"J. HOWARD IAMS (1897-1964): A Local Artistic Gem from Washington County's North Ten Mile Region"
Nestled within the scenic beauty of Washington County's North Ten Mile region, the talented artist J. Howard Iams (1897-1964) found his creative muse. His captivating local paintings, which vividly capture the essence of western Pennsylvania, are treasures that remain elusive to most. These valuable pieces of art are now held in private collections, making them rare gems for art enthusiasts.
Beyond the local charm of his works, J. Howard Iams achieved international acclaim during his lifetime. His artistry extended far beyond the boundaries of his hometown, earning him recognition on a global scale. Some of his exceptional pieces are proudly housed in the prestigious Westmoreland Museum of American Art, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Iams creations found their way into the hallowed halls of the White House, where they adorned the walls and added a touch of artistic elegance to this iconic residence. Additionally, his works played a crucial role in the production of a notable film titled "Whiskey Rebels," commissioned by the National Park Service.
A noteworthy aspect of Iams' repertoire is his penchant for depicting scenes from the historic Whiskey Rebellion and the rich tapestry of western Pennsylvania. Through his masterful strokes, he breathed life into pivotal moments in our nation's history, preserving them for generations to come.
In revisiting the legacy of J. Howard Iams, we celebrate not only a local artist of immense talent but also an individual whose art transcended borders and time itself. His paintings continue to serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the spirit of a place and the essence of history."
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~Painting by James Guentner~Miner at Marianna Mine
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~Beth-Center Mining Statue Sculptor
Others who worked on Statue/area:
Thomas Shimrock, Beth Center's art teacher (His idea)
Sean Virgili (Beth Center teacher)
Beth-Center Students
Beth-center's vocational-technical school students
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1910 Artist Unknown. Pittsburg & Buffalo Company image
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Artist Patricia L. Puskas Yusko (Pat Yusko).
Born November 21, 1951- Died-March 23, 2014.
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"Frozen in Time" by Lisa Scherer 2021
The "Frozen in Time" collection by artist Lisa Scherer has captured something special about the tiny village of Marianna Borough in that it is a close small community. The artist believes that with the right group of people invested today, the mining town has the potential to become a self-sustaining village once again. The little houses housed mine workers and their families for the Pittsburg-Buffalo Company. Immigrants lived in the model mining town and faced serious hardships. Many miners went to work everyday in hopes they would save enough money to buy land or return to their European homeland. Some families never escaped poverty and the difficulties of living in a mining community. The Marianna mine closed in 1988 and with it went families seeking work elsewhere in nearby towns, thus reducing the population significantly. The yellow brick houses remain, but several of them and most mine buildings, as well as the company store, have all been torn down (some gone from fire). Life in the early 1900's was difficult. And even today there are still signs of a struggling community. But many tenants will tell you they love it here, while some families have moved away in hopes of finding a better life elsewhere.
Storytelling through art. "Life on Grable" (painted squares on one panel) by L. Scherer.
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Mural installed in Marianna on the side of the Pizza Company building in 2017. Thanks to Frank Morgan, Beth-center students, Jim Winegar (who supervised the project), the Nowak family (who supported it), Alex Vivallo (illustrator), Lisa Scherer (implemented it) and many other artists and helpers throughout Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties. Mural story by Colleen Nelson in the Observer Reporter. It was a united effort. Thanks to everyone involved! Including the Lemley family for the use of their yard for set-up, and The Pizza Company for their offer of delicious pizza and ice cream afterward! For more about the mural see HERE.
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Thanks for visiting!
