While Pittsburghers Andy Warhol and Burton Morris have gained international recognition as innovative artists, one painter -- and Pittsburgh native -- helped to inspire local artists 100 years ago.

Lila B. Hetzel, born in Pittsburgh in 1873, was the youngest of five children. She had a love for the arts at an early age.

An interest in drawing eventually led her to study at the Pittsburgh School of Design, where she received awards for her drawings of nature scenes and animals.

In 1910, Ms. Hetzel organized a group of artists to share a love for the fine arts and to give the public a better understanding and appreciation of the works created by Pittsburgh artists.

The group officially became known as the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP), and held regular meetings to talk and critique each other's work and plan exhibitions.

The AAP's first art exhibit appeared in the lobby of the Opera House at the intersection of Fifth and Forbes avenues, where at the Warner Theater later stood.

The AAP was founded for the promotion of visual arts and to provide a vital and challenging place to exhibit new work by local artists. The group's exhibitions have featured many nationally renowned artists including Warhol, Mary Cassatt, John W. Alexander and Henry Ossawa Tanner -- all born in Pittsburgh.

School students continue to learn about art and artists from the region in the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh's educational programs.

Student "art ambassadors" are working with AAP volunteers to catalogue artwork donated to the Pittsburgh Public Schools since 1916.

Ms. Hetzel's legacy continues 100 years later, as the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh commemorates its centennial celebration and continues to inspire future generations of young artists throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.