Rust Wire's Big Urban Photography Project @ Brewhouse Friday, April 15

The volunteer run online mag, Rust Wire has put together a group show of photos taken by people across the so called "Rust Belt".

Rust Wire is proud to present The Big Urban Photography Project art show, featuring photographic interpretations of Rust Belt cities as seen through the eyes of their young residents. The show is the result of a multi-year collaborative media project that called on the region’s best documentary and fine arts photographers.

Over two years, we asked for open submissions of photography highlighting the unique blend of despair and hope in a number of cities. Dozens of amateur and professional photographers submitted images of Detroit, Youngstown, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Toledo, Cincinnati, Buffalo and others. The art show will allow us to share hold up the best work as a tribute to the region.

The Brew House, 2100 Mary Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, will host the
exhibit.

More info on Rust Wire.

Brew House Website

The Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Opening
Friday, April 15 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Gallery does not have regular hours but is open by appt.

I think the semi plan here is to do a number of shows around the region as the project evolves and grows.

Brew House troubled waters

Before I moved to my current spacious, if somewhat marginal, studio, I was creating my work at the Brew House on Pittsburgh's Southside. I was a member for five years. Hmm. Maybe six years. It was a small studio, but it was the first time that I had ever had a studio outside of a spare bedroom. I met some wonderful people there and I still keep in touch with my Barely Brunch partners.

Over the past two weeks, there have been a lot of rumors about the imminent demise of the organization and the disbandment of the artists that reside and work there.

The Brew House organization has been quiet, at least until just now --

On September 4, 2009, The Brew House Association, Inc. (BHA) received a letter from the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection (BBI) citing various code violations that force BHA to vacate its building effective September 19, 2009.

The BHA hopes that this is a temporary setback in what has been a long-term rehabilitation project of a home for artists and arts organizations. “The Board of Directors of the Brew House fully intends to comply with the City and current building codes to create a safe and livable building that can continue serving the City of Pittsburgh for years to come,” states Tim Kaulen, President of the BHA's Board of Directors. From the Brew House site.

To be frank, the building is in horrendous shape. The organization's statement declares that $50k is needed to address the remaining code violations. Maybe. It needs a lot more to make it habitable instead of just a squat. But listen, the artists currently in residence will be completely unhomed without some intervention. I think it's going to take a concerted effort to save this behemoth. Not just what can be raised through individual donations, although that would definitely help. I don't know what the solution will be for this organization or for the property that they are trying to maintain. But if somebody out there has some ideas, maybe you can pass them on to the Executive Director, Andie Sharp. You can reach her at asharp@brew-house.org.

Pittsburgh Art Events: 4/24-27/09.

This weekend there’s a time management workshop on offer down at Duquesne. I’m not going to offer you the details, but I will have you know that this talk would have been useful for fitting in all of the great events happening over the next several days. There’s so much to do that you probably won’t have time to listen to a lecture about scheduling. But if you find yourself amenable to the suggestion, have a quick scan over my picks…

Friday

To be honest, I have no idea whether or not the seasonal Downtown Gallery Crawl has morphed into this thing called “One Night Stand”… but it sure seems like the Cultural Trust is in the mood for a makeover. Several galleries in the Golden Triangle are hosting receptions with live entertainment on Friday, and it might be an efficient use of your time to drive around for 45 minutes or so and look for a proper parking spot. Mary Mack will be spinning to a backdrop of Czech photos at SPACE, Netherlands-based Telcosystems will appear to support the “at times visually violent, sonically extreme and physically intimidating” art displayed at Wood Street, and there will be spoken word by Brian Francis at Future Tenant. Apparently there’s an after party at Remedy in Larryville. It all (and more) gets underway at 7:30PM.

Perhaps you missed Tim Kerr’s opening at Zombo Gallery (4900 Hatfield Street) a few weeks ago? The closing is Friday from 6PM to around 10PM (or so). Take your time and read the words on his paintings. It seems like a bit of a risky choice to write directly on your visual work. But in this case, I found it rather inspiring.

The Brew House Distillery program annually offers emerging artists six-month residencies at their facility on 2100 Mary Street in the South Side. Stop by at Space 101 (from 7-11PM) for the opening reception starring the latest batch of home-grown creators. Just get out of that hood before the suburban tools start to flood in with their cheap beer piss and whiskey-muscles.

Friday/Saturday

My buddy Tom Henry is performing his wryly wacky form of comedy at the Improv in Homestead for a three night stretch (starting Thursday @ 8PM, with shows @ 8PM and 10PM on Fri and 7PM and 9PM on Sat), opening for national comic T.J. Miller. It’s $15 per show, plus money enough for the two drink minimum. Drop in and show support for the local jokester. If you don’t laugh at least once, then… well, um… then you’re a douchebag?!

Saturday

Ok, I haven’t really ridden a bike in years. But I do appreciate it when I see others doing so. That’s why I’m mentioning the pancake breakfast at the East Liberty Whole Foods on Saturday morning (8 AM). It’s $7, sponsored by the Community Design Center, and offers guests a chance to register for Pedal Pittsburgh. I can only speculate, but I imagine there’s nothing more pleasant than having a stomach full of griddle cakes expanding in your belly as you two-wheel up-and-down the hills of the ‘Burgh.

If you need to sit after your ride, stop by (11AM) at Fe Gallery in the L-Ville and find out “how art stuff happens” @ the Workshop for the Working Artist. It’s $5 (which should give you an essential clue in solving the thematic problem posed herein), and features local scenesters including Jennifer Baron, Susan Blackman, Eric Shiner, and T Foley. Then at 2PM you can check out the Ralph Munn Creative Writing Workshop, led by photo-essayist and memoirist Sandra Gould Ford, @ the Carnegie Library in Oakland. That one’s free.

Permit me to say that one of the major highlights this weekend should be the reception for the one-week run of CMU –grad Olga Brindar’s “Sketchbook Release: Moments and Minutiae” at the Panza gallery in Millvale (115 Sedgwick Street). I’ve been checking out her drawings for a few years now, and I’m excited for her first solo exhibition. Olga is a young artist who’s not afraid to put herself on display, and we are all the better off for it. It is imperative that you fit this into your Saturday agenda (6-9PM).

The aforementioned Remedy (5121 Butler St) is hosting an opening/reception (from 11PM-1AM) for their in-house muralist Emmeric Konrad. The theme is “Drawings Done in Bars & the Paintings They've Inspired”. Make sure to visit the dining room and learn what his art does for your appetite(s). Have their fine cooks make you somethin’ good while you are at it. I recommend most everything.

Saturday/Sunday

Art all Night, Pittsburgh’s premiere non-juried visual and auditory extravaganza starts at 6PM on Saturday night and runs until Sunday @ 2PM. It’s a Lawrenceville annual tradition, and takes place at the Red Warehouse (3510 Smallman Street) this year. According to the “official” numbers, last year saw 810 participating artists and attracted over 10,000 guests. Get there early for parking and refreshments. And if you want to display your work, drop off is Saturday afternoon (Noon-4PM). See the website for all the details you need. And yes… it’s all free.

The Distillery Program @ The Brew House

The Distillery Program has reached its third year. There is definitely a need for this type of program in Pittsburgh; a mentoring program that assists artists, through an immersive program, to reach progressive levels in their career development. Unfortunately, the Brew House site is under construction, so I pulled the following statement from their MySpace page. Yes, I did edit it a little. It hasn't been updated since its inception three years ago --

The Distillery Program at the Brew House Association, in its third year, is a program that acts as a stepping-stone for participants as they move towards new phases of artistic production and career development. The program addresses the current need for relevant career/professional development opportunities related to the arts as well as exhibition opportunities, and support for working artists by providing individuals with a supportive and dynamic arena in which to pursue studio practice, career development, and an exhibition opportunity in the SPACE 101 gallery.

The artists in this edition of the Distillery program have been very dynamic, seeking out and procuring additional exhibit opportunities. Last fall, the group put together an exhibit at 937 Liberty that was really consistent. It was a prelude to what could be an excellent culminating exhibit at Space 101. From the Facebook event page --

QUESTION / What happens when five artists at different ages and stages in their art making processes come together for a six month residency that provides shared affordable studio space, guest speakers from different domains of the art world and mentoring support?

ANSWER / Wiser artists emerge with new works of art that are ready to be unveiled and shared with the community at large.

The exhibit should be worth seeing. However, gallery hours are a little limited so plan accordingly.

The Distillery Program Season 3 Exhibition
2008-2009 Resident Artists
· Stephanie Armbruster
· Rose Clancy
· Matthew Liam Conboy
· Anna E. Mikolay
· Aubrie Sell

Space 101
The Brew House
2100 Mary St.
Pittsburgh PA 15203
EXHIBIT DURATION / April 24th through May 22.
GALLERY HOURS / Wed. & Thurs. 6-9pm, Sat. 12-6 pm
ARTIST TALK /Saturday, May 16, 5-7 PM
412-381-7767

On Tap @the Brew House

On Tap: Brew House Cabaret
The Brew House is bringing together diverse performing artists from New York City and the Pittsburgh area in an
exciting and eclectic evening of dance, music, and theatre. Featuring --

Smokifantastic

Rage of the Stage Players

Zafira Dance Company

July 20 and 21, 2007 at 8 pm both nights. Admission is $10.
The Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
412-381-7767

BARE III @ SPACE 101

SPACE 101 Gallery
The Brew House Association
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
412-381-7767

BARE III


SPACE 101 Gallery will be exhibiting BARE III. The exhibit takes place from June 8, 2007 – June 30, 2007. A free opening reception will take place from 7:00-10:00pm on June 8.

With a strong desire for better realism, the artists of the Renaissance began an intense study of the human body. Adopted by academies throughout Europe, using models became the traditional path taken by artists throughout the ages. Drawing from the figure continues to be at the center of visual art study.

In fact, figure drawing sessions are increasing in numbers in Pittsburgh and other cities. The sessions provide a community for professional artists and dedicated enthusiasts to come together and share vision and technique. Drop in model sessions, like Barely Brunch, are an opportunity to hone sight as well as drawing.

Once each month, for several years here at The Brew House, a group of people of all ages, from all walks of life have been coming together (in rain, snow, sleet, and sunny picnic weather) to draw the figure. A retired secretary, a practicing physician, college instructors, students in transition, graphic designers, illustrators, arts administrators, and even an attorney draw, paint, and even sculpt together. Using various techniques and methods, they indulge in an age-old tradition in an attempt to hone their skills, to capture the essence of the human form, to relax, and just to enjoy themselves.

Each one has selected a few special pieces done in these sessions over the years, as well as some successful gesture drawings, shown informally in the small gallery. The Brew House Association will be exhibiting work produced during the Barely Brunch open model sessions in June 2007. The model sessions are held in various sites throughout the Brew House and are open to all ages, mediums (except photography) and skill levels. The exhibit will take place in the SPACE 101 Gallery located on Pittsburgh’s Southside.

Artists
Pat Barefoot
Olwyn Best
Rich Brown
Susan Constanse
Steve Dines
Kristen Divers
Jon Fesz
Jill Fisher
Fran Fredrick
Kim Freithaler
Karen Hartman
Silvia McGavin
Seth Rich
Nancy Schuster
Paula Simon
Jenine Smith
David L. Smith
Heidi Wettlaufer
…and others

Models models everywhere!

on January 21 at --

The Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Barely Brunch
Two models, $15
1-4PM, doors open at 12:30PM
contact: barelybruch@yahoo.com or 412-969-7689
All mediums, except photography! We have tables and chairs but very few easals. Brunch and coffee supplied.

on January 22 at --

space
Hey all! - the first official Open Model Session is about to take place at 4823 Penn Ave. Bring $10 and any media - model, music, beverages, a couple of easels, tables, chairs, perfect lighting and an air of creativity - The session is from 7-9 on Monday Jan. 22..... a classic session......i.e. "in the buff" - please spread the word! Hope to see you on the 22nd!
contact: Carolyn at carolynwenning@mac.com

on January 23 at --
briilobox dirnk & draw
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900
6-9pm
$10
drinkies!
door prizes!
and Lucky LeRoy!
This is a costumed model session. Lucky LeRoy will be wearing a lovely peacock dress...All mediums welcome except oils and photography. Tables, chairs and a very relaxed atmosphere. contact brilloboxdrinkanddraw@yahoo.com or check out our MySpace