History of the Norwin Art
League
The Norwin Art League was
founded in March, 1954, by George S. Koury. Mr.
Koury, an accomplished artist, founded the
League to promote art appreciation in the
community. Offered were evening classes for
adults and an annual art exhibit.
Over the past 50 years the
League has had many homes. Initially, they met
in the Irwin Borough meeting rooms. They moved
to the old library basement; to the third floor
of Zodnik Building; the Straw Pump Woman's Club
building, and the old Nike Site, where they
remained for twelve years. In 1987 the League
moved to Manor Valley Plaza in Manor, where a
complete program of classes, demonstrations and
craft workshops were held on a continuing basis.
The next move was in 1990 to the basement of
what is now Business Partners. When Business
Partners moved in and renovated their building
in 1999 the League moved to its present location
at 306 Main Street in Irwin.
Since the beginning, annual
exhibits have been held. In 1975, in conjunction
with North Huntingdon Township, the Oak Hollow
Arts Festival was born. It expanded to include
an art exhibit, craftspeople, refreshments and
entertainment.
In 1985 the Festival moved to
the Nike Site Center and officially became the
Norwin Art League Festival.
In 1988 Lenny Santimyer, then
President of the Irwin Business and Professional
Association, was able to help move the festival
to Irwin proper. Held in conjunction with the
IBPA's Annual Strawberry Festival, the exhibit
was held in the First Methodist Church. The
Library lot held the crafts, food booths and
entertainment; and the first Irwin Festival was
a success.
In later years the Festival
was moved to Monroeville Mall as a regional art
show where it took place every September. It is
now called the Norwin Art League Annual Exhibit.
Sadly, George Koury passed
away in 1987 but still holds a special place in
the memories of many at the Norwin Art League.
We think he would be very pleased to know that
his vision for an organization that would
promote art appreciation in the community is
still going strong after 50 years.
People from all across
southwestern Pennsylvania including Irwin, North
Huntingdon, Greensburg, Latrobe, Ligonier,
Indiana, McKeesport, Monroeville, attend art
classes at the Norwin Art League.
Norwin
Art League Library
The Norwin Art League
maintains a wonderful library of art books as a
member benefit. The library contains a
wealth of information for artists in every
media. Beginning art students to
professional artists can gain something from our
library. Everyone should research our
library.
Many books have been donated
in memory of a loved one.
Visit the Norwin Art League to
peruse the library and check out a book.
2011 Officers & Board Members
|
President |
|
Verna
Bernard |
 |
|
Vice President |
|
Pat Vaughn |
|
Secretary |
|
Naomi
D'Alesandro |
|
Treasurer |
|
Peggy
Kelly |
|
Membership |
|
Sue Pringle |
| |
|
|
|
3 Year Board Members |
|
Ellen
Hildenbrand |
| |
|
Linda Santimyer |
|
|
Pat Suley |
|
2 Year Board Members |
|
Linda
Agate |
|
|
|
Chris Hirshberg |
|
|
|
Denise Kurta |
|
1 Year Board Members |
|
Ann
Andrejcak |
| |
|
Judy Rebich |
|
|
Amy Greenaway |
|
