Images Of Swoon's Swimming Cities Of Switchback Sea

I've been meaning to post these photos I was able to take last September of Swoon's wonderful floating city and her collaborative intstalation at Deitch Projects. Better very late than never.You can see how she reused many of the print images one see's on the walls in Pittsburgh as well as in her amazing instalation at the Mayor's house in Braddock.Deitch's LIC space is absolutely huge, giving Swoon a freedom she has rarely had before to create elaborate instalation interiors.

I was not able to get too close to the Junk boats docked outside but here are some shots looking into the late afternoon sun setting on the East River.They may give one some idea of what the Venice Junk City might look like close up.

Threaded Line @ 709 Penn Gallery

from Lee Renninger's site --

Sous Ses Jupes is a metaphorical piece-one that seeks to reveal a complex, hidden layer beneath the larger, overlay of French history and culture. In this work, the bodice is made in a style that was popular during the reign of Marie Antoinette-a complex period of splendor and violent upheaval. The porcelain flowers as well as the gold thread, blue embroidery and white “tulle” all represent archetypal elements of France's cultural achievements-achievements that have been its real gift to the rest of the world. What lies beneath the skirts, though, is a different story.

These materials—a web of raffia and paper, red and brown and black—are earthy and ethnic as well as transient and coarse. They reflect the gritty and passionate, colorful and dangerous aspects of these ?other? cultures—hiding just beneath France's perfect skirts.

What struck me when I walked into the gallery was the overwhelming beauty of the work. I'm glad that I took the time to look up the artist's site to find this explanation. A friend relayed to me that the colored papers that embellish the skirt are actually pastry wrappers. In the context of the above statement, the wrappers take on a different meaning, especially when applied to the couture of Paris.

The works at 709 Penn are lovely, as are the works on Renninger's site.

Threaded Line
Lee Renninger
709 Penn Gallery
709 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Gallery Hours:
Tues - Fri: 12-8PM
Sat: 12-6PM

9th Annual Anniversary Exhibition @Boxheart

Well, timing is everything. I saw the Boxheart exhibit about two weeks ago. I didn't post about it last week because I wanted to talk about Three Rivers Arts Festival and I thought this show would be longer. My bad! In looking at Boxheart's site, I realized that this show is ending on Saturday.

Boxheart's Anniversary show is a great way to get to know the gallery's artists. The range in the exhibit is wide but they have one thing in common; they are excellent. Boxheart doesn't carry something for everyone, even with the range that is exhibited. You won't find Pennsylvania landscapes. Rather, you'll find contemporary, formal works next to expressionistic outsider works. That's a helluva range when viewed together.

There were several really wonderful works that I was drawn to at the exhibit, mostly formal abstracts --

Joshua Hogan


Brenda Stumpf



Keith Garubba


Joren Dykstra


May 26 - June 20, 2009
9th Annual Anniversary Exhibition
Boxheart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
F. 412 687 6338
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

Swoon Junk Boat City Floating Into Venice

Here are images of The latest mad, free form floating Junk boat city led by the artist, Swoon as it floats into Venice--to gate crash the Venice Biennale!!

"This week, Swoon, a 31-year-old Brooklyn artist whose name is Caledonia “Callie” Curry, is leading a waterborne invasion of the Venice Biennale (she didn’t bother to try to get in officially) with a crew of 30 artists, musicians, and miscreants in tow. Though they have raised some $150,000 for this crash party, the money won’t show in the boats they’ll travel in, because the boats are made of trash—a symbol of the freedom that comes with radical self-reliance, and one that is meant to effect change. “Throughout history, pranksters have been looking at fences and then pushing them aside,” Swoon has said (the name came to an ex-boyfriend in a dream, in which he imagined her future as a graffiti artist long before her career began). “Through action, you can move the perception. It’s almost like a magic trick.”"



Oh yes they are "Art Stars Now", but I think most of the root energy remains.



I think I always latched on to the anarchist,utopian nature of their projects, which are designed to push the border between what's possible,allowable, safe and unsafe. This line is where IMO, all true art lies as well as all real human progress and fun.

Will-it work?
Will it float?
Can we work together?
Will we kill each other?
Is it worth it?
Will we die?
Is it art?
Is it Ugly?
What is Ugly?
Who says's so?
Is it Beautiful?
Who says's so?
Is it finished?
Is it ever finished?
Is it about the journey?
Is it about the destination?
Is it just about us?
Is it important?
To me?
To others?
Who decides?


EMBED-BURNcast.TV #44 - A Conversation with Chicken John (Part 2) - Watch more free videos

Chicken John, talks about stuff like that here.

Obviously, in a world in which too many think the freedom to make these choices and decisions shouldn't be allowed- Swoon's gentle transgressions have become more and more special.

Small Interruption

We interrupt this Depression for a moment.

Connie Cantor Exhibit "Scribbling for Dummies" at Moxie Dada through 6/20. DO NOT MISS

Connie Cantor has an outstanding, compelling and RICH series of new abstract works at Moxie Dada. For a quick preview go here:

http://www.conniecantor.com/Image.asp?ImageID=603346&AKey=JK235NVB

Bear in mind that the photos, while quite good, cannot convey the subtle texture, color and layering in these pieces.

I have already seen the exhibit twice.

If you love painting, do not miss this!

Hours are: moxie DaDA 1416 Arch Street / Fri 4-7 / Sat 12-6 PM / Sun 12-5

The gallery will also be open next Saturday for an event:

Championship Scribbling
When: Saturday, June 20, 7 pm
Where: Moxie Dada Gallery 1416 Arch St. (near Mattress Factory)
What: PITTSBURGH'S NEWEST TEAM SPORT! (a.k.a. "people doing weird things with pens")
Think you can scribble? Come play or watch.
Its the Olympics of mark-making where anything can happen: Bring a team of 4 scribblers or join a team when you get here: Jerks on Paper, The Wet Doodles, Jackson Pollock 4, The Grateful Lead...(you get it)
---Make art by walking (and running) around.
---No talent is needed! (trust me)
---Win prizes, star in the YouTube video, take home the SUPER ScribBOWL TROPHY!
---Players: age 15+ (no kids)
---Prizes courtesy of Artist and Craftsmen Supply.
EASY SIGN-UP: email your name(s) to connie@conniecantor.com Indicate if you're bringing a team of 4, or wish to be put on a team.
FREE! (munchies and beer by donation)
The event marks the closing of the show "Scribbling for Dummies: new works by Connie Cantor"

SCRIBBLE FEST @ moxie DaDa

Guest post by Christine Whispell


Have you HEARD of EXTREME SCRIBBLING? HAVE YOU? I mean what is it? Who does it and what do they do it on? Connie Cantor has truly lost her marbles with this idea... she intends to challenge you to make your mark, marks and remarks at her mark making event of the year! The first-ever (well, for Pittsburgh at least) SCRIBBLE FEST is being held SATURDAY, JUNE 20 @ 7 PM.

Connie plans on creating teams of scribblers who will rise to the challenge of good, clean?, just for the hell of it, FUN. or well, for the TROPHY... or some prizes donated by Artist and Craftsmen Supply or a chance to be on YouTUBE. There are 6 games planned:
"HANDS OFF!", "DOODLE COUTURE", "TEAM BONDAGE", "ERASER WARS", "BUDDY BATTLES", & the "GREAT SCRIBBLEFEST RELAY"
SO FAR there are 13 scribblers registered and she is looking for more... REGISTER by emailing: moxie@moxiedada.com or CALL 412.682.0348 & leave your name, email & phone number.

WHY IS SHE DOING IT? Connie's exhibit at moxie DaDA gallery, northside, explores her unconscious thought put to paper... her squiggles, scrapes and countless marks come together to produce large scale abstract works. Those familiar with her previous work will find it difficult to recognize her new works... her ability to create fearlessly and without fore planning has enabled Cantor to produce a unique, compelling body of work for her exhibit "scribbling for dummies".

TO PARTICIPATE OR MAKE REMARKS:
moxie DaDA / 1416 arch street / 412.682.0348 / moxiedada.com
7 PM, Saturday, JUNE 20.

Pittsburgh Weekend Events: 6/12-13/09.

I realize that most prideful 'Burghers are likely to focus on the fortunes of their beloved Pens this weekend, and believe me... as far as vicarious pleasures of the sporting nature, I can think of few better than NHL hockey. Having said that, don't forget that you have many opportunities to engage in much more direct amusements, and on a much more intimate scale. For instance...

Friday

Local arts collective Unicorn Mountain is having the reception for a group show of participating artists, featuring many stellar works including those of rising star Elina Malkin. It all goes down at the Steve Mendelson Gallery (5874 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside) between 5:30-8:30. Participants include Jon Carling, Bill Wehmann, Jeff Schreckengost, Masha Vereshchenko, Ian Finch, David Grim, Christopher Kardambikis, Jenifer Cooney, Ben Kehoe, Beano, Christopher Cornwell, Tom Hall, Katherine Young, Amy Conroy, Brian Holderman, Laura Jean McLaughlin,
Paul Roden, and Valerie Lueth.

Continue the swank by making a hop to the North Side for the Urban Garden Party fundraiser at the Mattress Factory. Gourmet food, drinks, entertainment, artwork, and this year's "rock theme" should justify the exorbitant admission price. Besides you'll just feel cooler if you are there, rather than sitting at your local neighborhood bar doing whiskey shooters and talking about how great it feels to piss in a public sink (not that I know anyone who has ever done such a thing).

If you feel some pressing need to head downtown, stop by the SPACE gallery for "Smoke and Mirrors". Check out this roster- Cory Arcangel, Matt Barton, Chris Bearegard, Robin Brasington, Jacob Ciocci, Olivia Ciumo, Thad Kellstadt, Ladyboy, Guthrie Lonergain, Spencer Longo, Eileen Maxson, Jesse Jamaica McLean, Alex Miller, Jae Ruberto, Mike Smith, Scotty Vera, Jeffrey Vulture, John Daniel Walsh and David Wightman. Too bad I'm gonna miss this one. Also see ArtUp's "Homeland Insecurity" (937 Liberty, 8PM, $10).

And in the South Side (for the real masochists), Sam Thorp will be showing her latest work under the title "Adjournment" (7:30-11PM) @ The Rex (1602 East Carson). I've always enjoyed the clean lines and bright pallette of her portraits.

Saturday

If you want a window into the vast diversity of celebratory options in Pittsburgh, consider visiting the Cultural District on Liberty Avenue in glorious downtown for "Pride in the Streets"- a block party featuring DJs, food, and fierce fun. That gets underway at 7Pm, and costs a mere $20. Jennifer Holliday headlines, and while I don't know who that is, I am assured that she is famous, and honey... that's all that matters.

Or for a completely different scene, check out the free opening for Warhol Live at the Andy Warhol Museum (competing at the 7PM slot). This show focuses on the themes of music and dance in the great one's work. Also, you get a chance to see Dean and Britta (of the band Luna) for a very reasonable $10.

2009 Three Rivers Arts Festival

Three Rivers Arts Festival began on Friday June 3. The last day is Sunday June 14. Yes, it is a much shorter festival. In some ways, it is also smaller than the festivals in the past. This year, the festival guide includes a number of venues outside of the festival grounds and in the Cultural District. Missing is the juried exhibit, which was held last year in a series of shipping containers. New for this year was Three Rivers Arts Festival Gallery Co-Op, located at 901 Penn Ave. I think this a smashing idea. The venue houses a sampler of twelve Pittsburgh galleries with each gallery representing a few of their gallery artists. A full listing of the galleries is available on the festival website. There is a lot of good work hung in that one small space.

Morgan Conetemporary Glass had a piece by Paul Nelson (Teapot, right) that I thought was nice. Also, it photographed really well. I know, that's a bit of a cop out. But really, I'd rather show you a good image of a good work than a really bad image of better work. Glass is difficuklt to photograph. There were several pieces that were utterly amazing. You will jst have to go down to the venue or, better yet, actually go to Morgan Contemporary Glass.



You can see more of Jason Schorr's work at moxie DaDa. This was actually a pretty large work. I don't know as it really translates well here.



This next pairing of V. Mann's is from Boxheart.



Modern Formations brought this work by Taya Hanauer. This work reminded me so much of my good friend's, Pat Barefoot.



Okay, I am very excited about this venue idea. I think that Pittsburgh galleries are a really important part of the scene here and are the best suporters of local artists. Here's the thing that I thought was questionable. The galleries involved in this space are not allowed to make sales from this space. Let me repeat that; the. galleries. are. not. permitted. to. make. sales. I don't know who came up with this idea, BUT here it is. If a patron wishes to purchase a work, he must put his name on a list. At the end of the festival, the galleries are permitted to contact the individuals that have expressed an interest in purchasing a work and the gallery closes the sale off site. Really? Really? The chances of a gallery closing a sale after the fact like this is slim to none. That actually happened to me at one of the downtown, Cultural District, galleries. The gallery attendant collected the interested party's contact info and handed it over to me. I couldn't get past the guy's secretary. Lost the sale. Okay, excuse the mini-rant. Getting back to this venue, it is definitely a great way to showcase the city's galleries. Hopefully, with one little change, the Three Rivers Arts Festival will continue with this concept in 2010.

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The Three Rivers Arts Festival woldn't be complete without the Artist Market. There have been more booths in past festivals. That doesn't mean the quality was less; to the contrary, works on display were really good. Photography, jewelry, ceramics and leather were all well represented. And really, who doesn't like sock monkeys, penguins and Frankenstein's monster? Greg Stones (image above) feels the same way. Sweet little watercolors; his booth was just fun!

The festival continued with its Emerging Artist booths, another great idea that gives artists who might otherwise not have participated a chance to present.

First up, Kat Cole. Kat has shown her work in several exhibits in Pittsburgh and had some work in Luke & Eloy's Double Vision exhibit. It is too late to see Kate's work at the festival since June 9 was her last day. But if you get a chance, see some of her work before she leaves for graduate school. She does have work at Eastside Gallery.



Another newcomer to the festival is Crystala Armagost, an amazing artist. Check out her nearly-bare booth (below). She had a good week and sold quite a few of her framed works during the five days that she was at the festival. Unfortunately, June 9 was her last day at the festival, too. But you can catch Crystala's work out and about town, too.



I am absolutely positive that I missed some favorite artists while I was at the festival yesterday. Since it IS the Three Rivers Arts Festival, OF COURSE it rained; it comes with the territory. Some artists closed their booths during the downpour and I can't blame them. Kyle Fischer had a booth, as well as Amber Coppings. But have no fear! There is a whole new slate of artists scheduled for June 10-14. The line up looks pretty amazing. You can see representative images on the Artist Market page on the festival site. Although they provide listings by date and medium, they don't provide an alphabetized list. They do, however, have a printable booth map which will be very helpful in tracking down a favorite artist.

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Sarver's Bait and Tackle is in a category of its own. Part installation, part performance space, it is an enjoyable stop in the Cultural District.



A friend and I watched a short video piece playing in the back of the space, located at 905 Penn Ave. If you stop in to see the installation or check out a fish puppet show, make sure that you take friend into this little two-seat theater to see the video. We giggled like mad women. You can find out more about the activities scheduled at Sarver''s Bait and Tackle on the festival site.

For a full schedule of festival events, check out their website.

June Unblurred on Penn Ave

You better get yourself a cup of coffee. This is going to be a long one. First stop - Spak Brothers





Spak Brothers is a Pizza place on Penn Ave. Great pizza. I stopped in to see if they had a schedule for Unblurred. I really liked these smal enameled pieces, kinda old school tag. Actually, I was on my way to Artica, which is directly across the street. The show LESS IS MORE: AN EXHIBITION OF ART UNDER 12"X12", included some of my miniature works, like the ones below --



Also included at Artica was the work of Michelle Gregio, pictured below. Really, you kinda have to go in and see this. It was just such a great piece of fantastical work. ARTica, ART GALLERY & ANTIQUES - 5110 PENN AVE. 412-596-6521 Artica is open most Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm or by appointment.



Most Wanted Fine Art had a really great pairing for June. JR Holt and Frank Knezevich present entirely different works. Mr. Holtz paints these really luscious works on glass while My Knezevich creates string instruments from cigar boxes. Most Wanted is located at 5015 Penn Ave. I believe the gallery is by appointment only. 570-971-1584.





The last time I was on Penn Ave, work was still being done on this building. It didn't appear to be open for Unblurred, but maybe sometime soon. I found this description --

To create The Irma Freeman Art Center, as a community center for the arts in the district of Garfield. Our plan is to renovate an existing building as an art center using green resources and recycled materials as much as possible. The Irma Freeman Art Center will be an art educational center and gallery (and performance venue) with a resident artist studio apartment. Read more

David Grim's new works of the Eastern Penitentiary were very moving. The works were soft, indicating the gritty decay and fading appearance of the facility. My camera didn't really capture his images. From what I understand of David's process, the effects are produced with the camera settings; he does not "shop" these images on the computer. In all, a departure and evolution for the artist. Vanishings at IMAGEBOX - 4933 PENN AVE.



Benedict Oddi has a solo exhibit at Modern Formations. I liked his work the first time I saw it at Luke & Eloy. He had several new and larger works for this exhibit. If you can, make it up to the gallery for a viewing. Well worth the trip.

THE TRUTH IS MADE: ARTWORK OF BENEDICT ODDI
MODERNFORMATIONS GALLERY & PERFORMANCE SPACE - 4919 PENN AVE.

Pittsburgh Art Events: Weekend of 6/5-6/2009.

This weekend arts summary is going to be a rush job, as I still have too much to do to prepare for my own obligations. Speaking of which- there is some unavoidable self-promotion about to happen, so bear with me...

Friday

Go to Unblurred (of course). For some reason, the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative schedule page is down and has been all day... so I suggest you juat show up somewhere along Penn (between Garfield and Friendship) and grab yourself a schedule. Make sure to stop at the Sprout Fund headquarters (5423 Penn, 5:30PM) for their annual social, visit ARTica (5110 Penn, where my friend Susan Constance is displaying some of her fine work). and come say "Hi!" to me at Imagebox (4933 Penn). Other highlights include Benedict Oddi at Modern Formations and Joey Kennedy at 5427 Penn.

Or alternatively, go on down to the opening of the Three Rivers Arts Festival. It will be jam-packed with sweaty cornballs eating fried foods and screaming kids with ice cream dripping down their chins. Seriously though- The Black Keys are playing for free, and (believe me) you'll have plenty of fun finding a place to park. If you do venture forth, you must see Tom Sarver's new installation, entitled "Bait & Tackle". It's great to have him back in the 'Burgh for the summer, while he's got a break from his fancy NY MFA program. Also, pop in at 937 Liberty for an AAP group show, and dig some pieces by my buddies Rick Byerly and Mia Tarducci Henry.

Saturday

Moxie Dada (1416 Arch Street, the North Side) has an opening reception for artist Connie Cantor's "Scribbling for Dummies", starting at 6PM. I don't know what crazy stuff she has planned, but Cantor has been laboring on the local arts scene for decades, and I'm certain that whatever she puts up will be worth looking at.

You should also plan on spending some time at the Zombo Gallery to see Eric Luden's latest batch of illustrative gems. Personally, I haven't missed one of his shows at the gallery yet, and I don't intend to start now. Busty chicks, gritty lizard-like con men, etc... who wouldn't want to take a gaze at that sort of thing? It's called "Chicks and Beer", and the opening runs from 6-10PM. There's also photography by Laura Petrilla, which I find fascinatingly odd, since our good ol' Michael D. insists that shutter-buggery isn't "real art". Perhaps he's had an epiphany?

If you need something to do during the day, check out the new thrift stores along Butler in Lawrenceville. Don't let the new crop of would-be hipsters get all the good stuff.

Unblurred previews

I know I keep beating this drum, BUT... about the only time you can be sure of seeing the exhibits on Penn Ave is if you go to the first Friday Unblurred event. The full schedule for the event is posted; following are the shows I have every intention of visiting. Check back for an update next week.



Back in January, Benjamin Oddi had a solo exhibit at the incomparable Luke & Eloy Gallery. Opening this Friday is his solo exhibit at Modern Formation. Definitely worth checking out.

Friday, June 5 | 7PM-10PM | MODERNFORMATIONS GALLERY & PERFORMANCE SPACE - 4919 PENN AVE.
THE TRUTH IS MADE: ARTWORK OF BENEDICT ODDI The desire for freedom, escape, and exploration influence the narrative of these oil paintings. Figures are placed in situations of anxiety and peril, intervened with traces of otherworldliness. The artist approaches his work through escapism related to utopian and dystopian philosophy but does not align with one thought or the other; he chooses to respond to both by using the nature of free will. Exhibit runs to July 24th. 412.362.0274



I am not sure that this photo is representative of David Grim's series on the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia, But it is a really good photograph. I'm sure the solo at Image Box will be wonderful.

Friday, June 5 | 7PM-10PM | IMAGEBOX - 4933 PENN AVE.
VANISHINGS Features previously unseen photography by David Grim. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States to study the newest advancements in prison technology. One of his stops was Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Please join us for a reception and images taken from that very location 178 years after his trip. 412.441.0930.



Full disclosure: I have some work in this exhibit at ARTica. Swing by, okay?

Friday, June 5 | 7PM-10PM | ARTica, ART GALLERY & ANTIQUES - 5110 PENN AVE.
LESS IS MORE: AN EXHIBITION OF ART UNDER 12"X12" This exhibition will leave you in awe of what can be made when someone has a small view of the world. Come see tiny fabric pastries, little landscapes and other diminutive works of art. Also make a dinky doodle for our Gallery-on-Demand. Enjoy food, music, and all the usual fun that comes from mingling with friends old and new. Need more? www.passportsart.blogspot.com

Pittsburgh Art Events: 5/29-30/09.

My apologies for not posting a weekend round-up here last week… I needed to get out of town, and I focused on preparing for that instead. But this weekend holds some surprises for you and yours, so grab a cup of coffee and peruse your options.

Friday/Saturday

While it’s true that I simply don’t go out to movies anymore, I feel compelled to mention a documentary film playing at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland (8PM, both Friday and Saturday). “New Muslim Cool” concerns a former drug dealer named Jason Perez, who formed a community of Muslims, and moved to Pittsburgh’s own North Side. I won’t belabor you with the details, but I do encourage you to read more about the film over on the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s website. There is a reception at 7PM on Saturday night.

Friday

At first I didn’t think anything art-related was going on this weekend, but my internet meanderings brought light to a number of events that I believe would be worth checking out.

If you are so inclined, you might want to check out “Comin at Ya ... Another 15 Minutes of Photos by Eric Holmes” at La Fond Gallery in the South Side (1711 East Carson St) sometime between 6 and 8PM. There are so few galleries left in this neighborhood that it’s pretty much off my radar anymore- but I know Holmes from back in the day, and I’d like to see him get a good turnout. He’s been a local supporter of Pittsburgh arts for years, and so y'all should return the favor.

On the Larryville tip, Fe Gallery (4102 butler St.) will host a reception for new works by local art school undergrads. It’s great to see this non-profit so active in the scene, and it’d be a shame if its productions weren’t well-attended. Go see “Grade A” some time between 7 and 9PM.

Fortunately for you and your tired dogs, your next destination is only a few yards from Fe. Your Inner Vagabond (4130 Butler St.) is having a “Granada Arts Education Project Benefit” featuring an art and poster exhibit, as well as bands (starting at 7P). The idea behind this thing is that teachers can integrate the arts into any subject area they teach. That’s good stuff I can get behind. Plus I do enjoy the venue AND Machete is one of the bands performing. If I wasn’t already committed to seeing another musical performance tomorrow night, this is where I would be.

Instead, starting at 10PM I’ll be over in the North Side at the New Hazlett Theater (6 Allegheny Square East). My buddy Slim Cessna is performing with his son George and local bass guitar hero Rob Loveclutch. Cessna’s been on a European tour with the Auto Club for the last couple of months, and it’s just a good feeling to know he’s back in town. If you haven’t seen his local combo (and you haven’t unless you were at the Zombo Galley in December), then you need to make an appearance. It’s an all ages show, but I implore you not to let that put you off- it’s only $3 stinkin’ bucks and there’s a bar area too.


Saturday

Occasionally the gall of local organizers, planners, and city functionaries is so prominent that I have to remember to breathe. Such is the case with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. They have planned a “Children’s Carousel Tea” to be held at Schenley Park at 11AM. Now, that’s all well and good until you consider the price tag- $25 per kid and $50 per adult. For that nominal fee, attendees are promised lunch, treats and rides on the Merry-Go-Round. Awesome. Global recession, anybody?!

Believe it or not, cheaper entertainment is to be had on Saturday evening. Panza Gallery (115 Sedgwick Street, Millvale) offers an opening reception for the works of three artists-
Mark McLaughlin, Gloria Dufresne, and Pat Lee. The hours for this event are 6-9PM.

Afterwards pay Gooski’s (3117 Brereton Street) in Polish Hill a visit, and support the “Art What You Got Benefit Show” (starting at 9PM). This annual arts festival is only in its second year, so get on board while it’s still hip. UkuLizzy, DJ Mary Mack, and folk-pop band Horse Or Cycle will be providing you entertainment for the mere price of $5.

Deconstruction Workers

I had mentioned last week that I was going to swing by for the opening of Penumbrae. I had a great conversation with Andre and Laurie about language, iconography and logographics with a smattering of journaling. Penumbrae is a continuing collaboration which will hopefully reach its next edition at another venue. Deconstruction Workers have mounted their own blog about the project. Their most recent post has some great installation shots of Construct 1.0. Following is a brief description from the artists about this collaborative effort --

PENUMBRAE

Deconstruction Workers (Andres Ortiz Ferrari and Laurie Trok) are opening their first collaborative installation this Saturday night at Monk’s (3634 Penn Avenue) from 7-11 PM.

Penumbrae :: Construct 1.0 explores the relationships between shadows and form by creating an environment filled with paper cutouts and stencils that ebb and flow through the space. Inspired by cave drawings, petroglyphs, and street art, the Deconstruction Workers weave iconic glyphic imagery through an endless web of contrast, evoking a primordial yet modern sacred space that changes and moves as the viewer finds their way through this other world. Filled with a parallel entanglement of lyriform sound, chaos finds its order.

Head over to Monk’s on Saturday and experience a space of partial illumination, as shadow covers, surrounds and obscures a dreamlike cosmos.

( $20 gets you a stencil of the artists’ choice when the show comes down next month! ) email ferrari.trok@gmail.com for details.

100 Bowling Pins by 100 Artists! @Arsenal Lanes

Hee! Okay, this was fun...



I swung by Arsenal Lanes last night to check out Art Goes Bowling. It was a lot of fun; re-purposed bowling pins were everywhere. One of the artists told me about the making of bowling pins and how, sometimes when they are deemed worn out, the inner core is basically pulverized. Little bit of trivia, there.

Anyway, the crowd and the show were a blast. It sounds like this is a yearly event, so when it rolls around next year, make sure you head over. Following is a blurb from Zombo about the exhibit --

"100 Bowling Pins by 100 Artist!" Yes, the second time we get 100 bowling pins out to ANY and ALL artist and have an Art Goes Bowling show at Arsenal Lanes in Lawrenceville. Come by Zombo Gallery or drop me an email to get your bowling pin to paint/sculpt/mosaic/etc. and sell it and pay no commission when it sells. The last show with pins was HUGE..don't miss it. The show is at Arsenal Lanes and features live entertainment, bowling and best of all your artwork!

Zombo Gallery
4900 Hatfield St.
Pgh, PA 15201
www.zomboworld.com
412-904-3703

And here's my favorites --



Laurenty Josep (This was really cool. The colored tubes were neon. Use your imagination, 'kay?)



Pete Moon



Masha Vereshchenko



Zombo



Gary Weiss



Jason Boone

pen-um-brae construct 1.0 @Monk's

You know, I think I'll swing by Monk's this Saturday. This looks like it could be pretty awesome. The artists, Andres Ortiz-Ferrari and Laurie Trok, have put together an album of installation shots that are intriguing. The work is loosely defined, but it seems to be for only one night. I'll bring back a report sometime next week. But in the meantime, see if the slideshow is enough to convince you to go. It convinced me.

Saturday, May 23, 2009
7:00pm - 11:00pm
MONK's
3634 penn avenue
Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Art Events: 5/15-16/09

Friday

The place to be tomorrow night is definitely Lawrenceville. Regular readers of my events updates probably shouldn’t be surprised by this. The L-Ville is firmly establishing itself as the most culturally diverse and stimulating neighborhood in the ‘Burgh.

Both The Framery (4735 Butler Street) and the Gallery on 43rd Street are having opening receptions. Elise Rugolo and Adrienne Borkowski are presenting their work at the former space, under the title “Traces of Light”. Rugolo makes mixed –media paintings and Borkowski is another among a large group of regionally-based assemblage artists. Meanwhile Diane Grguras is over on 43rd with a collection of pastel pieces.

After you’ve seen what you wanted at those locations, stop by the Fe Gallery @ 4102 Butler Street for their 5th Anniversary Celebration. Various artists (including yours truly) have donated their work to benefit this non-profit arts space. Reportedly, local luminaries like George Davis, Brian Holderman, and Rick Byerly have also chipped in to help. There will be a DJ (Kelly Carter of Milk Records), as well as refreshments at this party, so don’t whine about the $5 admissions fee. It jumps off at 8PM.

Saturday

There are a lot of yard and garage sales happening this weekend, so head on over to the Pittsburgh Craigslist and peep the listings. I’m not going to hip you to my intended destinations (don’t want the treasure-hunting competition, after all), but I am putting you on alert anyway.

Also, the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival will be held at the South Side Riverfront Park starting at 11AM on the 16th. They’ve got displays, music, dance, martial arts, food, art and textiles. And can you guess the common thread? Asian culture, of course. It’s free and you have no excuse to miss it.

Legacy: Kim Curinga @Box Heart

Erased 20" X 24", Digital Collage on Canvas

Kim Curinga's Legacy exhibit at Box Heart should go on your list of exhibits to see in May. I've seen Ms. Curinga's work before; this time, she is printing her large-scale digital works on canvas. On canvas, the works are even richer than on paper. The deeps appear deeper and there is a surprising amount of subtle undertones to the color.

I am partial to the figures in Legacy. From Box Heart's description --

... Curinga's work is a journey. It tells a story, has a history. It has to come from a personal place for her to create a piece. It will always be changing. It has to for her to keep creating. It may change from week to week. After a series is finished in her head, she is ready to move on. Curinga will stay on a series until she is tired of it, only to switch to another as her mood changes. But all series and styles are ultimately ongoing. Read more here

Yes, there is a sense of narrative to the work. But overwhelming the narrative is some pretty strong emotional content. The works presented from Curnga's Nude series are raw, unabashed and stark. Erased, pictured above, is one of the strongest from this series, providing a vector for self examination that most women might find uncomfortable to travel.

The exhibit is up through My 23.

Legacy
April 28 - May 23
Digital Paintings by: Kim Curinga
Box Heart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM

Arts funding in Pennsylvania

The Citizen's for the Arts in Pennsylvania recently mounted a campaign to recover funding for the arts in the state budget. From their email --

Late yesterday afternoon (May 6), the Pennsylvania Senate passed SB 850, which included zero funding for arts grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), by a 30-20 vote. ...

... We may have lost this battle but we haven't lost the war. On Monday, House Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans introduced the House budget bill (HB 1416) which includes $14 million for arts grants. The House will act on this piece of legislation later this month.

You can find out how your representative voted here. At the same time that the state budget was under discussion, President Obama approved a 4% increase in the National Endowment for the Arts in the federal budget. The Pennsylvania Council for the Arts and the the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation are both partners of the NEA and receive at least partial funding from the federal budget. These budgets will affect the 2010 fiscal year.

These funding streams affect larger projects, museums and cultural attractions. It also affects social and educational programs that are artist-driven. Although the funding that actually makes it into the pockets of art makers is a fairly small percentage of these budgets, the affect on the economy is far-flung. From the recommended letter to your state representative, offered by Citizen's for the Arts --

State support of nonprofit arts organizations is vital to preserving our rich cultural heritage but also important in creating a healthy economy in Pennsylvania. In a recent economic study done by Americans for the Arts, nonprofit arts organizations pump approximately $1 billion into the annual economy. That's an impressive return on an investment of only $14 million.

So, if you haven't already done so, contact your state representative. Make sure they know how important this issue is to you and your community.

Pittsburgh Weekend "Art" Events: 5/7-8/09.

If you were considering taking a roadtrip out of Pittsburgh, the upcoming weekend would be a nice time to do it. Not surprisingly (given the onslaught of diverse options last weekend) there isn’t a whole lot going on over the next couple of days. I suppose this will give you a convenient excuse to hang out with your mother. Just don’t mention the great abyss in the schedule to her, and it will be a pleasant surprise.

Anyway, I suppose it’s all for the good. I had a hell of a time narrowing the highlights a week ago. So here we go…

Thursday, Friday, Saturday

I don’t know much about dance, but I’m assuming the NewMOVES Contemporary Dance Festival at the Kelly-Strayhorn Performing Arts Center is worth a look-see over the next three days. From the little I’ve read about it, it seems to be an opportune chance to see a diverse selection of newer works by local choreographers. Dance Alloy, Attack Theater, Point Park and independents will all be represented. Check out the program HERE.

Friday

Every year the Mattress Factory calls in a guest curator to put together “Gestures: An Exhibition of Small Site-Specific Works”. This year is the 12th installment, and the pivotal figure behind it is Katherine Talcott. Previously Talcott was responsible for the Three Rivers Arts Festival visual arts program, and she has also selected work to show at the 937 Liberty Avenue Gallery downtown. There are 19 participating regional artists, including Kenny Marshall, Atticus Adams and Rise Nagin. It all happens at the annex (1414 Monterrey St.) from 7-9PM. It costs ten bucks (which seems a little steeper than usual) for the rabble, and free for Pitt and CMU students with ID.

If fundraisers are more your speed, you can check out two of them in the L-Ville Friday night. Both support the Lawrenceville Resource Fair and Community Celebration- an event to occur in the Allegheny Cemetery on the last Saturday of this month. The fun starts at the New Amsterdam (6-8PM), and continues at Remedy (10-2PM). These will cost you a few bucks for admission, but you’ll get the benefit of the sounds spun by local DJ superstars. No one’s asking for any super-sized sacrifices- do something for someone else for a change, and drink cocktails while you are at it.

Saturday

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wanted to see the inside of a modern-day operating room without a bunch of bloody victims lying around. You can get a chance at Allegheny General Hospital this Saturday at 8AM. This is presented in part by the Association Of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the national association committed to improving patient safety in the surgical setting. For more information, call (412) 359-3808 or (412) 782-5439. They are even going to let you ask questions!!

After that, you might as well take in some sun (and good luck with that, my friend… I DID suggest a road trip, didn’t I?). The 12th Annual all-day Friendship Flower and Folk Festival is happening Saturday starting at 11AM. There will be lots of plants for sale, demonstrations, music, food, and raffles (why does anyone think those are a major draw?). It all goes down at Baum Grove (400 Roup Avenue). Come and find a healthy way to brown your thumb.

In the evening (6-9PM), make sure to visit Shawn Farester’s exhibition opening of sculptural pieces at Moxie Dada in the North Side (1416 Arch Street). The stuff’s made from metal and inspired by nature and “his interest in medieval times.” And Matt will likely be behind the bar, which in and of itself should be a major draw

New director for the Carnegie Museum announced

Via Tyler Green, via the NYT --

The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh has named Lynn Zelevansky, who leads the contemporary art department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as its new director. Read the NYT announcement

Ms. Zelevansky has a really great list of publication credits to her name, as evidenced in this list on BestBookBuys. It should be interesting to watch what develops from this new appointment. Richard Armstrong was at the helm of the Carnegie Museum for a very long time.