Armstrong County Arts Council

06/06/2026

A mural is more than paint on a wall.

It can tell the story of a town, celebrate local history, honor the people who built our communities, and create a sense of pride for those who call it home.

Across America, murals have become an important part of downtown revitalization by creating welcoming spaces, encouraging visitors to explore, and giving communities a unique identity.

The best murals begin with a shared vision, community support, and a story worth telling.

What story would you like to see painted on a wall somewhere in Armstrong County?

🎨 Creativity. Community. Connection.

06/05/2026

🎨 The Armstrong County Arts Council is proud to present our very first Summer Art Gallery at Belmont, a free community event celebrating local art, creativity, and community connections.

Join us July 18 and 19 at the Belmont Complex in Kittanning to browse original artwork from talented local artists, community exhibits, and artwork created through the Armstrong County Jail Inmate Art Program. You’ll also have the opportunity to view entries from our Children’s Coloring Contest and cheer on the young artists in your life.

The Children’s Coloring Contest is a collaborative community project sponsored by Experience Armstrong, the Alle-Kiski Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Armstrong County Arts Council. Together, we are encouraging creativity, family participation, and community engagement as part of this special summer event.

Whether you’re taking a break from the pool, looking for a unique piece of art to purchase, supporting local artists, or simply searching for a relaxing place to spend some time, this event is for you.

Meet local artists
View and purchase original artwork
See children’s coloring contest entries on display
Support local artists and creative programs
Enjoy the pool, then stop in and enjoy the art
Free admission

Bring the family, cool off, browse the exhibits, discover local talent, and spend some time in a welcoming creative space where everyone is invited to enjoy the arts.

Friday, July 18 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PMSaturday, July 19 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Belmont Complex, Kittanning, PA

We look forward to welcoming you to the Armstrong County Arts Council’s first-ever Summer Art Gallery at Belmont.

Experience Armstrong, Inc.
Alle Kiski Strong Chamber

06/05/2026

The Executive Director of the Armstrong County Arts Council spent the day crisscrossing Armstrong County on a secret mission.

There were winding roads, library stops, coffee, smiles, and a whole lot of creativity riding along for the journey.

Something special is making its way into our communities just in time for summer reading season. 📚🎨

We’ll let our friends share the official details soon, but for now, just know that a little extra joy was delivered today.

Stay tuned… 👀

Armstrong County Community Foundation

05/27/2026

🎶🚨 THE WAIT IS OVER! 🚨🎶

We’re excited to officially announce the 2026 Arts on the Allegheny Summer Concert Series at the Allegheny Riverfront Amphitheater!

🎸 July 11 — Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
🎶 August 8 — The Outlaws

Get ready for incredible music, summer nights by the river, and unforgettable memories.

Mark your calendars, tag your concert crew, and start making plans now!

👇 Which show are you most excited for?

05/26/2026

The Armstrong County Arts Council team shares their deepest condolences to Justine’s friends and family upon the tragic loss of our community friend and creative partner.

Our thoughts are prayers are with the family of Justin Scott Brown, 1985 -2026.

https://www.bauerfuneral.com/viewObit.php?oID=3347

05/25/2026

Meet the artist! Currently on display at ACMH is visual artist Maria Pos.

*Art of Healing is an equal opportunity exhibition which is open to every artist in Armstrong County and beyond for participation. Applications open via Armstrongcountyartscouncil.org

Blue is the color of the Earth from the view above.
Series of paintings by Maria Pos.

''The series of artworks explores the depth of blue from Indigo, azure, cobalt to ultramarine and cerulean. Blue always seemed as one of the deepest in the variety of hues colors to me. Blue is a color of the sky, the ocean, horizon, human eyes, water, sapphire. The color of expansion, deep thinking, imagination. Blue fascinates me and my artworks are primarily blue thanks to the widest range of shades that color presents. I love to explore how intense blue could appear on the paper or ceramics.

The painting ‘Cerulean Sky’ depicts the Atlantic ocean on the Florida shore with hidden whales. I love to explore the limits of the blue pigment depicting my favorite creature: Blue Whale.

Recently I got interested in species of Armstrong County and Western PA, particularly in Moths and fireflies.

Another painting is dedicated to the astonishing achievement of humanity: first humans flying around to the Moon, Artemis II.'' - Maria Pos

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

We are honestly a little 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼 right now. Appalachian Honey has been nominated for 𝐃𝐮𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards for Independent Artists, and we are feeling so much gratitude. To be recognized alongside so many talented artists is an honor we don’t take lightly. 😭😱🤍

We truly can’t believe this happened exactly one week after the release of our self-titled debut album, Appalachian Honey. The timing of it all feels surreal, and we’re still trying to take it all in. 🏔️🍯🎶🫶🏻

From every person who has listened, shared our music, supported a show, encouraged us, believed in us, or traipsed through these Appalachian trails with us- THANK YOU! Every step throughout this journey has been worth it because of the people standing beside us. 🥹❤️

WE’RE GOING TO THE GRAND OLE OPRY!!!!!😱

We are incredibly thankful, humbled, and excited for what’s ahead. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping Appalachian Honey continue to grow.🐝🎶✨

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Meet the artist! Currently on display at ACMH Hospital is painter Cathy Strate.

*Art of Healing is an equal opportunity exhibition which is open to every artist in Armstrong County and beyond for participation. Applications open via Armstrongcountyartscouncil.org

Cathy Strate
Painter

Tole painting became popular in the 1800's as a way to decorate humdrum household tin items. The term "tole painting" derives from the French term "tole piente de lac" which means painted tin. Over the years, tole painting has evolved to become decorative painting which encompasses painting on useful articles.

Cathy began her tole or decorative painting journey in the early 1980's when she was a stay at home mom of two small children and a friend saw the need for me to get out of the house an evening a week.

Over the last 40+ years, she has painted thousands of pieces, traveled and taught decorative painting and art across the country and at home.

Although now I mostly paint on wood surfaces, I am taking this display of decorative painting back to its tole painting roots of metal. On display are stainless, silver and tin with some overlays of clay. All of the items are for decorative use only.

To purchase Cathy's art, please contact her at [email protected].