Pittsburgh-based artist, Branda C. Maholtz, works primarily in oil paint and pastels. Her work is known for its loose brushstrokes and thoughtful color palette that evoke an illusory, dream-like abstraction, even when the subject matter is familiar. Branda’s titles demand attention not only for their contextualization of the pieces, but also as they serve as an attempt to form a deep emotive connection with the viewer. In her recent works for the series “Landscapes: Postcard Sent from the Past” (2022-2024), Branda creates a sense of place for her most visceral, vulnerable experiences all while playing with idea of a double-entendre by titling her pieces twice to further explore the multiplicity of meaning and memory as it evolves and is open to interpretation. Branda has held exhibitions in New York, Hudson, Sewickley, Pittsburgh, and State College. She also most recently received an Honorable Mention for the Pittsburgh Scene Innovation Grant in 2023 and was featured in the Brooklyn X Pittsburgh: The Industry of Art exhibition, curated by Eric Shiner in 2025.Education: MFA in Creative Writing (2003); Poetry Emphasis and Focus in Painting, Syracuse UniversityManuscript Thesis: “Stones of Consequence,” advised by Michael Burkard. Presented with AccompaniedPaintings and Sculptural Work.BS in Psychology, Minor in Writing (2000), Clarion University of PennsylvaniaFocus area of study: Cognitive systems and gerontological application, memory systems, and statisticalmeasures.