Art For Industry Gala – A Picture-Perfect Success!

Close to 200 individuals attended a fun afternoon and elegant evening during the Fluid Power Educational Foundation (FPEF) Art for Industry Fundraising Gala held at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden, Pittsburgh, Pa., on September 25, 2015. The event was designed to support and encourage students—and others in the community—to understand the fluid power industry and to become actively engaged in it.

Judy Wojanis, a former board member for the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and current board member of Catalyst Connection, Wojanis Supply Company, and FPEF, spearheaded the “Art for Industry” initiative, which generated interest for local industry leaders, city government officials, educators, and the art community. Partnering with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, businesses, and local artists, Judy’s mission was to educate students regarding opportunities in the fluid power field. Pat Maluso, FPEF Chair, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening activities. He explained in layman’s terms exactly what fluid power is and the FPEF’s role in fluid power awareness and scholarship opportunities.

Fundraising was accomplished through ticket and art sales, a silent art auction, and raffle baskets.  Proceeds from the event were donated to scholarships provided by the FPEF and the CCAC Mechatronics Program. Representatives of FPEF and IFPS, along with Pittsburgh city officials and CCAC representatives, attended the event. 

Thirty CCAC students displayed their interpretation of Art for Industry. Professional art auction artists include Jocelyn Rent, Philip Salvato, Walter B. Kluz, Fabrizio Gerbino, Yvonne Kozlina, Tim Meehan, Shervin Iranshahr, and Barbara Kern-Bush.