Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Present "Kathleen Zimbicki ROARS"

Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Present "Kathleen Zimbicki ROARS"

PITTSBURGH, PA, June 20, 2006 -- "Kathleen Zimbicki has been an important part of the Pittsburgh art scene for the past 30 years." This comment by one of America's most well-known and established artists, Adrienne Heinrich, pretty much sums up Kathleen Zimbicki's role in Pittsburgh's art community.

Kathleen's strength and influence comes not only from her extraordinary talents as a watercolor artist, but also from her dedication as a tireless advocate for the arts, a teacher of all ages and the gallery she founded and ran for almost 30 years. Studio Z was a fixture on the Southside and a hub for creativity and outlet for new and emerging artists.

On Thursday, June 29, 2006 the Pittsburgh Center presented Kathleen with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for the Arts. This honor recognizes not only the extraordinary caliber of Kathleen's work, but also her dedication to mentoring young artists and her commitment to the well-being and development of the Pittsburgh arts community. A celebration of her work, entitled, Zimbicki Roars, will be on display. The community is invited to join in the festivities at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Kathleen's commitment to art has expanded well beyond the boundaries of the Pittsburgh region. An enthusiastic traveler, she has exhibited in India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Romania, Italy, Spain, Greece and many other locations. Kathleen has brought her vision and experience from those countries back to Pittsburgh and her vibrant watercolors evoke vivid insights into each of the countries.

Kathleen's work is included in more than 20 corporate collections and has earned numerous awards including being named one of the top cultural forces in Pittsburgh and the Best of Gallery. She is the only living artist honored in a 100-year survey of American Master Watercolor Painters.

"When considering the caliber of Zimbicki's work, her dedication to mentoring young artists and commitment to the well-being of the Pittsburgh arts community," said Laura Domencic, director of the PCA, "the Center felt strongly about having a special kind of recognition."

A leader of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh for many years, Kathleen has served as a member of the Board of Directors for almost 15 years. Her influence was pivotal in the reorganization of this prestigious group, helping it thrive as it moves toward its centennial.

The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is located at 6300 Fifth Avenue. For more information, call 412/361-0873.