Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) will be holding a posthumous exhibition of local artist Tom Copella starting January 6th, with a celebratory reception Friday, January 7th, 5-7 PM at the ECCOTA Gallery.

Tom Copella’s artistry could be seen across many mediums, from murals to wood carving, and, perhaps most notably, his paintings. Being the avid artist that he was, Tom was a member of ECCOTA for many years, and there was rarely a time that his artwork didn’t entertain guests of the gallery. The Tom Copella - Remembering exhibition will feature over 70 pieces of Tom’s original artwork as well as hundreds of prints.

Tom Copella was born in Ridgway, PA, and grew up in the forests of the PA Wilds. While Tom spent a great part of his adult life painting murals in Florida, he returned to live in Ridgway in 2005. Tom’s murals can be found across Elk County including one in Johnsonburg which was a tribute to military service. His love for his hometown and region can be seen in his many paintings of downtown Ridgway. Another theme that Tom’s paintings would depict was that of little people in fairytales or woodland settings. From hometown pride to whimsical fantasy, Tom’s paintings captured the hearts of many. 

Those who visit ECCOTA’s art exhibition of Tom Copella also have the opportunity to buy Tom’s artwork. If you aren’t able to attend the exhibition but would still like to view or purchase the amazing art of Tom Copella please browse ECCOTA’s Tom Copella Exhibit page. 

The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) is a 501 (c) non-profit organization based in Elk County, Pennsylvania, a rural county located in the PA Wilds, about two hours northeast of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1984 as a center for the development of all the arts in the Elk County area, ECCOTA provides a variety of opportunities to participate in the arts for the area’s residents. A wide selection of art classes and workshops for adults and children are offered. Additionally, ECCOTA brings a selection of cultural programming to the area including an annual children’s theater workshop; and programs by nationally and internationally renowned performers. ECCOTA also maintains a sales gallery featuring artwork by more than 60 local and regional artists.

See work included in the exhibition here.