Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Loretto

12/12/2025

Every two years, SAMA hosts an exhibition, Biennial, for new and emerging artists to exhibit alongside some of the most talented and experienced artists in the area. Apply to be a part of the most exciting and rewarding exhibition in the region.

06/16/2025

Want early access to All My Life’s a Circle and a private tour with the artist herself? 🎨

Sponsors of the exhibition will be invited to an exclusive preview tour with Barbara Hollander on Saturday, July 26 from 5–6 PM, right before the public reception. This is a rare opportunity to experience Barbara’s art with insight straight from the source.

To become a sponsor, contact Site Director, Scott Riner at (814) 946-4464 or [email protected].

Your support helps honor Barbara’s legacy and elevate the arts in our community! The exhibition will run July 18, 2025 through October 5, 2025, in the Pechter and Detwiler galleries at SAMA Altoona.

05/23/2025

Did you know the annual SAMA Gala supports all five SAMA sites? Make a trip to Altoona for a night you wont forget in support of SAMA Ligonier!

Get tickets at https://www.sama-art.org/gala

04/22/2025

Congratulations, Ann!

WISE Women of Blair County: Lifetime Achievement Honoree Ann Benzel

“We rise by lifting others.” This simple belief has guided Ann Benzel’s life—from the boardroom to the arts stage, from small-town roots to statewide impact.

Ann grew up in Barnesboro and worked in telecommunications and real estate before joining her husband's family business, Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery, in 1978. She learned the company from the ground up—packing pretzels, managing the outlet store, and writing HR manuals. She eventually became President, and today serves as Chairman of the Board. Under her leadership, Benzel’s grew into a nationally recognized brand, grounded in community and quality.

Beyond business, Ann’s heart has always been in the arts. A lifelong supporter of arts and humanities, she helped restore the Mishler Theatre, served on the PA Council on the Arts and the Humanities Council, and helped bring the Governor’s Awards for the Arts to Altoona—an honor never before granted outside Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, or Philadelphia.

Ann has served on countless boards, from UPMC Altoona and the Blair County Arts Foundation to educational institutions and economic development efforts. Her work behind the scenes has brought arts education to underserved schools and opportunity to countless individuals.

Described by friends as generous, brave, and quietly impactful, Ann has spent a lifetime lifting others with grace, strength, and vision. She believes in the power of community, the importance of showing up, and the responsibility to leave things better than we found them.

WISE Women is proud to recognize Ann Benzel with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

03/20/2025

03/06/2025

Congratulations to Ann Benzel!

SAMA extends heartfelt congratulations to Ann Benzel, Vice President of our Board of Trustees, on receiving the WISE Women of Blair County Lifetime Achievement Award! Ann’s unwavering dedication to the arts, her leadership, and her commitment to community service continue to inspire us all.

Thank you, Ann, for your tireless efforts in supporting SAMA and enriching the cultural landscape of our region. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to your impact and generosity.

WISE Women of Blair County, through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, is proud to announce their annual Tribute Honorees. These women are recognized for their community input and/or involvement in organizations whose projects advance the WISE Women mission to empower women and encourage acceptance and inclusion through collaboration, service and education techniques. Our outstanding 2025 Honorees are:

ARTS & LETTERS – Jane Gable, Operations Manager, Blair Concert Chorale.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL– Becky Stevens, Wealth Manager, Webber Seltzer Wealth Advisors.

COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER – Amy Van Kleunen, President, Swim Team Parent Organization , Blair Regional YMCA .

EDUCATION – Lori Crownover, Director, Altoona English and Culture Club.

NON-PROFIT/GOVERNMENT- Amy Marten-Shanafelt, Executive Director, Blair HealthChoices.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – Ann Benzel, Chairman of the Board, Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery,Inc.

The 2025 Tribute Dinner will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at The Casino in Lakemont, 6:00 p.m. For information on obtaining reservations or placing an ad in our Tribute Dinner Program, go to www.wisewomenofblaircounty.org or please contact us with any questions via e-mail. You may send your questions and your information by e-mail to [email protected].

02/03/2025

📸 Last call to apply! Applications are open through February 23, 2025 for Donald M. Robinson Photography Biennial 2025 at SAMA Bedford. Share this opportunity with your photography friends to show your work in a nationally accredited museum exhibition!

💵 Cash Prizes: First Place: $2,000 - Second Place: $1,000 - Third Place: $750. Application Deadline: February 23, 2025. The exhibition will be juried by Nicole Elliott, and the cash prizes will be awarded by Skip Allen. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your photography and win exciting prizes!

The selected works will be on display at SAMA Bedford from Friday, July 25, 2025, to Sunday, October 19, 2025. This exhibition and its events are generously sponsored by the Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation. For more information on how to apply and the exhibition requirements, visit www.sama-art.org/robinsonbiennial or contact us at (814) 589-3020 or email [email protected].

01/21/2025

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona is hiring!

Now hiring! Work among remarkable artwork at SAMA Altoona!

Reliable, well-organized, individual who enjoys working with others. Approximately 25 hours per week during museum hours of operation Wednesday through Sunday 12-4:30pm plus some evenings as needed for special events.

Tasks include greeting visitors, answering the telephone, assisting with fundraisers, setting up, and cleaning up for special events. Some computer experience and social media knowledge are needed. Very enjoyable position for the right person!

Visit https://www.sama-art.org/altoona to learn more about SAMA Altoona or email resume/letter of interest to Scott Riner at [email protected].

Mail to Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, PO Box 3061, Altoona, PA 16602 by February 14th.