Day Tripper Gets Artsy Exploring Historic Saxonburg

Nearby Saxonburg in Butler County is known as a quaint little town and one that definitely is worth a second look.

Founded in 1832 by German immigrant John A. Roebling and his brother, Karl, Saxonburg has an interesting history. Roebling would go on to design the Brooklyn Bridge, and there is a small model of the famous bridge in the local park. He also designed Main Street in the small town.

The Roebling brothers named the town after the German state of Saxony. Today, Saxonburg still boasts more than 32 buildings that were built more than a century ago.

A walk down Main Street feels like taking a step back in history. After visiting the miniature Brooklyn Bridge, a stroll down the road brings you past lovely buildings, including Mainstay B & B and historic Hotel Saxonburg — a great place for dinner. Many of the buildings bear markers, so it's easy to have a little self-discovered history lesson during the walk. Main Street itself is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Explore the small shops before visiting The Saxonburg Museum. The museum features a wealth of history about the area, but make sure to call ahead to check the hours or set up an appointment for a visit.

This is the perfect time of year to visit Saxonburg because, in addition to the beauty of the fall setting, the Saxonburg Area Artists Cooperative is hosting Rebirth, the second annual members theme show.

The SAAC is an amazing little gem. Founded two years ago by a group of artists in Saxonburg, the co-op was created to allow artists to display and sell their wares without huge overhead costs. The artists pool their resources to fund the small gallery, and they share the workload during the gallery hours.

They also do educational programming, including outreach presentations at local schools,  and .

“We had eight major exhibits in the 2010-11 season, took our ‘Traveling Art’ exhibits to five different venues, and provided demonstrations, presentations, and speakers to six  and schools,” said Sam Andrew, one of SAAC's founding artists.

Andrew, who has spent two years working with SAAC in the community, said the co-op attracts artists from across the greater Pittsburgh region.

“About 60 percent of our clientele are local residents and the rest are beginning to come in from the Cranberry Township, North Hills and Shadyside areas, with some scattered in from Greensburg and Kittanning," he said. "Folks coming from out of the area seem to be rediscovering Saxonburg.”

Not only is SAAC bringing in visitors; it's also a great source of pride for the locals.

“I've been at the gallery when I've overheard local residents actually ‘showing off’ the gallery to out of town family and/or guests — that is really great to hear,” Andrew said.

As one of the working artists himself, Andrew said it's great to sell a piece of artwork. Even better, perhaps is that people now visit the gallery “just for the art,” Andrew said.

I agree with Andrew. For a town the size of Saxonburg, to have such a resource is amazing.

Although the gallery is small, the amount of artwork in it makes it worth the trip. Ranging from the fun and whimsical to the practical, the artwork represents nine different mediums. As a knitter myself, I am inspired by Marti Larkin’s fiber art — if I could make some of the things she does out of yarn!

One of the most exciting things to me about SAAC is that it is a showcase for its own members as well as local high school students. How many teenagers get to display their work with artwork by professional artists? Not only that, SAAC awards two $500 scholarships to students from Knoch and Valley high schools.

Andrew said 14 artists are taking part in the Rebirth exhibit including: Rebecca Andrew, photography; himself, metal sculpture; Mike Bestwick, mixed media; Bill Burkhart, wood furniture and accents; Christy Culp, ceramics; Kristen Eddy, digital art;  David Henschel, ironwork; Stan Iwanski, watercolor;  Marti Larkin, fiber art; Marilyn Martin, jewelry; Prissy Pakulski, stained glass; newest member Chad Parker, steel and glass; Mark Weleski, painting and mixed media; Ed Zembruski, ceramics.

“This has been a busy and productive season for the Saxonburg Area Artists Coop and its Gallery," Andrew said. "And we are looking forward to another season coming up.”

On tap for SAAC are the "sisters" show, a visiting artist from the American Southwest, a visit from the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild and the Third Annual High School Senior Show.

Rebirth kicked off on Sept. 9 and will run through Oct. 8. Mark your calendars for the artists reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Amanda Noah will perform during an outdoor concert. You also can peruse the artwork in the gallery and enjoy refreshments – all for free, as is parking.

The Saxonburg Area Artists Cooperative is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The gallery is located at 215 (rear) Main Street Saxonburg. Call 412-260-5779 for more information.