Pittsburgh Art Events 3/19-20/10

Atypically for the middle of the month, there are some art-related events to enjoy this weekend. Unfortunately for those on tight budgets, a few of the best things happening cost money.

Friday

The Mattress Factory is unveiling work from a handful of artists who have completed residencies at the museum. Karl Burke, Rhona Byrne, Brian Griffiths, Bea McMahon and Dennis McNulty (all from either London or Britain) are all included. Mark Garry and Georgina Jackson are the curators. The reception for the show (7-9PM), entitled "Nothing is Impossible" costs $10 to attend.

Meanwhile Manchester Craftsmen's Guild is having their annual fund-raising event. There will be over 100 pieces of art in various mediums from 80 artists, as well as food and music. "Table of Elements 2010" runs from 5:30-8:30. It'll cost you $30 at the door.

CMU offers "wats:ON? Festival 2010: Adventures In Virtuality", an interdisciplinary festival featuring artist who work in both analog and digital media. You can read all the details about this multi-day extravaganza HERE. And if you do make your way over to the fancy college,stop by at the Miller Gallery for the Carnegie Mellon MFA Thesis Exhibition. The reception runs from 6-8PM. To my knowledge, these events should all be free.

Finally, Melwood Filmmakers highlights the work of Heather Joy Puskarich with an opening from 6-9PM. "My Deviant Muse: Photographic Imagery in Glass" sounds fairly self-explanatory. Let this Texan show you what "Kilnforming" is all about.

Saturday

Come back over to Oakland for the Black Maria Film Festival at the aforementioned Melwood Filmmakers. Every year I have the best intentions of checking out the "most prestigious annual touring festival of independent film and video". Hell, it's even 'cutting edge'! It starts at 7:30 PM, and you'll even have the chance to meet the founder.

If you still have energy on Saturday night, stop by the Meter Room for the "Re-Model Gala" (7PM). It's a fashion show displaying belly-dancer apparel and accessories made from recycled materials. Of course you'll see these costumes in action, worn by the members of Tribe of Azhar. Featured designers include John Ross, Marcel Walker, Bella Bloom, Phillipe Velasquez, and Beth Steinberg. Suggested donation is $10.