About the Sounds of the Region: Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance
- The Artists Hand
- Sep 10, 2025
- 5 min read
The Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance presents an interdisciplinary show exploring the intersection of music, sound, and material culture in the folk traditions of rural Western Pennsylvania. From handcrafted string instruments to woven textiles inspired by Appalachian melodies, the exhibition showcases work reflecting our region's sonic heritage, both traditional and contemporary. The exhibit is supported by the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival and their grant from the Indiana County Endowment, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
The Artists Hand is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance and officers of the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival with assistance from the Indiana Arts Council to re-distribute folk art programming after hearing that the NAFF street festival would not be possible this year.
If FOLK implies making objects and performances of "everyday life" into a living, artistic tradition, then shouldn't we have opportunities to make some ourselves? A hearty "YES!!" Our good friends at PRAA invite you to join regional folk artists to make more. In the theme of "Sounds of the Region," three artists offer workshops on various folk arts revealing the sounds of our cultural heritage. (made FREE by generous sponsors of this exhibition)
ABOUT THE FEATURED EVENTS:
Bluegrass Jam
Friday, September 5th, 7-9pm
With Robert Gordon and Gordon Glen from nearby Bolseno, PA
Join the circle to make or just listen to toe tappin' up and dancin' bluegrass music. Bring your instrument to join in! Everyone is welcome-no registration or RSVP required!
The best kind of jam is free. Bring your own camp chair. The event will be outdoors in the parking lot with the moon mural behind the gallery!
Whistle While You Work: A Wooden Whistle Workshop with Barry Poglein
Monday, September 22nd, 6-7pm
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll explore the fascinating world of sound and create your very own wooden whistle to take home!
In this 45-60 minute session, you'll learn the basic mechanics of how a whistle works and get a new appreciation for the science behind sound. Whether you're 10 or 100, this workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels. We'll provide all the materials and guidance you need to craft your own unique instrument.
Come discover the simple joy of making music and walk away with not just a whistle, but a new understanding of how it all works.
Songs with Stories: An Evening of Indiana County Folk Music with Jay Best
Wednesday, September 24th, 6-8pm
Join us for an evening celebrating the rich history and folk traditions of Indiana County, Pennsylvania. This two-hour participatory workshop, led by a local folk musician, dives into the songs that tell the stories of the region's past—from its coal mining and timbering industries to the daily lives of its laborers.
Explore the history behind these fascinating songs, discus the importance of keeping folk traditions alive and how they connect us to the past. Bring your own acoustic instrument to join in the playing, or simply come to listen and learn. This workshop is all about participation and sharing in the tradition of folk music together!
Weaving a Symphony: From Music to Cloth with Sandy Trimble
Saturday, September 27th, 1pm-4pm
Join fiber artist and teacher Sandy Trimble for a unique workshop exploring the intersection of music and weaving. Learn how musical scores can be translated into intricate woven patterns. Sandy will guide you through her innovative process, sharing how she transforms the rhythm and harmony of a musical piece into a tangible design. You will gain insight into the planning and preparation that goes into loom-controlled weaving, from selecting your materials to mapping out your warp and weft. You will also get to try your hand at the loom, and experience the meditative process of weaving. While you won't take home a finished piece, you will leave with a new perspective on design and a deeper understanding of the creative possibilities within weaving. No prior weaving experience is necessary.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS' PERSPECTIVE
Reflecting The Sounds of The Region
Zach Kerchensky:
My way with music comes from my dad. I listened to classic rock with him in the car, I had no choice, you never turn DVE off! I have developed my own tastes and my own favorites, but I got my base knowledge and love from him. Recently for the last few years my work has been of the pop art nature focusing on pop art portraits, of mostly rock stars, except for commission work recently. I had a solo show two years ago that featured all portraits of rock stars. I use a collage/acrylic painting technique that is original and bright that needs to be seen in person.
Bonnie Chovanec:
My way with sound/music comes from the origin of music itself – the astoundingly varied notes of nature, specifically in the signature sounds of the creatures of the land and sky in the Appalachian region. These melodies add to the fabric of life, some marking seasons, while others are announcements – “Here I am!” or those integral to the propagation of the species.
Sandy Trimble:
My work with music comes from my love of classic jazz standards. I use the music to design the weave patterns by applying the written music to the weaving draft and "playing" the piece on the loom.
Colleen Wakefield:
My way with music and art comes from listening. In this instance, it was to a very long instrumental song. Using oil pastels, I expressed myself through a stream of consciousness while the blue tooth speaker vibrated in the ambiance of my dining room.
Frances Halley:
While the exact location of this mixed media piece is totally out of my imagination, it represents the joy of listening to live folk and acoustic music surrounded by the beautiful hills and colors of western Pennsylvania in the fall. It is in the category of folk and naïve art and is rendered in cut paper, acrylic and colored pencil.
Barry Poglein:
About the Wind-chime: D-9 Wind Chime: A freestanding wind-chime using the drive gear of a D-9 earthmover as focal point.
About Roll With It: A collection of song lyrics and drawings/sculptures that accompany each song
Barry’s wind-chime explores the intersection of industrial machinery and lyrical expression. Through this piece, he gives new life to found objects and personal lyrics, blending the mechanical with the poetic.
Joy Fairbanks
There is an unexplained draw to the sounds of old time Appalachian music. It pulls you into the past with unadorned, soulful, yet hopeful notes. I have to give credit to a former student for sharing his passion with me. It's hard to keep your toes from tapping.
Enjoy the Sounds of the Region and Stay Listening!
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