We’re so grateful to the interns, alumni, faculty, students, staff, artists, musicians, and local businesses that made SWPA Art Bash a heartwarming day of connection, creativity, and community.
We couldn’t have done it without you. ❤️
We were thrilled to welcome over 100 regional high school students, 30 organizations, artists, and vendors, 6 incredible bands, and our community members to the event.
Thank you @pennwcalifornia and @mattressfactory for organizing and hosting a memorable day of hands-on learning and community building, and for creating a space to celebrate the arts of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Special thanks to @artomaul@mrygans@alingorby@_skater_sid_@h.e.y412@dustymoth@pennwest_aep ❤️❤️❤️
📷 by @contimediaproductions
SWPA Art Bash is just a few days away!! Special thanks to the project team that helped make it all possible.🩷
We’re so excited to see you all this Wednesday, April 29th at PennWest California.📍
Photos from an arts/music fest that was in California, PA @swpa_artbash Got to see some of my friends perform and do beautiful things ! Plus it was a very heartfelt celebration of the art/music scene here, which I've absolutely fallen in love with <3
🎞: RetoColor Glow, Ilford FP4
Developed by @bodegafilmlab
Meet the faculty who have helped bring this project to life.🩷
Can’t wait to see you all this Wednesday, April 29th at SWPA Art Bash!
Rain or shine!
Free and open to all‼️
Additional thanks to Jimmy Amor, Facility & Scene Shop Manager, and the theatre students!
Photo credit to @contimediaproductions
📣 Music lineup for SWPA Art Bash! 📣
Free! Open to all.
Wednesday, April 29
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
PennWest California - California, PA
During this daylong celebration of creativity and community, regional artists will lead interactive workshops in ceramics, printmaking, metals, painting, theater, and more! We invite you to come learn new techniques, check out the regional maker market, engage with exhibitions, and enjoy live music throughout!
Huge thanks to our talented performers @sleepingwitchandsaturn@torysilver@vireomusic@jones_jodi@scottandrosanna@justiereband
*Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited.*
SWPA Art Bash is a collaboration between the Dept. of Visual and Performing Arts at PennWest University and Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum.
📣 EMERGING YOUTH ART OPPORTUNITY 📣
We invite artists in grades 9-12 to submit art for consideration in the exhibition at SWPA Art Bash on April 29, 2026.
All mediums welcome. No AI. Cash awards.
Artists must reside in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Exhibition will be held at PennWest University, California, Pa on Wednesday, April 29.
Deadline to apply: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
🔗 Application link in bio.
Collage by Lexi Rockwell 💗
✨ We are seeking makers from Allegheny, Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties to vend on April 29, 2026 in California, Pa!
💰 Vendors keep 100% of sales. No application fee.
📆 Deadline to apply: February 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
🔗 Application link in bio.
✨Join us for a day of creativity and community at PennWest California on April 29, 2026!
During this daylong celebration, regional creatives will lead hands-on workshops in ceramics, printmaking, design, painting, theater, and more. We invite you to come learn new techniques, connect with local makers, engage with exhibitions, and enjoy live music throughout!
SWPA Art Bash is a collaboration between the Dept. of Visual and Performing Arts at PennWest University and Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum. The festival will be held in California, PA.
Free! All ages are welcome, and all materials will be provided for workshops. Food will be available for purchase.
⏰ EVENT SCHEDULE
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Free Workshops + Demonstrations
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Alumni Meet + Greet
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Art Exhibition + After Party
🏺VENDORS
We are seeking vendors from Allegheny, Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties to sell goods at the first annual SWPA Art Bash. Preference will be given to vendors making and selling handmade goods or incorporating thrift and re-use into their work. Vendors keep 100% of sales and will be selected by PennWest students, faculty, and alumni.
Deadline to apply: January 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
🔗 Application link in bio.
🖼️ EMERGING ART EXHIBITION
We invite students in grades 9-12, living in Allegheny, Greene, Fayette, Washington, Westmoreland Counties, to submit 1-3 works of art for consideration in the exhibition at SWPA Art Bash. We welcome all mediums but cannot accept work over 50 lbs. Art will be juried by PennWest students, faculty, and alumni. Cash award.
Deadline to apply: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
🔗 Application link in bio.
