandi Slider and Julie Greathouse.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .