SEWICKLEY — Explore the Sweetwater Center for the Arts and embrace your artistic side at a special open house April 19.
Sponsored by Allegheny County’s RAD Days, and completely free to the community, the open house at Sweetwater provides an opportunity for people to meet the Sewickley arts center’s teaching artists, and experience hands-on crafts in each department.
“Wander through the studios, meet the artists and instructors, and experience live music, arts, crafts, and hands-on creativity,” Sweetwater’s website said. “Bring the whole family and explore, create and connect.”
Lasting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are asked to register at sweetwaterartcenter.org, helping the staff know how many bagels or other baked goods to prepare.
Class activities that day for visitors:
Make a bracelet in metalsmithing with Pat Falbo
Get creative with fiber arts with Lizzy Bablak
Build a unique collage with Claria Barilar
Mix up your own trail mix with Michelle George
Create a comic storyboard with Armand Ceres
Animate your own flip book with Dani Wesserman
Try needle felting with Bea Angeles
Sweetwater Executive Director Christine Brondyke spoke about the facility’s many art classes and special events when appearing Wednesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show with Scott Tady.
Here is Brondyke’s interview:
RAD Open House Event
From noon to 2 p.m., Brondyke will host a behind-the-scenes look at all Sweetwater has to offer. Green Hen Farms will be popping up with fresh, locally grown flowers.
Visitors also can learn about SweetRide, a mobile art unit that enables Sweetwater to bring art experiences directly into neighborhoods, schools and organizations that may not have easy access to the arts.
There’s also live music throughout the day.
Take a tour Sunday of Sweetwater Center for The Arts.
“It’s such an inviting way for families and community members to see what we’re all about,” a Sweetwater press release said.
Other Sweetwater events this season:
• Sweetwater Blooms – Saturdays May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) on Bank Street. A vibrant outdoor market featuring local flower farmers, artisans, food vendors, and small businesses — truly a celebration of community.
• Sweet Jazz – Four evenings of live regional jazz in June and July, both outdoors at the Walnut Green and indoors in our Community Room. Each concert features talented local and regional musicians, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere for jazz lovers of all ages. From smooth classics to contemporary grooves, Sweet Jazz is the perfect way to enjoy music, community, and the beautiful summer evenings in Sewickley.
• Mavuno Festival – September 26, celebrating BIPOC artists, small businesses, and community voices. This vibrant festival highlights creativity, culture, and connection, with live performances, interactive art experiences, and locally curated food and artisan vendors. Mavuno is a chance for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and support local artists and businesses in a meaningful way.
