By John Straitiff

Greg Stiver is pastor with United Methodist Church and talented artist. He has created quite a collection of beautiful pencil sketches of many historical churches and buildings in the region that caught my eye on Facebook, so I reached out to Greg to learn a little more.

How did you get started doing drawings of local buildings? When I was appointed to Christ United Methodist Church in Johnstown, PA, we, our five churches involved with the local area of Moxham of Johnstown, we had a Craft Sale. So instead of just taking a picture and posting each church on a poster, I decided to draw each one of them. Later I looked around and saw places changing so much. And you never know how long a building will be there before it is changed or gone. What I would like to do is, I want to try to bring back some of these old churches and buildings back on paper. Now, since I live in Punxsutawney, I have been drawing many churches and buildings that are gone or closed.

Your drawings show great details and accuracy, do you have formal art training? I have been drawing all my life. I remember my mom, Alice, helping me at a younger age and when I attended Punxsutawney Area High School and I was in the art classes there. I also went to Clarion University and got my BS in Art. I love art. My parents supported me in my drawings. Still today my dad wants to know what I am drawing. I lost my mom on February 17, 2017, and I honor my mom in all my drawings. I place white clouds to frame on top my drawing and it reminds of stories she told me as, young boy. We used to look up in the sky together with my brothers and she always told us to look in the clouds for angels, and mom raised me to be the man and pastor I am today. Those clouds are for her, I miss her, but I know where she is today.

How do you choose your subjects? I look around to see what church or building may come down. I have been drawing all my churches that I served. I have some customers get contact to draw a certain building that brings memories back to them. But, I am trying to bring back old churches or buildings on paper. We are losing so many old buildings through closing, fire damage, tear down, and then they are just gone.

How long does it take on average from start to finish? Each one of my drawings takes different times to complete. Whether it be a day to a couple of weeks. It depends on the drawing because some drawings are larger and have more details.

If somebody wants to purchase one of your drawings or have you draw a specific building, how can they reach you?
Greg Stiver
218 Elk Run Avenue
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Phone: (814) 618-5927
Cell: (724) 970-4444
Email: gregorystiver21@gmail.com