The Blogger Show @Panza Gallery - Reception 12/15

@Panza Gallery - Reception: December 15, 6-9PM

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In November, Digging Pitt (Pittsburgh PA) began a joint effort with Agni Gallery (New York, NY) and Panza Gallery (Millvale, PA) to present The Blogger Show. The exhibits showcase the work of over thirty artists whose common interest is in clarifying artistic discourse through their blogs. All of the exhibits will take place between November 3, 2007 and January 12, 2008. Preview the exhibits online at Fiji Island Mermaid Press, courtesy of Marc Snyder. Stay current with The Blogger Show artists on the blog or join us at MySpace.

The Blogger Show @Panza Gallery - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008
Public reception December 15
Panza Gallery - 115 Sedgwick Street - Millvale PA 15209
WE/Th/FR 10-5 SA 10-3 and by appointment - 412-821-0959

Panza Gallery will have a regional focus, showcasing Pittsburgh's local bloggers. There will also be a presentation of work created by artist journaling. Installation images from Panza
Gallery are available, so sneak a little peek. Read more

Appearing @Panza Gallery (Millvale PA)

Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Christiane D (Pittsburgh PA) - Christiane D
David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA) - Serendipity
Sophie Klahr (Pittsburgh PA) - the story of how it is
John Morris (Pittsburgh, PA) - Digging Pittsburgh Arts
David Pohl (Pittsburgh, PA) - find the time to rhyme
Amy Wilson New York, NY) - working

The first tendril of The Blogger Show in physical space ended on November 30. If you missed the show you can still check out installation images here and reception images here and here. The installation images for Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too are available.

The artists in the exhibits at Agni, Digging Pitt and Panza Galleries represent a range of visual disciplines and aesthetics. The one commonality is active blogging. Some use blogging as a platform for discussing issues facing visual artists while others treat the blog as a public journal. Whatever approach or combination of approaches, all have brought a level of clarity to artistic discourse. These exhibits are a reflection, in physical space, of the ephemeral blogosphere. And by its very nature, an extension of the guiding philosophy behind Digging Pitt’s flat file archive. - Read more

Excerpt from Bill Gusky's article (Artblog Comments) Read more

This exhibition focuses on the work of artists who are active art blog writers. The work you see here emerged in the studio in near-simultaneity with the artist’s written expressions. These twin efforts – art making and blog writing -- sometimes appear to flow together and intertwine beautifully, and at other times almost seem to be in diametric opposition.

The Blogger Show - Artist reception Saturday 12/8 + 12/15

@Digging Pitt Gallery - Reception: December 8, 6-9PM

@Digging Pitt Too - Reception: December 8, 6-9PM

@Panza Gallery - Reception: December 15, 6-9PM

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In November, Digging Pitt (Pittsburgh PA) began a joint effort with Agni Gallery (New York, NY) and Panza Gallery (Millvale, PA) to present The Blogger Show. The exhibits showcase the work of over thirty artists whose common interest is in clarifying artistic discourse through their blogs. All of the exhibits will take place between November 3, 2007 and January 12, 2008. Preview the exhibits online at Fiji Island Mermaid Press, courtesy of Marc Snyder. Stay current with The Blogger Show artists on the blog or join us at MySpace.

The Blogger Show @Agni Gallery - November 3-30, 2007
The first tendril of The Blogger Show in physical space ends on November 30. If you missed the show you can still check out installation images here and reception images here and here.

The artists in the exhibits at Agni, Digging Pitt and Panza Galleries represent a range of visual disciplines and aesthetics. The one commonality is active blogging. Some use blogging as a platform for discussing issues facing visual artists while others treat the blog as a public journal. Whatever approach or combination of approaches, all have brought a level of clarity to artistic discourse. These exhibits are a reflection, in physical space, of the ephemeral blogosphere. And by its very nature, an extension of the guiding philosophy behind Digging Pitt’s flat file archive. - Read more

Excerpt from Bill Gusky's article (Artblog Comments) Read more

This exhibition focuses on the work of artists who are active art blog writers. The work you see here emerged in the studio in near-simultaneity with the artist’s written expressions. These twin efforts – art making and blog writing -- sometimes appear to flow together and intertwine beautifully, and at other times almost seem to be in diametric opposition.

The Blogger Show @Digging Pitt Gallery - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008
Public reception December 8
Digging Pitt Gallery - 4417 Butler Street - Pittsburgh PA 15201
TH 12 - 8 FR 12 - 7 SA/SU 11 - 7 and by appointment 412-605-0450
Digging Pitt Gallery is exhibiting some of the artists in more depth, allowing a greater presentation of the artists' works. Read More

Installation images from Digging Pitt

Appearing @Digging Pitt Gallery (Pittsburgh PA)
Martin Bromirski – (Richmond VA) Anaba
Sharon Butler (Mystic, CT) – Two Coats of Paint
Lisa Call (Parker, CO) - New Work and Inspiration
F. Lennox Campello (Washington, DC) Mid Atlantic Art News"
Rose Clancy (Pittsburgh, PA) – paperWorks
Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void Warren Craghead - drawer
Roberta Fallon (Philadelphia PA) Fallon and Rosof's Artblog
Ann Gordon (Detroit MI) - Detroitarts
Cable Griffith (Seattle WA) - Cable Griffith
Tracy Helgeson - Works by Tracy Helgeson
Stephanie Lee Jackson (Brooklyn NY) - Pretty Lady
JT Kirkland (Washington, D.C.) - Thinking About Art
Mary Klein (Minneapolis, MN) - stillifes
Eva Lake (Portland, OR) -Eva Lake
Steven LaRose - (Ashland OR) Steven LaRose
Michael Lease (Richmond VA) - Annabelle's Aspirin
Jean McClung (Pittsburgh PA) Urban Bytes
John Morris (Pittsburgh, PA) - Digging Pittsburgh Arts
Elizabeth Perry (Pittsburgh, PA) - Woolgathering
Christopher Reiger (New York, NY) Hungry Hyaena
Libby Rosof (Philadelphia PA) Fallon and Rosof's Artblog
Marc Snyder (Pittsburgh, PA) - Fiji Island Mermaid Press

The Blogger Show @Digging Pitt Too - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008 - Public reception December 8
Digging Pitt Too - 45th & Plummer Streets - Pittsburgh PA 15201
SA 12 – 5 and by appointment - 412-605-0450
Susan Constanse and Bill Gusky will be sharing Digging Pitt Too. Read more

Installation images from Digging Pitt Too

Appearing @Digging Pitt Too (Pittsburgh PA)
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Bill Gusky (Canton, CT) - Artblog Comments

The Blogger Show @Panza Gallery - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008
Public reception December 15
Panza Gallery - 115 Sedgwick Street - Millvale PA 15209
WE/Th/FR 10-5 SA 10-3 and by appointment - 412-821-0959
Panza Gallery will have a regional focus, showcasing Pittsburgh's local bloggers. There will also be a presentation of work created by artist journaling. Read more

Appearing @Panza Gallery (Millvale PA)

Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Christiane D (Pittsburgh PA) - Christiane D
David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA) - Serendipity
Sophie Klahr (Pittsburgh PA) - the story of how it is
John Morris (Pittsburgh, PA) - Digging Pittsburgh Arts
David Pohl (Pittsburgh, PA) - find the time to rhyme
Amy Wilson New York, NY) - working

Agni Gallery - Blogger Show ending Nov 30

Yes, the exhibit at Agni Gallery is indeed ending. If you missed it, you can always check out the preview of the artists’ works, hosted online by Fiji Island Mermaid Press. And if you want even more details about the exhibits and artists involved in the Blogger Show, check out the Blogger Show Blog.

The exhibits at Digging Pitt, Digging Pitt Too and Panza Galleries opened on November 10, with all of the shows closing on January 12. Join us for the artists receptions -

Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too

November 10 - January 12 - Public Reception: December 8, 2007: 6-9pm

Panza

November 10 - January 12 - Public Reception: December 15: 6-9pm

A preview of the artists’ works are hosted online.

The Blogger Show @Digging Pitt

The exhibits are all installed, labeled, and ready. There are additional images of the individual artists' work, but as a teaser, here is the long views of both the left and right sides of Digging Pitt.

And if you are in the neighborhood, stop by -

Artist Talk @Agni Gallery - 170 East 2nd Street - New York NY 10009 - 412-389-0288
Saturday, Nov 24, 5PM
Join artists, John Morris and David Grim at Agni Gallery for an artists' talk. John will be bringing in some work from his portfolio. David , in New York for a brief visit, will be discussing his "Book of Life" series. Any blogger that wants to get in on the fun is welcome to drop in to speak.

 

Tracy Helgeson @BoxHeart

I got to Boxheart early enough last night that I had an unobstructed view of Tracy's work, at least for a few moments anyway. The solo exhibit of Tracy Helgeson's landscapes is a feast for the senses, with the warm-to-burning tones of these extraordinary paintings. If you are in the area, make a point of stopping in.

A gently reminder - Tracy's work is included in the Blogger Show at Agni and Digging Pitt Galleries.

Additional images from the Boxheart exhibit are available.

November 13 - December 8
Landscapes
Paintings by Tracy Helgeson
BoxHeart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
F. 412 687 6338

Agni Gallery installation images

Hello everyone,
I have been extremely busy installing the shows at Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too over the last two weeks. I had meant to post these installation images last week, but with John Morris in New York at Agni, I have had my hands full.

Anyway, here are some installation shots that I took just before the reception started. There are some obvious gaps, so if you have images, please send them to me and I will post them forthwith!

The Blogger Show @Agni Gallery

I am on my way back to Pittsburgh from NYC and the opening reception of The Blogger Show at Agni Gallery. It was a whirlwind of a trip, with more impressions than I can wrap my head around at this moment. Most important was seeing all of the work, after having seen only the tantalizing yet woefully inadequate images in the virtual gallery. 72dpi just doesn’t cut it.

We had a great crew for the installation at Agni. Chris Rywalt put together a great post about the experience.

The opening reception for The Blogger Show was packed, literally, with bloggers and sundry spilling out onto the sidewalk. John Morris and Jean McClung were putting finishing touches on the exhibit throughout the day. Artist bloggers dropped in periodically, lending a hand and offering words of encouragement and bottles of wine. The evening actually got off to an early start with the arrival of Bill Gusky. Stephanie Lee Jackson brought her Gentleman Friend. She had previously met Chris Rywalt, who was there with his wife. Mary Klein is further exploring the motif of airplane and made a landing in NYC. Sharon Butler was in the back of the gallery when Loren Munk arrived, declaiming loudly from Charlie Finch’s article on art blogs, which touched off a lively discussion between Nancy Baker and Bill Gusky. Tracy Helgeson and Doug were there, a calm presence in a maelstrom. Fallon and Rosof were demonstrating their installation of 48 Useful Paintings. But to get the full scope of the reception, check out James Kalm's video --

It was nice to put faces and voices to Barry and James of Bloggy and ArtCal. Brent Burkett, it was wonderful to see you, too. And thanks for the shout out at Heart as Arena.

I can’t begin to thank everybody that had a part in getting the first tendril of The Blogger Show off to an auspicious start. Your good cheer and better skill are appreciated. I am sure that there will be many more thank you’s that are due; after all, The Blogger Show has only begun.

Acknowledgements –

ArtCal
Kevin Clancy
Bill Gusky
Stephanie Lee Jackson and her Gentleman Friend
Jean McClung
Chris Rywalt

John Morris will be manning Agni Gallery during the month of November. He has brought a selection of works from Digging Pitt’s flat file archive. So, if you are in New York, stop by and say hello.

November 3- 30, 2007 - Public Reception: November 3, 6 - 9pm
Agni Gallery
170 East 2nd Street, Storefront #3
New York, NY 10009
WE-SA: 1-7PM
412-389-0288

I am just going to throw up some images from the reception. Installation shots will be posted later. But today, I start the installation of the Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too shows. So, I am off to meet Elizabeth Perry at Digging Pitt for drop-off. Later --

Women of Vision @August Wilson

Women of Vision puts together pretty consistent shows. It is a small group, with members that have been showing together for years. It is always worthwhile to see old favorites and the variations that make for such a satisfying exhibit.

A few really stood out for me at the latest Women of Vision exhibit, Soulscapes, which is showing at the August Wilson Center (details are at the end of the post)The seated figure by Dee Currin is lovely. Christine Bethea's construction is actually a wind instrument. I would love to hear her play it some time. I kinda got lost in Christiane's Love Scar piece. And Marica Jackson's sculpture is a lovely mystery.

If you're downtown, drop in

Delores Currin
Christine Bethea
Christiane D

Marica Jackson

SoulScapes by Women of Visions, Inc
August Wilson Center for African American Culture
October 5, 2007 through February 16, 2008
Gallery 209/9, 209 Ninth St., Downtown

The future of Three Rivers Arts Festival

Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservatism and Natural Resources began work on renovating Point Park, which is at the tip of downtown's Golden Triangle, sitting at the confluence of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Three Rivers Arts Festival, as well as the Regatta and several other annual events, were negatively impacted by the renovation. Three Rivers Arts Festival had a much smaller footprint and various parts of the festival, like the Best of Pittsburgh show, were spread over downtown. But since this was only temporary, the coordinators found the spaces and worked around the renovation. But now, there appears to be some glitches in the renovation plan. From the Post Gazette -

New guidelines are being developed for the use of the state-owned park and unless those guidelines are revised, the festival "will most likely not be able to operate in Point State Park," said Elizabeth Reiss, the arts festival's executive director. Read the article

The article goes on to explain that the regulations have not yet been finalized and that a meeting is scheduled with the organizers of these several events to discuss their concerns. Hopefully, the meeting will bring a greater understanding of the needs of event organizers and the concerns of PA -DCNR.

There is very little diversity in the visual arts in downtown Pittsburgh, with most venues operating as non-profits or as co-op galleries. Although the festival emphasizes the performance components more so than the visual arts, at least it does present a wider range of visual arts than what is usually found in downtown. The artist market houses fine crafts and arts and most of the vendors are marketing their work to individual purchases. It brings a more diverse mix of art appreciators to downtown and that is a good thing. Frankly, I am tired of ugly, shock and derivative art that appeals to a very small group of the public. Downtown really needs this festival.

Closing reception 10/27 - Same Frequency

Join us on Saturday, October 27, for a closing reception for --

Same Frequency - Side II

An exhibit of paintings and mixed media works by three very different artists...who are nonetheless on the Same Frequency. More information

Jon Anderson - Paintings on Paper
Jean McClung - Mixed media on Paper and Illuminated Sculptures.
Sherry Rusinack- Mixed Media on Canvas

As an aside, Jean McClung's work will be included in the upcoming Blogger Shows at Agni and Digging Pitt Gallleries. So, join us for those receptions in November and December.

Above the Pitt - 10/27

Above the Pitt - Too
Saturday, October 20, 7PM - ???
Bill Cousins will be opening his doors on Saturday, October 27, for Above the Pitt - Too, new and old abstract works by Bill Cousins . So, while you are in the neighborhood for Conceived Bully and Same Frequency, take the stairs up to visit Bill.
Food - Drink - People
Music by Rick Bach
Card Art

Closing reception 10/27 - Conceived Bully

Save the Date!
Opening: September 8, 6-9PM

Conceived Bully - Side I

The raw installment and tough works of urban design.
Featuring the works of --

EVIL DESIGN - Boston MA
I've heard some of the kids talkin' on the bus an' I just wanna set the record straight. Evil Design is not a band of Blood Sucking Son-Of-A-Guns that like to make babies cry, they're just some kids that like to draw pictures is all.

ExperiBreed - NYC/PGH
Cultures come and cultures go. Some we remember and some we don't know.

MAGMO - The Destroyer - Rhode Island
Magmo is here to help. Magmo is here to destroy.

More information

ExperiBreed @Digging Pitt Too

In his exhibit at Digging Pitt Too, JC one will present works from ExperiBreed, his most recent cycle of expression. Join us in September in welcoming JC one to the walls at Digging Pitt Too. More information

JC one interviews Magmo and Evil Design

Conceived Bully, curated by JC One, has interviewed Magmo and Evil Design. To our great delight! The exhibit really is phenomenal. In case you miseed it - More information

EVIL DESIGN - Boston MA
I've heard some of the kids talkin' on the bus an' I just wanna set the record straight. Evil Design is not a band of Blood Sucking Son-Of-A-Guns that like to make babies cry, they're just some kids that like to draw pictures is all.

ExperiBreed - NYC/PGH
Cultures come and cultures go. Some we remember and some we don't know.

MAGMO - The Destroyer - Rhode Island
Magmo is here to help. Magmo is here to destroy.


JC one

JC One interviews Magmo the Destroyer

JC- Can you tell us what Magmo means, and why he likes to destroy things?

Magmo was the name I had came up with to be part of the Tomo & Whimo gang. We all lived together in Brighton, MA. We weren't really a gang, more like three dorks that liked how our names all sounded the same. I added "The Destoyer" because that is what I want to do. Magmo The Destroyer started as way for me to create art that tries to raise awareness about all sorts of things in this world that interest me, good or bad. I am not sure how much Magmo has even "destroyed", but the idea behind Magmo has been the same since day one: Make art with a message.

JC- What motivates Magmo to do such a series as your "In America" pieces?

When I started the In America series I thought about all the times I had traveled outside the U.S. to visit other countries. As I talked to people, we always would ask about each other's culture. The phrase "In America..." seemed to be at the beginning of many of their questions and my answers. So I kept that phrase in mind as I started them. I wanted the phrases and drawings to depict life in America as if I was describing it to a stranger. Each is a response to current events that I would read about or see on the news. All the characters wear silly striped caps with a shiny spinning star on top, which I thought would be a good symbol of how absurd life in America has become.

JC- What artists do you look up to as far as having being influenced by?

Some of the artists I have been inspired by are; Francis Picabia, Dr.Suess, Tadanori Yokoo, Stenberg Brothers, Barbara Kruger, Richard Powers, Paul Laffoley, George Grosz, and Arthur Dolt. But I think I am most influenced by everything around me; people, strangers, cultures, society, animals, technology, music, the environment and books. Magmo likes books. The random and unexpected moments in life also seem to have the biggest impact on my work.


Magmo the Destroyer

JC one interviews MCA/Evil Design

JC-Is the devil one of your influences or is that just your name?
MCA: In many people’s minds the Devil is the ultimate Evil & I am Evil Design, so does that mean that I am part of the Almighty Devil’s master ‘design’ or master plan!? - No.
I am not a member of the Church of Satan, although I would have liked to have met Mr. Anton Lavey. He seemed to have his thing going good for him & he always had hot ladies around the house.
I use the term ‘Evil’ in my name in a more ironic way. Evil that is dreamt up in the minds of suburban moms who find the ‘Diary of a Madman’ record under their daughter’s bed. The Evil that is used to describe youth gone wild that are loose running in the streets, this is the evil I enjoy.
I think that people need to look towards the Three Stooges to see the actual divine plan. One Stooge represents God, One Stooge represents the Devil & One Stooge represents Man. You must look deep inside yourself to choose which is which & learn from this.
I have gained much information & influence from this blue print of the Three Stooges.

JC- What lead you to designing and were you determined from the beginning to get involved with toys?
MCA: I always have drawn pictures ever since I can remember. I learned to draw from my grandfather; not in an academic way, but just from observing and drawing with him. It was just a thing that I never stopped doing. As far as becoming a ‘designer’ - I dunno, I just still do what I always did, draw goofy characters & stuff. Once they get applied to record covers, t-shirts or toys – now you’re a designer. As far as having a determination to design toys from the get-go – no. I had no clue I would ever get the opportunity to design my own toys. One day I got an email from Toy2R & that was my starting point. Designing toys has been the most fun I’ve had in the ‘design’ world, it’s pretty awesome when a box of your newest toys comes in the mail & you get to rip it open and hold the finished piece.

JC- I remember we spoke about your "Simian Show", is the ape based on a real life person or is it a representative of an idea?
MCA: The ‘Simian Nation?’ show in Boston was at a shop/gallery called The Lab. I just wanted to do a show all based around my Evil Ape character. As far as the ape being based on an actual person, not really: more of a big mix. I do think artists put themselves into their work & I do like giving people a dead stare now & again, but that’s where the similarities end.. I think. We’re all monkeys anyways – right? So take your pick.(It would have been great to have Billy Barty do the voice in an Evil Ape cartoon, I picture an older Ape talking like that.)

MCA/Evil Design

Matt @drink and draw

Great session last night! Matt was a phenomenal model. He brought several costumes and came up with some great poses.

What have we been up to? find out on the drink and draw blog
Here is a calendar of the upcoming sessions --
10/16 – Matt O’Riley, 10/30 - Christine Allen: gesture intensive
11/13 – Seaman Sara, 11/27 - TBA
12/11 - Moira Meadows

Drink and Draw
is an open studio live model drawing session that meets every other Tuesday on the second floor of brillobox, located at 4104 penn ave, pittsburgh, pa. This session is relaxed, surprising, and inspiring. amazing models dressed in various themes, old timey music, great company, and decor. All mediums, except oils, welcome.

drink and draw
MySpace
brillobox
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900