Dec 12, 2012

Greg Weaver Art Scene


For about ten years, mid 70's to 80's, Allentown was graced with a one man art machine. Greg Weaver studied at Carnegie Mellon and then returned to the Valley to become artist, promoter and inspiration to dozens of local artists. His large studios, which moved from one low rent location to another over the years, became hubs for innovation and social activity. He was very prolific with his work, and generous with his encouragement. A typical monthly bash involved perhaps a poster by Mark Beyer( now an internationally known underground comic) performance by a jazz group such as Gary Hassey,(Greg also had a band) and perhaps a new showing by a local artist, such as Barnaby Ruhe. The loft parties were always mobbed, by many of the same people who now attend the Museum social events. This art "scene" cost the taxpayers nothing, it was done by artists, and it was real. Greg suffered from diabetes, and eventually lost his sight. Although blind he continued to produce art and inspire people until his death. Several of his works are in the Allentown Museums' permanent collection and his memory is in the hearts' of his friends. The image here is from Mark Beyer, representing an invitation to a Weaver event.

reprinted from September of 2007

This post, which I originally wrote in 2007, inspired the resurgence of a local artist group and scene. Another friend of Greg Weaver, in a recent conservation, referred to the current art establishment (Allentown Art Museum and Baum School) as pretenders. He credited Richard Gregg, then museum director, for purchasing and supporting Weaver's art at the time. For this upcoming holiday, please consider treating yourself to a work of art from a local artist.

Where you can buy local art

In the Renaissance Building at 542 W. Hamilton St.:
Antonio Salemme Foundation, suite 203
Expressions Studio, suite 301
Bessesdotter verkstedt, suite 302
Studio 606, 606 W. Hamilton Street 
Art Works, 818 W. Hamilton Street (inside the Burrito Works)
Deli Plaza 2 Gallery, 840 W. Hamilton St.
Alternative Gallery, 904 W. Hamilton St. (in the Holiday Inn)
The Mansion, 221 N. 8th Street
Condra Studios, 127 N. Lumber Street
TMD Gallery, 10 S. 13th Street, 2nd Floor

Web page For Local Art Updates

4 comments:

  1. YOU INSPIRED (?) the local art resurgence? LOL. LMFAO. Get over you're self Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  2. no bill, i never made that claim, there have always been artists. the post however did inspire your wife to start thinking about an art group

    Dottie said...
    Michael, I agree, the Greg Weaver art scene was a lot more real because it was created by the artists themselves. My husband attended those events, I was still in college at that time, but I have artist friends who remember Greg and have been influenced by his work.
    sept. 8, 2007

    you can be a revisionist on your blog, but not mine. it seems as if the group eventually couldn't take the poison you brought to the table. so mr. bill, send another dozen insults and threats here. you're quite the artist at that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think I mentioned to you before, Mr. Molovinsky ...

    ... that my Mom commissioned Greg Weaver to do some paintings and other art work for her - including football helmets on the bedroom my brother and I shared. Mr. Weaver was NOT a football fan, we had to give him team pennants to copy!

    My sister, who now owns an art gallery in Wisconsin, probably refers to a fish painting that Mr. Weaver did as her first "official" piece.

    I remember from before that my Mom thought it was fabulous that someone would take the time and effort to write a piece about Greg Weaver.

    "What a wonderful photo!" and "Bless his (Molovinsky's) heart! (for doing the blog piece)

    This WILL BE the reaction when I share this with her. So, I will thank you in advance on her behalf.

    Sincerely,

    ROLF OELER

    ReplyDelete
  4. I own the Art Works, inside the Burrito Works. We were very fortunate to be able to display some of Greg's works this year. There is a wonderful resurgence of the arts in the downtown as seen a couple of weeks ago at the Art Squawk art walk featuring the following downtown galleries & studios (most can be found on Facebook and some have open studio hours on Sundays):

    In the Renaissance Building at 542 W. Hamilton St.:
    Antonio Salemme Foundation, suite 203
    Expressions Studio, suite 301
    Bessesdotter verkstedt, suite 302

    Studio 606, 606 W. Hamilton Street

    Art Works, 818 W. Hamilton Street (inside the Burrito Works)

    Deli Plaza 2 Gallery, 840 W. Hamilton St.

    Alternative Gallery, 904 W. Hamilton St. (in the Holiday Inn)

    The Mansion, 221 N. 8th Street

    Condra Studios, 127 N. Lumber Street

    TMD Gallery, 10 S. 13th Street, 2nd Floor

    as well as the New Bridge Group (formerly Chen Arts) & FUSE Infrastructure.

    Also looking forward to the old North Light Loft being renewed into live/ work space for artists as recently approved by the City.

    Thank you for supporting the local arts and for this wonderful blog about the heyday of art scene, especially Greg Weaver.

    ReplyDelete

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