Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators

01/23/2026

"My America: An Illustrated Experience" - Donor Reception and PSI Awards Presentation

Jan 22, 2026

01/04/2026

Now that it’s officially 2026, the year of America’s 250th birthday, we’re reflecting on where we’ve been and imagining what comes next.

Featured in the My America exhibition, “For Those Who Love the Stars” by Pittsburgh artist Laura Garvin honors astronomer John Brashear and his wife, Phoebe, whose handcrafted lenses revealed planets and constellations millions of miles away. By helping people look deeper into the universe, the Brashears remind us that understanding our past can inspire curiosity, discovery, and a better future.

See this work in person in the My America: An Illustrated Experience exhibition, created in partnership with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery.

12/30/2025

If “The Jetsons” landed in Pittsburgh, the result might look a lot like “Future Burgh.”

Inspired by the city’s enduring spirit of innovation and the classic television show, this piece by Mark Bender offers a playful, imaginative look at Pittsburgh’s future.

Juror and chief historian Anne Madarasz appreciated this nod to the city’s future, saying, “Pittsburgh has benefited throughout its history from visionaries who assessed the city in the present and then planned for a better future.”

See this detailed piece and dozens of others from local artists in the My America: An Illustrated Experience exhibition in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery.

11/03/2025

Yesterday, during the Artist Lecture with Scott W. Mason and the PSI potluck at Tara Zalewsky-Nease’s studio, Tara was kind enough to give us a little peek at what she’s been working on in her studio.

10/24/2025

PSI's Jim Mariano has his work up at East End Brewing in Mt. Lebanon. Check it out!

10/22/2025

Joe Mruk, Red Buffalo Illustration studio tour.

Thanks to Laura Garvin for her gathering of this event for PSI members and for handling rsvps. There were 4 current and former PSI Presidents present so rival societies had their chance! Attendees included: Current President James Mellett, current Treasurer Fred Carlson, Past Presidents Rick Antolic and Pat Lewis, program organizer Laura Garvin, program organizer Tara Zalewsky, Amanda Wicker, social media volunteer Chris Bermudo, Eric Plaza-Johnson, Howard Bender. It was clear Joe had prepared a comprehensive and discipline specific presentation for this group and PSI is greatly appreciative.

📸 Chris Bermudo

10/19/2025

Post-Gazette's article by journalist Shaylah Brown.
Here's a few excerpt from the article.

Brown interviews Anne Madarasz
“This is an opportunity to see personal perspectives,” said Anne Madarasz, director of the curatorial division and chief historian at the Heinz History Center. “It’s an opportunity for people to engage with something that is enjoyable for the beauty or the message and dig deeper.”

“This show was about ideas and the perfect way to blend contemporary stories with the past. It’s about expanding the room for who was included in all the benefits that the nation offers.

“We are a safe space where people can engage in ideas that might make them uncomfortable in other places and have a civil discussion or appreciation and understanding,” Madarasz said. “This is your place to see yourself, your community, your ideas expressed and know they are recognized and appreciated.”

Brown interview's Frank Harris. Photo in the cover article.

Artist Frank Harris of Mt. Lebanon chose to create a cultural critique in his piece, “One Trick Pony,” which he said reflects the depressing state of the country. In the oil-on-wood panel, George Washington sits on a two-headed horse.

“I wanted to depict the separation of the two sides,” Harris said. “I wanted it to be irrational.”

Artist Lisa Rasmussen was commuting back and forth on the Fort Pitt Bridge between multiple jobs during the summer of 2015. One day, while sitting...

10/13/2025

Alexis Papalia with TribLive's article about our My America: An Illustrated Experience where she wrote about what your going to expect in the exhibit. Some great quotes during the press preview last week on Thursday from Andrew Masich, CEO of Heinz History Center...
"This exhibit is really focused on what it means to be an American"

“South 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA” by Ray Sokolowski. It portrays the artist’s upbringing in the South Side Slopes and his childhood home.

“I loved growing up there on the South Side; my parents were a wonderful, wonderful couple. My father even dug an in-ground pool,” Sokolowski said.

In preparation for the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, the Heinz History Center in the Strip District is presenting a new exhibition in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, showcasing a range of beautiful perspectives through which Americans view America. “My America: An....

10/13/2025

Check out TribLive's write-up on My America by Alexis Papalia. Link to the full story...

https://triblive.com/aande/museums/heinz-history-center-kicks-off-americas-250th-with-my-america-exhibit/

10/10/2025

First off, congrats to all 35 artists on this show. It's great to see all the artwork up on the wall for everyone to see.

Here we have the show awardees! The five jurors took great pride in selecting pieces for the show and made excellent selections for the awards. Congratulations!

Best in Show
Ray Sokolowski "South 18th Street, Pittsburgh PA"

First Prize
Mark Bender "Future Burgh"

Second Prize
William Panos "American Allegory"

Third Prize
Fred Carlson "Irreconcilable Differences"

Best Emerging Talent
Dylan Macko "American Dream"

Thomas J Ruddy Award
John Blumen "Gateway"

Honorable Mention 1
Ilene Winn-Lederer "The Egg Buyers"

Honorable Mention 2
Abby Winkler "Daisy Lampkin"

Honorable Mention 3
James Mariano "Peace Shells"

10/10/2025

Photos from yesterday during My America media-press day.
Heinz History Center

This Saturday Oct. 11 at Heinz History Center, on fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery.