Purpose of Meeting
Stop by, enjoy some wine and light refreshments, and chat with our current artists Sarah Simmons and Dominique Murray!
Sarah Simmons is a text and fiber based conceptual artist and educator. She works to release the untapped potential of objects, materials and people by challenging their traditionally assigned purposes and roles in her artwork. Rather than accept an object for its assumed purpose and discarding it when it is no longer useful, she challenges the viewer to see materials and people as more.
Sarah holds an Associate of Arts in studio art from Montgomery College in Maryland and a BFA with a concentration in metalsmithing and art education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Sarah is a member of Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors and Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. She has participated in exhibits with both organizations and also in exhibitions at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, The Brewhouse, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Annemarie Sculpture Center, as well as with the Anthropology of Motherhood.
Sarah lives and works in Moon Township where since 2016 she has grown her Bookgarden, a place where discarded books go to celebrate aging and experience unexpected self-transformation. Sarah believes that words matter, how we communicate matters, and that literacy is a basic human right.
Dominique Murray, a proud alumna of Robert Morris University, stands at the intersection of artistry and innovation. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts, specializing in photography, Dominique has artfully woven her passion for photography into the very fabric of her life.
From a young age, Dominique's heart has been entwined with the art of photography, and her journey has been nothing short of captivating. Her work has graced the pages of local and national publications, leaving an indelible mark in visual storytelling. Her compelling imagery is found in esteemed publications such as Canvas Rebel, The Gazette 2.0, Upper St. Clair Today, SouthPointe Neighbor, and many more.
Dominique's photographic prowess extends far beyond the ordinary. Her lens captures the essence of people and moments, breathing life into portraits and events like no other. Her goal is simple yet profound: to create an immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing you to see yourself in a way you never thought possible.
But Dominique's impact doesn't stop at the click of a camera. She is also the visionary founder and director of "Splatter Me Crazy," an annual event that wields the power of art to give back to the community. Through this initiative, Dominique combines her love for creativity with her dedication to making a positive difference, fostering a sense of togetherness and inspiration among all who participate.
With Dominique Murray, every image is a masterpiece, every event is an unforgettable memory, and every endeavor is a testament to the profound impact of art. Join her on this extraordinary journey, where creativity knows no bounds and community comes first. Explore, experience, and engage with a true artist who believes in the transformative power of the visual medium and the boundless potential of a caring community