Built in 1815, the Anderson House sits on Pitt Street, in the heart of Bedford. It was built by Dr. John Anderson who also developed the Bedford Springs Hotel.

“First, I want them to just feel how beautiful this building is, and that’s the first thing people say,” Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Bedford Coordinator Debbie Grazier said.

Over the years, it’s been a bank, an office for the Chamber of Commerce and an antique store.

Now it’s the home to one of the galleries of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.

“People are drawn to the architecture first, and then as they come through our spaces they realize that in their community there’s an incredible art museum with this amazing American art collection,” Grazier said.

Only about two months old, the first exhibition at the gallery in Bedford features art work from the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art permanent collection.

“What’s interesting is the way people respond to what’s here,” Grazier said. “They’re very drawn to Mary Cassat and the portrait and also Abraham Lincoln and the Native American prints in the hallway.”

One room offers a master prints collection, including one by an artist everyone has heard of, Rembrandt.

On the gallery’s second floor, you can enjoy works from recent, local painters like Mari-Pat Beene, who’s also a graphic artist and sculptor.

“I’m just thrilled to have this house reborn again used for the people to come in, because it’s a huge draw,” she said. “It’s a connection to the springs, it’s part of our livelihood fortunately and it adds culture.”

While the first exhibit at the Bedford museum can help you appreciate American art history, this gallery is also pioneering the use of new media to capture the attention of today’s potential art lovers.

It’s the first of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art location to offer patrons a guided audio tour. Bringing it further into the social media age, you can make yourself part of the art at their selfie station.

The next planned exhibit will have a southwestern theme.