Christine Swann
Location: Entrance Lobby
Medium: Oil on paper and board
To evoke the timeless allure of the evening light of a tavern, Swann chose oil paper mounted on board to create a sturdy surface that enabled her to apply several layers of thin oil paint. This process allowed her to achieve a glowing effect from the globes and lamps backlighting the figures. More layers of oil paint were applied to build up the color more opaquely until the images were complete. Gulley framing of the boards adds depth and volume as the images run fully to the edge of the boards.
“[The restaurant] wanted to look back in time, [and] they also wanted pieces that were relevant and contemporary So rather than just recreating scenes from those times, I wanted the paintings to be of women of today that had the feel of the twenties. I had photo shoots with my daughter and some of her friends where feathers, pearls and silk abounded. Then I found another model that would work for the middle panel since I wanted a variety of ages for the "flapper" girls. The idea was to create pieces that were very backlit where the lights and dashes of color were the focus even more than the models. The clothing and even their faces are secondary to the light streaming in from behind them. I wanted them to feel like they could be in the Tavern, but also not specifically at that bar. I wanted them to have just a bit of attitude from the twenties but also feel like they could be your friends waiting for you for a special occasion- not just people from another time.”
-Christine Swann
Christine Swann began her art career as an illustrator and since her first exhibits in 2008 has become a renowned portrait artist. She is internationally recognized for her pastel expertise, which she shares by serving in leadership positions in international and national art organizations and teaching workshops across the country.
Read more at swannportraits.com
Plate 1: Waiting
Plate 2: Lipstick Check
Plate 3: House Specialty
© Christine Swann
Ramon Riley
Location: Dining Room
Medium: Watercolor, graphite, oil, and collage on paper
While reading the work of Bettie Cole and researching at the Sewickley Historical Society, the Sewickley Public Library, and Heinz History Center, Riley found his muse and unifying theme in creating vibrant scenes of people performing dances of the 1920s. While his subject matter draws from realistic study, Riley utilizes graphite drawings, oil paint, and collage-over-poured-paint foundations to integrate realism with abstract expressionism.
“It was exhilarating studying early 20th century Sewickley, when dance was rebellious and yet universally appreciated. Dance was a way for cultures and ethnicities to integrate, either directly or subconsciously. There was obviously an energy here that sparked Sewickley’s population to double on the weekends in the 1920’s. I wanted these paintings to reflect that energy in Sewickley Tavern so all walks of people feel encouraged and welcomed.”
- Ramon Riley
A native of the Braddock neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Riley earned a Master of Art Degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a career art educator, teaching at Pine-Richland High School for more than 22 years. In 2015, Riley was the featured artist on WQED’s Pittsburgh 360, which spotlighted his solo exhibition, Braddock Coming Home.
Read more at rrileyart.com
Plate 4: Village Polka
Plate 5: Jig Outside Post 450
Plate 6: A Bridge Is A Pas De Deux
Plate 7: ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ On The Ohio
© Ramon Riley
Mark Brewer
Location: Menu and Restrooms
Medium: Pen and watercolor on paper
The light-hearted drawings of Mark Brewer depict different historical periods from Sewickley’s past, ranging from the 1800s to the 2000s, illustrating the comings and goings of life in a small river town. Each full-colored drawing features recognizable local and historic landmarks which serve as the backdrop for pedestrian activity, capturing the energy and busyness of the town and its people.
“I had the pleasure of creating a series of drawings for the Sewickley Tavern on the subject of their remarkable and historic town. Sewickley sits along the Ohio River and bears landmarks that date back to the 1800s. At the time, the old post office was one of only two in the United States built with such elaborate and ornamented intentions. The Delta Queen made a special stop in Sewickley when they brought back the remains of Riverboat Captain and Sewickley native Fred Way on Oct. 9, 1992. Pictures of the famous clock tower on Broad Street in the 1800's, the old train station from the 1930's, the Flat Iron Building, and storefronts now along Beaver Street ensured there was no shortage of ideas. Sketching the historically steeped pictures from various eras was a thrill! Using my pen and a few watercolors, I produced six large finished drawings from those initial sketches of Sewickley, PA.”
- Mark Brewer
A native of Connecticut now living in Pittsburgh, Mark’s drawings have appeared in nationally distributed print and digital publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Wine & Spirits, Major League Baseball, and The New York Times. Mark’s original works and prints are in private collections and have raised thousands of dollars for numerous charities.
Read more at: markbrewer.com
Plate 8: Sewickley Beaver Street, 2020
Plate 9: Sewickley, PA
Plate 10: Sewickley Train Station, 1920
Plate 11: Sewickley Methodist Church, 1849
Plate 12: Sewickley Gazebo, 2020
Plate 13: Sewickley Tavern Menu
© Mark Brewer