On November 6th, the GLSD Art Conservation Trust will hold its annual fundraiser event at the Greater Latrobe Senior High School. The Gala this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Elementary Art Collections. The Honoree at the Art Gala will be Dr. Gene Leonard, who was instrumental in establishing the Elementary Collections in 2000. Dr. Leonard began his career as an elementary classroom teacher, later became a principal, and then retired from GLSD as the Director of Elementary Education. He has been very dynamic in his work at his church and also in various activities at St. Vincent College and St. Vincent Seminary. He co-chaired the Flight 93 Education Committee and was elected to the Board of Directors for Friends of Flight 93. The Art Trust is proud to have had him as a trustee and is thrilled to recognize his 55 years of continued service to GLSD as an educator and volunteer.
The Art Gala supports the care and conservation of the unique collections of original art that adorn the walls of Greater Latrobe Senior and Junior High Schools, as well as in each of the school district’s three elementary schools. The creative spirit of two teachers, James Beatty and Mary Martha Himler, began these collections, which sought to give their students an opportunity to experience original art.
Today, the collections are among the finest collections of art from Southwestern Pennsylvania. They are unique in that they are entirely student-selected and, for the most part, student-purchased. Each year, the Art Gala marks the time to renew or become a member of the Latrobe One Hundred Friends of Art. The Greater Latrobe community has supported the art collection since its beginnings in 1936. In 1991, at the recommendation of Mr. Beatty, the Board of School Directors formed the GLSD Art Conservation Trust to oversee the care and conservation of the collection. The Art Trust comprises community members, faculty, and school district administrators.
Gala attendees will enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Attendees will also have an opportunity to preview the art that Senior High students are considering for purchase. Senior High Student Council members have selected works from the Southwestern PA Council for the Arts’ Annual juried exhibition, The Greensburg Art Center’s biennial exhibition, and the Latrobe Art Center’s Fred Rogers Fine Arts Regional juried show. Senior high art docents will present the art under consideration, and the elementary and junior high docents will present the artwork purchased in 2024. Gala attendees can vote for their favorite piece and enjoy music from the Senior High Jazz Ensemble. The evening concludes with the announcement of the student body’s vote and the Gala attendees’ vote. Art Gala tickets are $35, and the event begins at 6 p.m. To learn more, visit www.glsd.us or email [email protected].
