Reflected Beauty
by Amara Bittner
Hempfield Area High School students from both The Royal and the Spartan Planning Committee had the opportunity to visit the Westmoreland Museum of American Art on our “Thankful for Greensburg” field trip. While at the museum, the group was immersed in a brand new exhibit entitled “Interwoven” by artist Anila Quayyum Agha.
Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven is a major art exhibition that highlights twenty years of work by Pakistani-American artist, Anila Quayyum Agha. The show features a mix of sculpture, installation, embroidery, painting, and drawing. Stunning pieces like A Flood of Tears (2010/2023), a room-sized sculpture made of suspended upholstery needles, and immersive light box installations like All the Flowers Are for Me – Red (2016) are featured in the exhibit. Agha’s artwork explores important themes such as women’s history, spirituality, and the immigrant experience, which can be seen through her use of intricate patterns and materials like beads, wax, and steel dust. The exhibition reflects Agha’s journey over the past 25 years in the U.S., addressing social issues like gender equality, solidarity, and climate change.
Art is such an important way for people to explore and understand the cultures and lives of others, so it’s absolutely wonderful that Greensburg has its very own place to showcase talented artists and share beauty within a community.
A Scent of Beauty
by Malana Ofchinick
Having the opportunity to take photographs with hanging light fixtures, explore the displays of other talented artists, and speak directly with museum employees, students and staff can all say that we are truly thankful to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for this unique experience. Tag @HempfieldAreaRoyal – #ThankfulforGreensburg and be sure to visit this unique display before it closes in January.
Rustic Smoke Candle Co., 20 W 2nd St, located just 10 minutes away from Hempfield Area High School. This cute and cozy candle store is open Wednesday through Friday 11-4 p.m and Saturday 10-2 p.m.
In 2017, their first ever candle was made. From that point on, this company has done a lot of marketing on social media, Greensburg Night Market, Ligonier Market, and Fort Ligonier Days to help grow their business. All of their hard work finally payed off when they able to open their own store front in March of 2024.
On their website ( www.rusticsmokecandleco.com ) they have a total of 9 candles, which currently are all sold out but stocking soon! They also have wax melts in all of their candle scents. In their store, they offer other cute items such as, shirts, crewnecks, hats, room sprays, car diffusers, stickers, and little decor.
Rustic Smoke is a store with great vibes. The cute decoration gave off such a warm and cozy environment, and Samantha the owner was so sweet. We are certainly thankful for Samantha and all the Rustic Smoke Candle Co adds to Greensburg.
Check them out @rscandleco
Trendy and Beautiful
by Abby Harvey
Just six days before covid, Alisha Edwards put her interior designer skills to use and turned an abandoned basement into a series of opportunities for both herself and the Greensburg community. It is a warm and welcoming space for both parents and children to come together and create new memories. Trendy Bunny is not only just a play space for kids but also both a cafe and boutique. Over the seasons they host different events like bringing in the Easter Bunny or Santa Clause for a meet and greet, but they do not just do seasonal events. The Royal staff visited on the same day as their Bluey event featuring the popular children’s show characters.
Aside from the kid’s events, they also host baby and bridal showers. They are excited to eventually open a new location in the upcoming years to host weddings and offer a new space for prom pictures. It’s clear that the Greensburg Community is as thankful for Trendy Bunny as us as they are booked until the 2025 season!
