Mark Rengers Gallery in Sewickley proves that art spaces aren’t intimidating. Whether you’re a longtime collector, thinking about purchasing your first work, or simply want to admire their stunning pieces, the gallery team provides a tailored experience.

Inside Mark Rengers Gallery, Sewickley’s Destination for Fine Art

Melanie Vera, who has been gallery manager since 2022, sees that inclusive environment as essential to what the shop is. “You should never be scared to enter art galleries,” Vera said, “There’s an unspoken ‘rule’ that galleries are for luxury, or if you’re not walking in and buying, don’t go — that’s not us. Anyone can experience the arts.”

While custom framing and design is still a foundational part of the gallery, the art exhibition side has been steadily growing. Mark Rengers, owner and director, began incorporating gallery events in 1999 after taking over the frame shop. 24 years later, he and the team have built a strong network of diverse rising artists, most of whom are local. Each work displayed represents the special relationships they’ve fostered with more than 20 artists, meticulously chosen for the members of their growing community.

Of these creatives, Vera gave special mention to Ron Thurston, a watercolor artist in the area. “He’s the sweetest, most eccentric artist,” Vera said. “He lives a few blocks down, so he visits a lot.”

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Community Arts

Building relationships with the community is also extremely important. Three years ago, Vera and Rengers started the Youth Arts Possibilities Program (YAPP) with art historian Elizabeth de Souza. YAPP invites students from underserved communities to engage with the arts in a fun, accessible learning space.

“My favorite question the kids ask is, ‘Is this artist dead or alive?’” Vera said. “Kids always think art or artists exist only in the past. We’re looking to break that barrier and get more children into art spaces.”

The program is held in their second gallery, the First National Bank Exhibition Hall in Sewickely. Vera shared that when it was still an empty floor above a First National Bank, Rengers approached Vince Delie, CEO of First National Bank, with the idea of holding an exhibition there. Delie, a friend of Rengers’ and someone who loves the arts, was receptive. They have been putting on exhibitions there ever since.

Welcoming Exhibitions and Collaborative Expertise

Vera is particularly excited about The Places We Keep, a multi-artist exhibition happening now through the end of the year featuring works dealing with time, place, and memory.

“It’s about the power of place, documenting time and preserving a nostalgic feeling,” Vera said. “I’m so happy with this show. The variety of artworks, how cozy, familiar, and nostalgic everything feels. It’s going to be such a sweet, warm experience in the gallery.”

You won’t have to be an expert to enjoy the exhibitions — you’ll be able to casually and independently browse gorgeous art with no pressure. If you do want to learn more about what you’re seeing, find a team member and get a personalized art education.

“I love telling people about our artists,” Vera said. “If there are questions I can’t answer, we’ll also call them and see if they’re available.”

Mark Rengers Gallery Centers Around a Team Mindset

Every team member has their own area of expertise, which makes them great at working collaboratively. “Mark brings in over 20 years of framing history,” Vera said. “I bring the contemporary arts perspective, David [O’Donoghue] is great with Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh art history.”

O’Donoghue is the newest member of the growing team, who Vera said is like family. “I think it’s kind of cringy when people say that,” she laughed. “I truly do feel it, though! We all know each other’s lives and stories, we can have a laugh and get right back to work. It’s a great dynamic.”

The gallery puts on about six exhibitions per year, but Vera hopes to start doing one a month by next summer — “I hope there’s always something new and exciting to come see,” Vera said.

Whether you need intricate custom framing, help selecting art from people who care about finding something you’ll love, or want to enjoy an exhibition, make sure to visit Mark Rengers Gallery.

“Sewickley is such a great little town,” Vera said. “If people are looking for sweet, nostalgic artworks, or something to remind them of home, I definitely recommend stopping by.”

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About the Author

Anna Montesanti is a freelance journalist in the Pittsburgh region. She recently graduated with her B.A. in nonfiction writing from University of Pittsburgh and is obtaining her master’s in journalism from Emerson College. She loves covering pop culture and local happenings, and in her free time you can find her trying local coffee shops and walking in Pittsburgh’s gorgeous parks.

Photos Courtesy of Mark Rengers Gallery

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