Join us for an opening reception in the South Hills!
We’re happy to welcome artists, Kathy Rooney & Ray Sokolowski into our Taproom for an opening reception to celebrate their work, which will be on view though June 7th. Kathy & Ray will be hanging out on Friday, April 10th from 6-8pm and we hope you’ll join us and them for this family friendly reception.
This opening is free to attend and both Kathy & Ray’s work will be available for purchase. They also run an Etsy store if you’d like to purchase in individual print separately, which you can find at this link.
Scroll down to learn more about both artists and see examples of their work!
Kathy Rooney
Kathy’s illustration style blends vintage charm with modern appeal. A recognized figure in her field, she serves as Exhibition Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators’ “My America: An Illustrated Experience” at the Senator John Heinz History Center (Oct 2025–Sept 2026) and as New Member Chair for the organization.
She creates digital artwork focused on historic themes, including Pittsburgh history, portraiture, and landscapes. Her past work includes a large Pittsburgh panorama mural commissioned by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as illustrated maps for Duquesne University, Point Park University, and Empire City Casino/Yonkers Raceway. She also contributed 11 illustrations to the documentary UNDAUNTED: The Forgotten Giants of the Allegheny Observatory, featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Kathy’s illustration style blends vintage charm with modern appeal. A recognized figure in her field, she serves as Exhibition Chair for the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators’ “My America: An Illustrated Experience” at the Senator John Heinz History Center (Oct 2025–Sept 2026) and as New Member Chair for the organization.
She creates digital artwork focused on historic themes, including Pittsburgh history, portraiture, and landscapes. Her past work includes a large Pittsburgh panorama mural commissioned by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as illustrated maps for Duquesne University, Point Park University, and Empire City Casino/Yonkers Raceway. She also contributed 11 illustrations to the documentary UNDAUNTED: The Forgotten Giants of the Allegheny Observatory, featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson.
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Ray Sokolowski
Pittsburgh artist Ray Sokolowski is a versatile painter and sculptor whose work reflects a richly observed life, blending personal history with diverse, often unexpected subject matter. His distinctive, post-impressionistic style has made him a respected figure in the regional arts community, earning him numerous commissions across both painting and sculpture.
He recently received the Best of Show Award for South 18th Street at the My America: An Illustrated Experience exhibition at the Senator John Heinz History Center (2025–2026). Among his notable sculptural works is The Hope Harvey Football Club, 1923, a large-scale piece now in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium Hall of Honor Museum.
Ray has also completed major commissions including a life-sized bronze sculpture of Saints Francis and Clare for Saint Bonaventure University. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, his career spans roles as a designer, Navy serviceman, display artisan, and 24-year tenure at the Carnegie Museum of Art before becoming a full-time artist.
Known for his fluid brushwork and expressive figures, Ray’s art emphasizes movement, joy, and reflection. As he describes his creative philosophy: “I evolve, I evolve, I evolve.”
