North : A Comic Artists Guide To The North Side

Artist: Tom Scioli

Rob Rogers and all the funny, warped and twisted cartoonists and comic artists behind the Toonseum are hard at work with all kinds of projects, like the Drawn To The Summit Show @ The Warhol and now a Comic artist's guide to The North Side.

"The Northside has a new visitors guide, it’s free to the public and drawn by some of Pittsburgh's best cartoonists! The guide, called North, features short comic vignettes of great Northside destinations such as The Warhol, PNC Park, and The National Aviary. North offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to find new places to visit, or to be reminded of old favorites. The guide is available by request for personal use, or for mass distribution.

Funded by a grant from the Charm Bracelet Project, the ToonSeum partnered with 18 cartoonists (plus three writers) and 15 organizations to create a comprehensive visitors guide to the neighborhood.



Artist: Ed Piskor

Each artist covered a popular venue or historically rich area. After countless pen strokes and hours of researching, North is ready to launch. Distributed free of charge to Pittsburgh hotels, visitor’s centers, schools, and more, the guide will allow Pittsburghers new and old to enjoy the experience that is our Northside.Pittsburgh cartoonists gathered together to generously donate their talents to North. American Splendor contributor Ed Piskor, editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers, Paulette Poullet, and THE PLAIN JANES creator Jim Rugg are just a smattering of the talent involved in creating North."

To have North distributed at your place of business, or to learn about advertising space in future issues of North please e-mail Joe Wos at joe@toonseum.com.

"Our mission of the ToonSeum is to celebrate the art of cartooning. Our goal is to promote a deeper appreciation of the cartoonists and their work through hands-on workshops, community outreach, cartoon-oriented educational programming, and exhibitions or original cartoon art."

The Toonseum is coming soon to a spot downtown as a separate institution

Paula Poundstone @ Carnegie Music Hall Library In Homestead Tonight

Mostly, I'm doing this post about a comedian performing @ The Carnegie Library in Homestead because it's an excuse to mention the venue.

Any list of "must see" places in the Pittsburgh region would have to include a few of Carnegie's libraries in places like Braddock and Homestead. The term, "library", doesn't describe most of them well. These were really "community centers", and almost always included a gym, a library collection and reading room and a music hall or auditorium of some kind,usually built with the finest workmanship and design. Often they included showers for workers who didn't have them at home.

The Libraries demonstrate Carnegie's somewhat contradictory views towards his workers. As a boy who pulled himself up from poverty by his own bootstraps and lacked a lot of formal schooling, he valued self education and continuing learning. Likely, he felt most of his employees were not interested or destined to be more than "manual laborers", who needed to watched to keep them from drink and vice. But, at the same time, Carnegie felt there were some who would take to books and opportunity if it was offered and knew that his mills and the future of his company depended on finding, nurturing and promoting them.

The Libraries embody these values, combining a place for kids to exercise, be entertained, stay "off the streets" and away from "vice", and perhaps read if they were so inclined. I say, kids because very few of his workers would have had the free time or energy to enjoy the Library and might visit once or twice a year.

She is number 88 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time,[citation needed] and number 7 on Maxim's list of "Worst Comedians of All Time".[4]

Here's a nice article about the Restoration of The Homestead Library Reading Room, with images that give some idea of it's beauty.


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Any discussion of the region's revival, (the Mon Valley is hardly there yet.) should give credit to the deluxe assets left here by folks like Carnegie.



Here's Patti Smith @ The Homestead Library

More Things Happening This Weekend

It's happening more and more that Merge, doesn't catch a few of things that interest me with his weekend picks. Here are a few things that caught my eye, both on and off his list.

Friday

Parking Day Pittsburgh As part of a global event to both have fun, and increase awarness of the precious urban space used for car parking, activists, artists and others have set up mini parks in parking spaces.

I saw three parks in Oakland on Craig St, by Kiva Han and Caliban Books, and one in done by the Mattress factory downtown. Also, I think there are several others and keep an eye out for something called a parkcycle. What's going on in these parks? most have chairs and some kind of "grass", at least one has robot and Gigapan demos and one is selling cool clothes.

(Ooops, there was something that past! (I was gonna tell you about The Taste Of Lawrenceville benefit for FE )


The Warhol Opens Drawn To The Summitt

"Join us for the opening celebration of the Drawn to the Summit: A G-20 Exhibition of International Political Cartoons exhibition. The cartoons in Drawn to the Summit highlights the work of the leading cartoonists from the G-20 nations and provide an alternative perspective on G-20 themes such as the global economy and its impact on the environment, human rights, world trade, etc. The exhibition will be on view through October 18, 2009.">"Drawn to the Summit: A G-20 Exhibition of International Political Cartoons exhibition. The cartoons in Drawn to the Summit highlights the work of the leading cartoonists from the G-20 nations and provide an alternative perspective on G-20 themes such as the global economy and its impact on the environment, human rights, world trade, etc. The exhibition will be on view through October 18, 2009."

Merge mentioned the Dividing The Goose Show @ Future Tenant

Dividing the Goose will explore the role of fairy tales in shaping artistic creativity. We ask the artists, as well as the audience, to set aside abstract, conceptional notions of art and think back to their childhoods. Fairy tales served as ways of escapism, fueling our imaginations. They fascinated and frightened us. The lessons imparted to us from magic mirrors and big bad wolves were more real to us than reality. Some tales added a humorous dimension to our everyday lives. Fairy tales have endured countless interpretations through literature, film and art. It is the essence of their timelessness that allows us to never tire of them. The artists in Dividing the Goose will retell a fairy tale existence in a modern‐day world.




Saturday

Both Friday and Saturday, one can see short plays by local,regional and national playwrites generally performed by local companies in Mckees Rocks.

Pittsburgh New Works Festival is dedicated to fostering the development of original one-act plays. PNWF is an annual event. Each September, 12 new one-act plays are produced by different theater companies during the four weeks of the festival.

Cost: The cost is $10 for a single ticket per performance or $25 for a festival pass.


Main Festival – Week Two - September 17 to September 20

Down on Delancy
by Bret Sarlouis
Produced by McKeesPort Little Theater
Chai
by Robert Isenberg
Produced by The Theatre Factory
Partners in Crime
by Carol Mullen
Produced by Summer Company


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Of course you or your bosses normal mode of transport is a motorcade, your options are likely a lot greater as more and more venues open up for private events, grand openings and press tours.

See Merges list of events here, including the Unicorn Mountain fundraiser party and the Obscurae Art Exhibit and Art Lottery in Braddock.

Blogger Resources Offered in Downtown Pittsburgh During G20 Summit

The following was posted on Pittsburgh Bloggers and is copied in full, on the assumption they want to pass it along.

Obviously, it's targeted mostly @ protest participants and members of the informal press covering the G20. But it may also be of interest to local bloggers or any others with an interest in covering the G20, or using the G20 to promote/debate local issues.

I really don't know squat about technology, but I suspect it's a pretty powerful tool for those who use it well.

I don't know Facebook, barely know blogger and am just learning to use Twitter right.

I posted about tagging your tweets #myg20, but other heavily searched tags will be #g20, #pittsburgh, #g20 voice.

An organization named G20Voice is offering blogger resources in downtown Pittsburgh during the G20 Summit. Here are the details they provided, including how to register ahead of time:

We've been busy putting together a lot of resources and briefings for bloggers at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, and we're hoping you're planning on joining us. Whether you received official accreditation from the State Department to get inside the Convention Center or not, you can get in close to the action with access to wifi, electricity, food, and (oh yeah) government and policy experts by being a part of G20 Voice.

G20Voice is part of an ongoing project that gives everyday people the chance to participate, engage, and influence the powers that be, via the blogosphere. Its purpose is to ensure that those who have been entrusted with power don’t forget that we need to end poverty and inequality and deal with climate change. Bottom line: If you want to cover the G20, we want to get you access and help your coverage get noticed.

Here are some details about what we're doing in Pittsburgh. (Continue reading)

BRIEFINGS
G20 Voice is scheduling policy experts and government leaders to answer your questions about the policy discussions and decisions taking place. The briefings/interviews will take place in the August Wilson Center September 24 and 25. We'll be posting the schedule as soon as the details are finalized. The other groups using the Center will be bringing in experts and leaders as well, multiplying your access to answers.

FACILITY
We're partnering with USCAN and other public interest groups to provide a G20 Media Center for bloggers in the August Wilson Center. Even though it's just a block from the Convention Center, it is outside the security zone, meaning you don't need State Dept. clearance to get inside. It will be open for your use September 24 and September 25 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. We will serve a continental breakfast and a second all-day meal of sandwiches and salads.

WEBSITE
The new G20 site will will be posting G20 Voice coverage of the event. If you're a participating blogger, we'll post a bio of you, linking to your blog, and post teasers of your posts that link to your site for the rest of the blog. We'll also be providing Flickr pix and YouTube video for you to use in your blogs, and promoting G20 Voice bloggers via Twitter, Facebook, and other G20 Voice accounts.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
If you're planning to cover the G20 in Pittsburgh and would like to participate in G20 Voice, fill in the form here for G20 Voice credentials to gain access to the August Wilson Center Media Center: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEVkRnROckkzZVRqMTdfai1fYm5XSmc6MA. Make sure to check the box for G20Voice on the form. We're don't intend to turn away any serious blogger, but we'll need your name, your photo, the URL of your blog--just stuff like that.

If you participate, we'll ask you to display a little "G20 Voice Contributor" badge on your site and provide short teasers we can display on the G20 Voice site to promote (and link to) your posts. If you tweet, it'd be nice if you used the hash tag #g20voice too.

PASS THIS ON
If you know of any other bloggers planning (or wanting) to cover the G20 in Pittsburgh, please forward this e-mail to them.

Thank you for your attention. I hope to see you in Pittsburgh!

~Julie

________________________
Julie Roth
G20 Voice Organizer
Oxfam International

Pleasures of Pittsburgh: Beautiful Buildings of Every Era

Pittsburgh has an amazing wealth and diversity of building styles. This was brought home to me recently when friends of mine, very very well traveled friends, visited John and I from D.C. They were clearly astonished by the wealth of styles, periods and the overall abundance of the architecture here.

And perhaps even more telling, John and I were fighting (politely, but still) in the car about "lets take them to see this building!" " No, lets take them to see this neighborhood"." Oh no, how will we have time to do this!!!??" "Lets go here instead...they can't miss that!! "

Then we ran into a friend...and she started to insist we go see her new favorite thing. Sigh. We have an embarrassment of riches!!

If you have lived here for a long time, it can be easy to take this for granted.

But it is an everyday joy that other cities would kill for.

Shall I give some examples?:
Downtown: Within about 10 small city blocks you can see the fabulous and famous Oz-like PPG Building (Philip Johnson); an exquisite Greek Revival Style building at 209 4th Ave. from 1836, near PPG (left over from a terrible fire in 1845 )the Burke Building;,the old County Courthouse (a famous example of the architecture of Richardson, fortresslike and medieval); the old Alcoa building (with a mid level view of the city to die for if you can ever get into the 360 degree conference room at the top); and the previous US`Steel building, now tagged UPMC, an amazing and majestic hunk of steel and bolts. And I could list many more in that same area.

Shadyside: Houses: All shapes , all sizes, all conditions, all eras. Apartment buildings (same). We are a bit weak on contemporary, perhaps. But come and just take a walk. Mansions, student housing, personally I love the variety. Standouts are the Gwinner-Harter Mansion 5105 5th Ave., The Third Presbyterian Church at the corner of Negley and 5th, The Scheibler apartment building at 342 South Highland Ave. ...........the list goes on and on. Beautiful homes everywhere, in every state of repair and disrepair (personally, I enjoy the economic diversity that one finds in many areas of Shadyside). It is great to see some interesting detail that I missed before...because there is just so much to see.

And that is just two of our many neighborhoods. Looking up, looking around, you'll see something where you are (if you are in the city limits, that is).

I'll close with a building I get a thrill out of every day as I drive off Bigelow Boulevard and go past downtown to get on 279: the Pennsylvania Station, huge and glowing, it's beautiful golden bricks picking up the surrounding light.

notes and links An updated version of the classic Pittsburgh an Urban Portrait, a great guide to our architecture by Franklin Toker was just released.

http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A68801

About Frederick Scheibler:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_G._Scheibler,_Jr.

About the 1836 Burke Building, with a slide show:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/museums/s_632058.html

GREAT link of Pittsburgh buildings from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Association:

http://www.phlf.org/pittsburgh/

Dorkbot Pittsburgh @ Brillobox in 30 Minutes

Assuming you are not @ the Downtown opening of the August Wilson Center or caught in traffic or planning a protest and you are driving down Liberty Ave, you might want to check out tonight's Dorkbot @ Brillobox.

Seems technology and Music are the theme.

"Michael Johnsen. Michael is a music instrument builder and performer. He will give a mildly informative lecture-demonstration outlining his approach to electronic sound production and, not coincidentally, its audition. Working almost exclusively on the analog end of the hypothetical digital/analog spectrum, his work is characterized by a relative lack of ideas per se, and an intense focus on observation (it's only "discovery" when you're sure you saw it first), the way a shepherd watches sheep.

Melissa St. Pierre. Melissa is a pianist and composer who has toured the United States both solo and with ensembles several times over. Specializing in prepared piano work of John Cage, she has used those works as a jumping-off point into her own composing work utilizing piano hacking and live electronic manipulation. Melissa will talk about and demonstrate the Prepared Piano. Audience members are invited to bring their own preparations for the piano, and she will demonstrate appropriate ways to incorporate most, or all, of these implements in the process of finding your own piano sound"

dorkbot is an international movement centered around people who like to do strange things with electricity. It's all volunteer and non-profit -- meetings are held in donated space and no admission fee is charged.
dorkbot meeting frequency, format, and content varies by city: San Francisco meets monthly and has everything from political talks to virtual reality. NYC has had electronic art installations, theatre, and presentations on new software development environment. Madrid has had robots that draw and Japan has had electronic music. Most dorkbots have a couple of primary speakers with 20-40 minute presentations and an "open dorkbot" session where anyone can show off for 3-5 minutes.


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Very sorry for this late post. It's the best I can do.

Pittsburgh Art Events: 9/18-19/09.

Friday

Zombo gallery (4900 Hatfield St.) upholds its status as the most active art space in the city with its reception for Catfish & Such (7-11PM). TJ Reddick likes animals and bright colors. See what I mean?

It's not too late to buy a $50 ticket to the Unicorn Mountain Fundraiser @ Remedy. The event is called The Esoteric Order of the Illustrious Owl Bear, and includes live entertainment, a Bavarian dinner served family-style, an art auction, the new issue of UM (called Black Forest, to be released later this month), and a T-shirt advertising Pittsburgh's hippest art collective. For $35 you can attend the dinner without the material goodies, and for a mere $5 you can participate in the dance party. For details, check out the link.

Future Tenant (819 Penn Avenue, downtown) features a show curated by Jeff Schreckengost and Lisa Toboz called 'Dividing the Goose". The title apparently refers to the themes of folklore and fairy tales that underpin this multimedia exhibition.

Saturday

Cleveland-based Arabella Proffer is unleashing "Splendor and Safety Pins", which highlights her "faux portrait paintings" at Boxheart (4523 Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield) from 6-9PM. She creates mythical European countries and populates them with the characters she envisions. Her work is flat, cartoon-like, and vibrantly colored... and thus perfectly appealing to my aesthetic sensibilities. I believe I'll make a point of attending this one.

When was the last time you made it over to Braddock? See what Fetterman and Co. have been up to by attending the Obscurae Art Lottery over at UnSmoke Systems (1137 Braddock Avenue). For $45 ($55 at the door) you can buy a ticket to purchase a fine art photograph documenting the community. Depending upon when that ticket is drawn, you may get to select your favorite piece, from first to last. It is free to attend this event, but they are trying to raise money to revitalize their neighborhood, so donations are accepted. Eat some fresh bread cooked nearby while you are at it.

Imagebox (4933 Penn Avenue) is opening their doors for "The Red Tag Studio Sale" to benefit the Persad Center. It's rare to see the gallery welcome guests on a day other than First Friday, so it's probably worth a stop (6PM) to see the work of local and national artists.

Gigapan Training @ Caliban Bookstore Parking Day Spot In Oakland

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Just starting to learn the locations of some Parking Day, mini parks. Tomorrow is Parking Day!

Join us tomorrow, Friday 9/18, at the CREATE Lab parking spot - Craig Street by Caliban bookstore. Stop by for hands-on Gigapan training + more anytime between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Gigapan allows people to take very highresolution digital panoramic pictures.

GigaPan was developed by Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group, with support from Google.

After we have made every square foot of the planet a parking spot, our robotic cars may be able to take pictures of each other. Cool.

myG20

"A Crowd Curated guide to Pittsburgh"

So, what does that mean? Me, you, everyone is the "crowd". Instead of relying on the mayor, The Cultural Trust, The Tourist Office, The Post Gazette and a few interns at "approved institutions" paint a picture of Pittsburgh, we can play a part ourselves.

How does it work. OK, it took me a while to figure this out.

If your on Twitter

If you think your tweet is about Pittsburgh, Art, Culture, Food, Performances, life in Pittsburgh and you think it might be of interest to people during G20, tag your tweet with #myg20. Just put #myg20 at the end of your tweet.

For Flickr

Yes, it's even better. You can also share the images of happenings and things of interest during g20. Here's how

For Facebook

Yes, you can use Facebook too.

What happens next is that all this stuff tagged #Myg20 shows up on one site Myg20.org

"myG20 is a real-time, crowd-curated guide to Pittsburgh that will take place prior to and during the G20 Summit (September 24 + 25). It is a bottom-up response to the top-down flow of information that takes place around events of this magnitude. The objective of this project is to provide a platform for all people and parties – both on the ground here in Pittsburgh, as well as those looking in from afar – to share information in an efficient manner.

For approximately one week in September, millions of international eyes will focus on our region. And for good reasons. The health care and education sectors along with technology and green development have helped bring our city from an antiquated steel town to a 21st century force to be reckoned with.

Arts and culture in Pittsburgh are thriving. The arts community here is vibrant and impassioned. Our city's museums, artists, performers and performing arts organizations are second to none. They've played an integral role in the transformation of Pittsburgh as well.

So while the international eyes are upon us, tell them what makes Pittsburgh such a special place for you. Engage each other in a dialog about, "Why Pittsburgh?" Share your favorite hidden gem of a restaurant. Upload a photo of a piece of Pittsburgh architecture or public artwork that has made an impact on you. Share your most vivid Pittsburgh memory. Live tweet or photostream one of the many events taking place throughout the city."

MyG20 is a product of The Mattress Factory and Deep Local.

Something new in the cultural district - Shaw Galleries

Max Ernst, Untitled print (1949)

So, last Friday was the official opening reception for Shaw Galleries, a newcomer to the cultural district in downtown. In addition to a number of fine prints and antique maps, Shaw Galleries also displayed cases of fine, small porcelain statues. It was a really lovely evening and so wonderful to see a new venture launching on Liberty Avenue, particularly in advance of next week's big event.

The above print, Max Ernst Untitled, was created using the pochoir process. I've seen book illustrations using this process and they are magnificent. The illustration can be quite elaborate, using stencils for each of the colors. Since there is no press involved, there is no edition size for the prits; all sheets produced for the run could be considered proofs. A quick definition of the pochoir printing process --

The pochoir process is the hand-coloring of an individual black outline. The was done with the help of a thin zinc or copper cut-out stencil guide. Each color is applied separately brushed by hand on each print, one stencil for each color. The paint used was watercolor and gouache. The only difference being watercolor paints (aquarelles) are transparent and gouache paints are opaque.

There is a great article along with examples here.

I loved this hand colored lithograph, shown below. The title? Glad you asked; it's a mouthful. Thomas Blake's --

The Interior of the Fives Court
with Randall and Turner Sparring
to the Noblemen, Gentlemen, Patrons and Lovers of the Art of Self Defense

I's all like allegorical n'@.



It was a really lovely event, even though I did get there late. The space is beautiful and the work is installed well. It's a small venue, but there seems to be a lot to explore. Two flat file cases immediately drew my attention, along with a nice folio rack. So, if you are on Liberty Avenue checking out the cultural district, make sure you stop in and say hello to Mr. Kurt Shaw.



Our host, Kurt Shaw (sans bowtie)

Links About Braddock

This is a follow up post the one about the Obscurae fundraiser. It's also put together for the out of town press and other "tourists" brought here by the G20 and stories about the "Mayor of Hell".

All of these links relate in one way or another to happenings and life in Braddock.
But, you say the Transformazium is in North Braddock? Well,then you are more likely to part of the problem.

15104.cc Braddock: Create Amidst Destruction
Unsmoke Systems
Community Wood-Fired Oven
Fossil Free Fuel
New Guild Studio
Points of Interest by Braddock Active Arts
Transformazium
Braddock Journey blog
Bill Daniel, Hobo Filmmaker
Braddock Farms
Braddock Youth Project
Delicious Donations

I found this info on Obscurae, which is also a good source of info.

Looking Back @ Black Acid Co-Op @ Deitch Projects

I guess I'm putting this up as a gag mostly. I absolutely loved this show I saw in NYC over the summer. The video doesn't capture the feeling of insanity, paranoia, flesh crawling creepiness this show evoked; the burned, torched walls and the smell.

So why am I posting this? Well, partly because in the context of this push to use art as a tool to sell Pittsburgh as "safe", "hip" and "cool" it's so funny.

To set the scene, Deitch Projects, is very, very connected and very big buck gallery. It operates two spaces in Soho, which it either owns or rents where an average rent might run 30,000--50,000 or more a month. In addition to this, you have a bunch of artists likely flying in on the gallery's dime to spend more than a week (oops he say's a month) with assistants turning the primo space the perfect picture of a hollowed out, bombed meth lab.

Why couldn't Pittsburgh do this for the G20?

Obscurae Art Exhibit & Fundraiser @ Unsmoke Systems In Braddock, Sept 19TH

Untitled by Jean McClung

"Change is underway in Braddock as groups working within and with the community bring renewed energy to a town that many wrote off. Artists, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, urban homesteaders and others with a pioneering spirit are inspired by the town’s potential for grassroots urban renewal and are using the inherent energy in Braddock to fuel their creativity. It is with this spirit that Obscuræ views the maligned town – turning a photographic eye towards the borough’s oft-overlooked beauty amidst the former grandeur and “urban blight” that Braddock has come to represent for many in the Pittsburgh area."

But you know there's a punchline--- they are awesome, talented and doing what they can with what they have-- but they are poor and need help. It's yet another fundraiser this time for arts and other programs in Braddock, PA.

But trust me there's a lot in this for you. Once again, area creatives have donated works to raise money.

Check out some images.

"That’s right, not only is Obscurae’s photography exhibition FREE and open to the public, it’s also lots of fun thanks to so many great collaborators! Jake Liefer of the Pittsburgh Area Coffee Association will be setting up a coffee bar at the event. John Ryan Brubaker will be installing a traveling version of his Portrait Booth Project where you can travel back in time with your very own quirky portrait shot with a 1968 Polaroid on instant black and white film. And don’t forget the fresh wood-fired treats from the community oven.

Obscurae will be housed once again in Braddock at UnSmoke Systems Artspace. Everything kicks off Saturday, September 19 at 7pm. The Art Lottery is set to begin at 8:30pm. If you have a ticket to participate in the lottery, make sure to get there with enough time to make a list of your favorite pieces before the lottery starts. (Details on how the Art Lottery works.) The photography exhibition and watching the craziness of the Art Lottery are free and open to everyone. Participating in the Art Lottery will require you to dig into your wallet. (Or your paypal account.)

Secure your ticket now for the 2009 Obscurae Art Lottery: $45 in advance. $55 at the door. A ticket guarantees you go home with a piece of artwork from the exhibition."

I attended this event last year and picked up a great photo work in a totally unique found object frame for the mere price of the ticket.

Check out some images here.

Please remember---THE EVENT ITSELF IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL,
YOU ONLY NEED TO PAY TO ENTER THE ART LOTTERY

More info here

Larry Towell:The World From My Front Porch@ The McDonough Museum In Youngstown

Larry Towell (Canadian, b. 1953)
Lambton County, Ontario, Canada.
Two-year-old Isaac Towell is carried into the Sydenham River by his older
sister Naomi to introduce him to water.
1996
Credit: © Larry Towell/Magnum Photos


Larry Towell:The World From My Front Porch
Organized by George Eastman House
International Museum of Photography and Film
September 18 – November 13, 2009
Opening reception, September 18, 6-8pm

Magnum photographer focuses on his home in Canada as well as the issue of
‘landlessness’ – Mennonites and Palestinians plus El Salvador, Mexico, New Orleans

"The McDonough Museum of Art on the campus of Youngstown State University presents Larry Towell: The World from My Front Porch, the Magnum photographer’s largest U.S. exhibition to date. This multi-media retrospective focuses on the impact of social unrest on cultural identity as seen through Towell’s lens as he traveled from Canada to the Middle East, Central America, and the United States. The exhibition of more than 120 black-and-white images will be on view in the McDonough galleries September 18 through November 13, 2009. These photographs will be accompanied by related artifacts such as Mennonite clothing, shell casings from war zones, martyr posters, a water-soaked photo albumfrom a Katrina survivor. Also included are Towell’s essays, musical recordings, and video presentations, some as twenty-five foot projections. The opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Larry Towell: The World from My Front Porch will include photographs from Towell’s thirty-year portfolio of activity and involvement in contemporary international issues of land use and control. Included are images of Mennonite migrant workers of Mexico, the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, civil war in El Salvador, victims of Hurricane Katrina, and other areas in social crisis where Towell has witnessed the “landless poor.” The exhibition will also feature images from a rare personal reportage of his own family and land in rural Ontario, Canada."

Towell’s photographs and essays have been published extensively, in publications such as LIFE, GEO, Stern, Elle, Esquire, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. A montage of these clippings will be displayed as part of the exhibition. He is the author of ten books chronicling his travels including his most recent volume, The World from My Front Porch.

Sprout Fund Hothouse Video

Pop City posted this somewhat dry but nicely shot video showing glimpses of the 2009 Hot House annual fundraiser to support The Sprout Fund.

The Sprout fund, I think would be called a "re granting agency" that allows large foundations and individuals to give more of their money to smaller scale, street level start up projects.

The relatively recent trend towards supporting and nurturing more grass roots ideas @ the non profit level has been a significant change for Pittsburgh's big money and old money foundation community.

I think most people here have experienced and love many of their ideas. Many, are one shot things or at least they provide funding only once. But some have lasted.

Unicorn Mountain
The Visionary Arts Festival
This Is Happening
Encylopedia Destructica
Open Thread

and dozens of other great ideas have been born through their cash. It's one thing to say you want "young people" (not me anymore) to come and stay in Pittsburgh, but it's another thing to actually back their ideas with cash.

Can The G20 Help Pittsburgh? Great Op Ed In Post Gazette

OK, this guy pretty much nails it. I wanted to cut and paste every word and came pretty close.

We need to see the Pittsburgh story for what it really is. It's not about how, poor exploited steel town made a comeback, as much as how a small city loaded with deluxe, universities, corporate headquarters, great location, wonderful architecture and piles of old cash managed to do so poorly for so long. And it still ain't doin that well.

Yes, I think something is starting to click here. But, to make it work we need to know why and be honest idea of what is and what is not working.

Pittsburgh is coming back not because of it's top down, political power structure but very much in spite of it. The article, doesn't IMHO, give enough credit some of the recent changes, most especially in the foundation community's efforts to put cash closer to the street level.

"Compared to Silicon Valley; Research Triangle Park in North Carolina; Austin, Texas, and international tech corridors in Korea, India and China, Pittsburgh is still "old school." Those of us who want to achieve change are working through layers of resistance, both imposed and self-imposed. The talk about a future that openly embraces new ideas, entrepreneurship and growth cannot be just talk. It must be activated.

First, local governments, foundations and policy makers need to embrace new democratized channels of open discourse. Today's social media technologies offer great opportunities for sharing ideas, vetting issues and creating open dialog. There are good ideas out there that should be heard and put into action. Let's use the technology available to us to empower citizen voices and build community participation.

Second, innovative ideas need to be funded. Some of the oldest money in Pittsburgh helped West Coast pioneers like Sun Microsystems, Google and Amazon.com rise to fame and fortune. (Had it not been for Pittsburgh's Henry Hillman, the Kleiner Perkins investment firm of Silicon Valley might never have gotten off the ground. Just read "Valley Boy: The Education of Tom Perkins.") It's time to keep more of that old money in the city where it was created. It's time to give back, not just to social-service organizations and cultural foundations -- many of which are generously funded -- but to the entrepreneurs who, with new ways of thinking and new techniques, are able to create companies that inspire, motivate and have the potential to bring real growth to the region."


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09249/995683-109.stm#ixzz0RDQmesQr

Priceless Pittsburgh: Must See Sights For G20 Visitors: The Maxo Vanka Murals

Too much stuff for one person to post, but I'll try through the G20.

I'm obsessed with the opportunity the G20 may create to widen the awareness of many of the priceless things here that need to be seen, supported and preserved.

It's not an insult to say, that no man, or city is an island or to admit that the city is far too small and poor at this time to fully protect the great things here. This is the reality of being or having been a "shrinking city". Not that I'm for shrinking- I think we can grow and attract far more capital and investment and opportunities than we have.

In that light, I hope to do some posts G20 visitors should see, that are off the beaten track. All help would be appreciated-- please feel free to post your picks in the comment box.

The following images are of the Murals In St Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millavale, PA.









Here, is Merge's full post on the Vanka Murals, which I hope he doesn't mind me repasting.

"Earlier I wrote about a little-known local Pittsburgh gem called St. Anthony's. Certainly this collection of relics housed in the Troy Hill neighborhood is like no other in the world. But it's not the only unparalleled experience you can have at a church around these parts. In nearby Millvale sits another form of unimagined treasure. St. Nicholas Catholic Church ministers to the needs of a local community of refugees from war-torn Croatia and Bosnia-Herzogevina, as well as the historically entrenched populations from these countries that have lived in Pittsburgh for decades. There are actually two St. Nicholas locations within the parish- a situation that has been a source of confusion for many years. One of these physical structures is no longer in service, as it lies along a well-traveled corridor dominated by Route 28. Planned roadwork has sealed the fate of this church, and the building itself is most likely not long for this world.

Meanwhile the Millvale location of St. Nicholas is a regional (and perhaps international) treasure. The outward appearance and construction of this house of worship offer no clues to its exceptionality. Yet if you manage to gain entry inside, you will quickly become aware that nothing like it exists anywhere else. For on the inner walls of the church are painted striking murals, complete with social commentary and unique spiritual resonance. They were painted in the 1930's and 40's by Croatian artist Maxo Vanka. As the official church website points out-
"They represent the struggles of the Croatian people in the face of war and poverty in their homeland and as immigrants in post-industrial America." They are the artist's emotionally- drenched and troublesome gift to this nation's people. And they serve both as a reminder of the importance of faith, and as a warning of what humanity is capable of.

Vanka's personal belief in the futility of war and his sadness at seeing his homeland destroyed are made patently obvious through his work. After being commissioned by Father Albert Zagar to paint the murals in 1937, Vanka completed two cycles of paintings (20 altogether)- the first in an eight-week span that spring, and the second group in 1941. The latter works clearly demonstrate his anguish over the war in Europe. He set for himself grueling shifts of up to 16-18 hours a day, and sustained his energy with multiple doses of Coca-Cola. Zagar gave the internationally-renowned artist a freehand to depict whatever imagery he so chose. In doing so, Zagar empowered Vanka to create timeless works mixing secular and spiritual concerns in a manner wholly original.

The content of these murals is truly unforgettable. There are mournful peasants entreating God for support in their difficult struggles in the Croatian countryside. An angel in a gas mask looms over the congregation from high upon one wall. An anguished, crucified Christ separates two war-crazed soldiers. In a similar scene, the Virgin Mary desperately tries her hand at a peaceful resolution. On another wall an industrial robber baron sits at dinner and is served a cleansing course of fiery retribution by a skeletal hand. These are not the placid reassuring scenes of sanctification that a regular churchgoer becomes acclimated to. They challenge the viewer to seek the holy in the most trying of times.

Had these paintings been completed for a museum, they would inspire a constant stream of tourists from all over the world. As it is, they await the few who become aware of their existence through word-of-mouth. Since my initial exposure to them, I have tried periodically to see them again. But it's no use showing up on church property, hoping for the random chance. You must call ahead of time to see the murals. Fortunately the woman in charge of tours is accommodating, and will show you around for nothing but a freely-offered donation. If you happen to be in the Pittsburgh area, I am scheduling a group tour for either this coming Monday or Tuesday. Contact me if you want to be included. The experience will leave an indelible mark upon you."

Sadly, the murals while they are dearly loved by their small parrish are in a small, little working class town near Pittsburgh (Allegheny County has over 150 separate municipalities)They need help.


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Today they stand as a moving tribute to the people of Croatia, the Croatian immigrant and all immigrants to the United States. They are among the most striking and provocative murals found anywhere in the world. Maxo Vanka's twenty murals, combined with a more contemporary and complimentary mural by J I Knezevich, form a unique church artwork that combines secular and ecclesiastical images with startling interpretations of 20th century historic events.

You can support the work to preserve the murals through the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka. Please write for more information to:
The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
c/o Diane Novosel Chairperson
151 Stone Gate Drive
Leechburg PA 15656-7228


Personal and group tours of the murals can be arranged by calling:

Diane Novosel - 1.724.845.2907
The Parish directly - 1.412.821.3438

Zombie Media Awareness Day

Since this date marks the first aniversary of the fall of Lehman Brothers, when even zombies became partialy aware of our financial problems, I thought I'd repost this video from 2007.

"How to spot Zombie Financial Media

No memory:

Contradictions between reports are not recalled or noted.

Previous reports are forgotten shortly after release.

No comprehension:

Each event occurs in isolation,

No two events are related to a shared root cause, such as an asset bubble."

Of course, these rules apply to all media and I urge people to follow them when swallowing crap that passes for most news coverage today.

On a positive note,

Nearly two-thirds -- 63 percent -- of Americans surveyed by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press believe that news stories are often inaccurate. That's a flip from when Pew first asked that question in 1985, when 34 percent of respondents believed stories were frequently inaccurate.

New Artist Collective: C Space Collective

What the hell is an art collective? From what I can tell, it's a bunch of artists who get along and collaborate on some level. Some like Gilbert & George are almost Siamese twins or Siamese minds.

So we happily announce the at least temporary collaboration of these local artists and designers.

< C > SPACE : COLLECTIVE is a collection of local artists and designers. New work will be showcased every first Friday of each month as part of Penn Avenue’s Unblurred. The collective is located at 4823 Penn Avenue.

Carolyn Wenning
Brett Douglas Davis
Crystala Armagost
Ray-Min Shoulderware
Richard Schnap

Throw Down Your Heart @ Melwood Screening Room Sept 18-20

Yup folks, even the Banjo has it's roots in Africa.

"Associated most often with folk, bluegrass and country music, many think of the banjo as a quintessentially American instrument. But in fact it is African in origin. Award winning documentary Throw Down Your Heart follows banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck as he travels through Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali in search of the little known roots of his instrument and cross-cultural musical collaborations. A multiple Grammy-winner for jazz, bluegrass and classical recordings, Fleck suddenly finds himself a wide-eyed novice as he encounters a dizzying array of African languages and cultural traditions. But his musical conversations with both talented amateurs and international stars such as n'goni lutenist Bassekou Kouyate and Malian diva Oumou Sangare are testaments to music's ability to connect people across superficial divides. Directed by emerging auteur (and Fleck's younger brother) Sascha Paladino, Throw Down Your Heart is an enthralling journey and a moving celebration of music and humanity."

You gotta figure that the music alone will make this worthwhile.


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Details Here

Rust Belt to Artist Belt II Conference In Cleveland

Join the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) for a two-day examination of how community developers and artists are partnering in neighborhood revitalization efforts throughout the industrial Midwest. Learn how each partner can benefit in the Artist Belt movement. Hear from artists and national and international experts on artist-based community development. Get more information from an exhibition of artist space resources.

Thursday, September 17th (8am-6pm, including evening reception) and
Friday, September 18th, 2009 (9am-4pm), in Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway Neighborhood. Conference sites include: Capitol Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre and 78th Street Studios.

Featuring a keynote presentation by Ralf Ebert, Director of STADTart and Culture and Planning Consultant for the City of Dortmund, Germany.

Other speakers include

Jay Williams,----- Mayor Of Youngstown, Ohio

Matthew Galluzo, ----------Arts District Manager, Penn Avenue Arts Initiative

Terry Schwarz -------------- Senior Planner, Kent State University, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative

Robert Brown, --------------------Director, Cleveland Planning Commission.

Esther Robinson ----------------- Founder, ArtHome

The ability to line up big league speakers at a conference about artists in the Rust Belt is impressive.

But Artists must not be fooled. For the most part this interest in artists as "assets" comes from desperation as well as sincere concern-- a power we need to exploit. I will get back to this when I can.

I found out about this through Rust Wire.

The conference was put together By CPAC

"Cleveland, Ohio. While not everyone realizes it, the city is home to one of the largest concentrations of artists in the country. Greater Cleveland’s diverse group of over 100 arts and culture organizations, plentiful industrial warehouses, distinct neighborhoods, and low cost-of-living produce an extraordinary quality of life that has drawn a massive concentration of artists to live and work in Northeast Ohio.

At the same time, Cleveland has a nationally recognized network of high-quality community development professionals. Every day, these individuals are working to revitalize the neighborhoods that give our city and our region its unique character.

But CPAC believes that we can do even more to position the city as a national creative hub and an urban laboratory for reinventing “Rust Belt” cities through arts and culture. In 2007, we launched Creative Compass, a multi-year initiative to increase artists’ access to affordable home and business space and to make them more active partners in revitalizing our urban neighborhoods. In the coming years, Creative Compass will educate artists about obtaining affordable space and will educate community development professionals about the unique roles artists can play as neighborhood residents."

Call For Artists For Planned Parenthood Fundraiser

Once again, poor starving artists like us are called upon to donate our work for a fundraiser.

Nerve Gallery, the appointment only gallery and performance space, Run by Lauri Mancuso in Bloomfield will be hosting this event.

"Call to Artists! Help me in spreading the word about the annual fundraiser for Planned Parenthood's Action Fund. They're looking for artists to donate work for the auction on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Donors receive a free ticket to the event."

Drop off art by Sept 22 to 933 Liberty Ave Downtown from Monday to Friday until 4:30 p.m or call for pickup arrangements, 412.434.8957 ext. 119. Be sure to include your website link and contact info so you can be included in the promotional materials.

More event info here.

Thanks very much to Rick and The Pittsburgh Art & Gallery Blog

Harmony Ridge Amateur Film Festival Accepting Submissions

It just seems like film and video, is a great way to bring people together and make connections across the region. I mean, it's not like your transporting a giant painting or sculpture.

With that in mind, I came across this small film shorts festival being held in Ambridge, PA in March 2010.

1. Films must be 30 minutes or less in length.
2. Film must be the original work of the submittter.
3. All entries must be accompanied by the official entry form (see below) and a non-refundable $10 fee. Multiple entries from the same submitter must be submitted individually.
4. Work must be submitted on VHS or DVD. DVD must play in a stand alone DVD player (not just a computer). Do not send film reels.
5. Do not send originals. Films will not be returned.
6. Harmony Ridge is not responsible for shipping damage or films lost by the postal service.
7. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010.
8. Title of work and name of submitter must be on the mailing container, tape or DVD container and tape or DVD. No stickers or tape on DVDs please.
9. Submit only complete films. The festival staff cannot fix sound or image quality.
10. Submitter is responsible for all copyrighted material in film. Unlicensed use of music and images may be prosecuted under law.
11. Submissions must have been completed within the last two years and not have been shown to a commercial audience.
12. Addition of a black 5 second head and tail to the film are appreciated.
13. Films will be screened at the festival as time permits. The number of screenings will be determined by the festival committee. Films to be screened at the festival will be listed on this website on or about March 1, 2010.
14. The top three films, as judged by an independent panel, will receive monetary awards. The winners will be notified individually before the festival.
15. The decision of the judges is final.
16. Submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these terms.

As near as I can tell, it's open to filmakers from all over.

Last Day Of A Fair In The Park

I know many of us don't take this event too seriously, but there may actually be some interesting work in The Fair In The Park as well as a lot of good craftspeople desperately in search of sustenance.

Jen Bechak helped put together a show of members from the Pittsburgh Society Of Sculptors. The setting is beautiful, so I'm going to walk my dog by there today. In previous years, I was always too busy to go, and well I also didn't take it seriously.


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September 11 - 13, 2009

Friday: 1 PM - 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Not Too Late For Parking Day Projects

Still not too late to particpate in Parking Day, 2009.
The deadline for permits for metered parking was Sept 11th but it looks like no permits are needed for non metered spaces.

Friday, September 18, 2009 marks the return of PARK(ing) Day to Pittsburgh. PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day, international event in which artists, activists and citizens collaborate to temporarily transform parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public parks.

"Calling artists, activists, and citizens for this one-day global event!" Go Here to learn more and see examples of Pittsburgh PARK(ing) spaces from last year. Should you decide to use a Pittsburgh Parking Authority metered space, click here for a registration form.

PARK(ing) Day is a great chance to get Pittsburghers thinking about how they use public space. It is also a great opportunity to generate more awareness about your organization by showcasing your mission, activities and values to people on the street!

The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh is partnering with the Mattress Factory and the Office of Public Art to promote Pittsburgh’s Second Annual PARK(ing) Day. Please contact CDCP’s Andrea Lavin or the Mattress Factory’s Emily Craig with any questions.

The Office of Public Art is a partnership between the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and the City of Pittsburgh funded by The Heinz Endowments. For more information visit us at http://www.publicartpittsburgh.org.

This is Legal!

Here's the park the mayor and a few city council members put together last year.

Open Call Auditions For Future Ten Short Play Festival

The ten plays have been chosen for the Sixth Annual Future Ten Short festival coming to Future Tenant In November.

30 Year Old Dora by Blaise Miller
The Waiting Room of the Gods by Arthur M. Jolly
All The Answers by Mark Cornell
Public Transportation by John C. Davenport
Trench Coat by Joseph Lyons
Turning Trixie by Carol Mullen
Let Go by Steven Korbar
The Unknown Artist by Philip Real
People Like Us by Chris Shaw Swanson
Faith In the Super Bowl by Dean Lundquist

But the actors have not.

Open Call Auditions


September 14th from 7-10pm at Future Tenant

Auditions are by appointment only.

Please call 412-513-5926 or email svespaz@mac.com to schedule a time. Actors are asked to prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue and to bring a headshot and resume if available. Non-Equity Actors Only.

Future Ten 6 is scheduled to run at Future Tenant over two weekends in November. The festival is split into two distinct programs, so actors with a conflict on one of the two weekends should still consider auditioning.

More Info Here.

Yinz Links For Sept 11-12

Another bunch of random links loosely related to Pittsburgh and the arts. The G20, like it or not is harder and and harder to avoid. The other elephants in the room being 9-11 the kickoff of another Steeler season, and the structural bankruptcy of the US economy which is penetrating every aspect of life.

On Cleveland.Com

Sparx City Hop links Cleveland neighborhoods for day of food, art

Bhutanese Refugees Succeeding At Farmers Markets

In UK Telegraph

UN report suggests dumping the dollar as world reserve currency

In The Boston Globe

Amid budget pain, some states furlough teachers

On Truth In Accounting

Bankruptcy Judge Voids Municipal Labor Contract

In Wall Street Journal

Here Comes The FDIC Bailout

In Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Stan Lee To Attend Pittsburgh Comicon

Researcher Looks @ Flight 93 site

George Romero's latest "Dead Flick" (not shot in Pittsburgh) screened in Venice

On Marketwatch.com

Gold Breaks Above $1000 An Ounce As Dollar Index Falls For Sixth Day

In NY Times

Prospects For The New Normal Art Season

Review Of Sorority Row, A Horror Film Shot In Pittsburgh

10 Warhol Paintings Of Sports Superstars Stolen Form LA Home

Obama Fires Major Shot In A Possible Trade War With China

In Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Government Financial Problems Put Casino Table Games On The Table

Festival Of Lights Comes Back For G-20

Carnegie Museums To Be Closed Sept 24th & 25th For G20

On Bittersweet Harvest

Pittsburgh Artist/Designer Stawberryluna gets on Apartment Therapy

Harry Grant: Recent Work @ Be Galleries

I kept on waiting for Be Galleries to post info and images about this show online. I happen to know about it from getting a card.

I was by the gallery last night and the show looks pretty stunning. How can rather simple flat shapes and lines resonate so much?

As near as I can tell, Harry is putting all proceeds from the sale of these works into a private foundation to support the arts in Pittsburgh!

Opening Reception tonight, 6-9
The show will be up till Sept 26TH

Glue Event: Why Pittsburgh

This event was put together by GLUE, an organization formed to better organize and share ideas accross the Great Lakes Region.

More info here.

Lawrenceville Accordion Pool Party@ Leslie Park Pool

One of the great things about Pittsburgh neighborhood's tenacious connection to the past is that can inspire some pretty innovative schemes.

Lawrenceville, the community that gave birth to Art All Night, roving free for all art show designed to highlight unused and abandoned spaces in the neighborhood, now is creatively trying to get bring back the Leslie Park community pool or at least get people to think about it.

"Deb Knox, one of the accordionists, a member of the Balkan Babes and the event manager, said the Accordion Pool Party -- open to the public for $5 a person -- is just a big event to get the neighborhood to start thinking about what it can make happen more permanently at Leslie pool, which has been closed for five years."

The pool party will include 18 accordion players, 30 costumed folk dancers, an African drum and dance group as well as a random array of other art projects.

Regardless of the ultimate fate of the pool, a get together like this has got bring many intangible positive results.


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Party runs from 3-7
Cost is $5
Location is off Butler @ around 46th Street, behind the Boys and Girls Club

can you hear Ben Franklin rolling over in his grave?

All the libraries in Philadelphia's Free Library system will cease to operate, effective end of business Oct. 2, 2009. This won't happen if the State Legislature passes a budget & 2 other things directly related to Philadelphia.

Consequences of the closure of the library system alone? The entire library staff, 699 people, will be laid off. Librarians there are restricting book lending in preparation for closures. No more holds.

A series of internet searches didn't provide much info. This was all brought to my attention by a friend of mine who works as a children's librarian in the Philadelphia Free Library system.

Found this in the blog comments on the Free Library Blog ---

Wed, September 09, 2009
My 86 year old mother lives in Philadelphia and heard the libraries and recreation centers are closing. Is this true?
pat - chicago

Thu, September 10, 2009
Thank you for your interest in the Free Library. Unfortunately, if the state legislature does not pass a budget and two provisions for Philadelphia shortly, the Free Library, recreation centers, Fairmount Park, and other city services will be closed as of close of business October 2, 2009. You and your mother can get additional information through the city's 311 service.
Jen W. - Philadelphia

While Pittsburgh faces some extraordinary challenges due to the pension fund problems, and the state's constant threat to not fund any fine arts organization hangs over our heads, we do not face what Philly faces right now. I wouldn't count us so lucky though.

Pay attention to how the state legislature manages this. Just because it's not Pittsburgh today, doesn't mean it won't be us tomorrow. I hope our local pols start working to solve some of our larger financial challenges before we reach the point of dependance on a state bail-out. Our sister city is facing something extraordinarily grim.

Can't believe Ben Franklin's town won't have a library system, and this soon. Visit http://www.library.phila.gov/to find out how to lend your assistance.

Pittsburgh Events: 9/11-12/09.

Hey folks... I'm back with a weekly round-up of doings in and around town. I do want to point out right up front that this is NOT meant to be a comprehensive outline of everything available. So if I don't mention an event you have some sort of personal investment in... tough luck. Maybe I haven't heard of it. Or maybe it didn't catch my fancy. Or maybe I just didn't care enough to highlight it. Go find another shoulder to cry on. Or do a Facebook blast. Or hell... just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

Friday

This week brings us the grand opening party (5:30-9PM) for Pittsburgh Tribune Review art critic Kurt Shaw's self-titled galleries (805 Liberty Avenue, Downtown). Highlights include original lithographs, woodblock and 'Pochoir Prints' (whatever the hell those are) by such luminaries as Dali, Picasso, Chagall, Ernst, Miro and Braque. Feel free to go down there and see what those pikers accomplished.

The second issue of TAV (an online publication featuring a collective of artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers associated with Encyclopedia Destructica) is being unleashed this weekend. Folks on display at the publication's studio (156 41st Street in Lawrenceville) include founder Chris Kardambikas and CMU-graduate Peter Burr. The festivities kick off at 7PM.

Also in the neighborhood- Coca Cafe (3811 Butler Street) presents a photography exhibit called Green Eye on Western PA to benefit Group Against Smog & Pollution. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing there will be some urban landscapes in this show. If you care about that sort of thing, this will likely be worth a visit. And painter Sam Thorp is down at the Zombo Gallery (4900 Hatfield Street). Pop in and say hi to her from 6-10PM.

The 707/709 Galleries (on Penn, Downtown) are having their tribute to the G20 with 15 local artists meant to display "the region's artistic diversity in various media." Expect to see a plethora of arbitrary groupings leading up to this conference. Obviously everyone is wanting a piece of the action.

It's been awhile since I've heard about an opening at Morning Glory Coffeehouse (1806 Chislett Street) in Morningside. Amy Scafuri (owner of 3G Gallery) will host a reception for her collages, sketches and original poetry, beginning at 6PM. She's promising free food and drink. That should bring 'em in.

Toby Keith is coming to the Post Gazette Pavilion. This is a fortuitous event because it will ensure that all the yahoos are out of town for the evening. Enjoy the extra space!

Saturday

Want something to take the children to? I'm considering schlepping mine out to Carnegie for its Arts and Heritage Festival. It actually starts on Thursday, but I can't make it until the last day. Why would I go all the way out there for what is sure to be an amalgamation of greasy food and pedestrian arts and crafts? Well... Carnegie kind of fascinates me in the efforts it makes to be a destination town. Plus I hear that there are some fine restaurants out that way. Besides, how many times a week can you take your kid to the local playground?

If you want to look at art this Saturday, you can stop by Construction Junction (214 N Lexington St. in Point Breeze) for the Pillow Project's Second Saturday. This event has a lot to offer- Time Capture themed photography, dance & experimental music. I can't claim to have ever participated in this series, but with the relatively limited options, this just might be my first visit. It costs a fin.

For just $25 you can can take your dog to Sandcastle to swim and eat "chicken-flavored" snow cones. Not being a particular fan of the canine, this sounds sorta disgusting to me. I wonder how the region's clans of Celtic descent feel about their ethnic festival being interrupted by packs of hairy interlopers and their masters.... I guess I'll never go to that water park again.

Yinz Links For Sept 9-10

Here's some more random links I found of interest. I will be doing a separate post of just G20 related "Pittsburgh Revival" stories. As usual, some of these links are of regional interest, some about art with some chaos thrown in. Not all tidbits are from the last few days.

On Rust Wire

Some recent positive Pittsburgh press.

On Mahoning Pride Center Blog

Could Gay marriages help revive the local economy?

On Cleveland.Com

Historic WPA Railroad murals recovered.

Clothes are the stars on Mad Men

Cleveland Museum auctions some of the estate of collector and benefactor, Muriel Butkin

In Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Protesters interupt city's puff news conference

Some G20 security plans revealed.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to Heinz Hall for annual gala.

In NY Times

Split Episcopalians fight over church property

In Baltimore Sun

Ducky Tours to end in Baltimore.

On Pop City

City of Asylum Jazz Poetry

Sustainable Living Center Coming To Wilkinsburg

In The Pitt News

Review Of Jen Cooney@ 707 Penn Gallery

In The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Anne Leibovitz's $24 million loan repayment due today. (Sept 8TH)

A fall arts runndown @ major institutions.

Thousands Of G20 Activists Converging On The City.

Post Gazette says city needs time to fix pension system it had twenty years to fix.