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.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2020: I first posted this piece in September of 2007, and over the years since. In recent years, the update usually contained a comparison to some current event, such as using taxes for art grants. A current article in the Morning Call informs us that a store room on Hamilton Street is being utilized as an art gallery, and waxes on about how wonderful it is. In reality, J.B. Reilly is donating the space he can't rent anyway, for the gallery. While this backstory is suggested in the article, what isn't mentioned is that the whole building is being financed with our diverted state tax $dollars. Enjoy your gallery, you're paying for it. 

Disclaimer: Fellow blogger Bernie O'Hare and I are competing in a Bastard Of The Week contest. It's nasty business, but we're both well qualified.