Ok, I didn't know that GLUE is hosting photo Essay contests every two weeks for no cash of course.
"Every other Tuesday, GLUE announces a photo contest based around a simple theme. Photo entries should be of scenes in a GLUE city, and you’re free to interpret the theme broadly. Each contest will be open for two weeks, and the winner will get to choose a local business or non-profit that GLUE will feature in a short write-up the following week. It’s a great way to win some attention to your favorite local organization!
What does your community do to support artists? How does it harness their energy and creativity for the greater good of the community? How do artists themselves get involved in their neighborhoods, and share what they have to offer?
For this photo contest, send your photo of “Artists at Work” to emily@gluespace.org, or add your photo to the Flickr Group and tag it #glueartists."
Read more about the contest idea here.
The contest is open to residents of these Great Lakes Regional Cities.
Akron, OH
Buffalo, NY *
Chicago, IL *
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH *
Columbus, OH *
Dayton, OH
Detroit, MI *
Des Moines, IA
Duluth, MN *
Erie, PA
Flint, MI *
Fort Wayne, IN
Grand Rapids, MI
Indianapolis, IN *
Lansing, MI *
Louisville, KY
Milwaukee, WI *
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN *
Pittsburgh, PA *
Rochester, NY *
St. Louis, MO *
Toledo, OH *
Youngstown, OH
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Yinz Weekly Links
I think I'll try to have a weekly roundup of posts, links and articles I found that might be of interest. Most will relate to the broader Pittsburgh region and art and culture in general.
Will likely be putting up seperate links posts on G-20 buzz.
On Pop City
How Did Net Roots folks like Pittsburgh?
What to do with the Mellon Arena (I'll try to get back to that subject)
On Rust Wire
Rust Belt Road Trip
Carrie Furnace Photo Essay
On Null Space
On The Loss Of Bloomfield Hardware
On A Shiny New Life In The Rustbelt.
On Building A Support System.
On the Rust Belt attitude problem.
In Post Gazette
G20 Cleanup Volunteers
Hill Commissions for California artist
The Toonseum Grows Up
Obama Comming To AFL-CIO Convention in Septempber
In The Tribune Review
City And County fighting about G-20 funding
Pittsburgh Regional Unemployment rate hits 7.7%
More doubts about Pittsburgh's pension hole fix.
Free Admission Day @ some museums
On Pittsburgh Quarterly
Great Allegheny Passage photo essay
Song Of Shadyside
In Pittsburgh City Paper
Food Review of Tamari in Lawrenceville
Review Of Julie & Julia
Bill O'Driscoll interviews(famous) local cartoonist, Ed Piskor
On Edward Winkleman
Tips on DYI Art Shows
On CultureGrrl
Cleveland Museum Violates Donor Intent-----BIG Time!
Will likely be putting up seperate links posts on G-20 buzz.
On Pop City
How Did Net Roots folks like Pittsburgh?
What to do with the Mellon Arena (I'll try to get back to that subject)
On Rust Wire
Rust Belt Road Trip
Carrie Furnace Photo Essay
On Null Space
On The Loss Of Bloomfield Hardware
On A Shiny New Life In The Rustbelt.
On Building A Support System.
On the Rust Belt attitude problem.
In Post Gazette
G20 Cleanup Volunteers
Hill Commissions for California artist
The Toonseum Grows Up
Obama Comming To AFL-CIO Convention in Septempber
In The Tribune Review
City And County fighting about G-20 funding
Pittsburgh Regional Unemployment rate hits 7.7%
More doubts about Pittsburgh's pension hole fix.
Free Admission Day @ some museums
On Pittsburgh Quarterly
Great Allegheny Passage photo essay
Song Of Shadyside
In Pittsburgh City Paper
Food Review of Tamari in Lawrenceville
Review Of Julie & Julia
Bill O'Driscoll interviews(famous) local cartoonist, Ed Piskor
On Edward Winkleman
Tips on DYI Art Shows
On CultureGrrl
Cleveland Museum Violates Donor Intent-----BIG Time!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
New Regional Arts Links : Ohio And West Virginia
I'm now in the gradual process of adding links to Arts organizations, galleries and museums in the broader Pittsburgh region. It's pretty much a random process as usual with the initial focus on major "must see" institutions and those closest to Pittsburgh.
At this point these links are being dumped in the Blog category but a redesign of the blog may be comming which would allow more rational listings. See the Pittsburgh Arts links list for stuff closer into Pittsburgh.
At this point these links are being dumped in the Blog category but a redesign of the blog may be comming which would allow more rational listings. See the Pittsburgh Arts links list for stuff closer into Pittsburgh.
Cinncinati Stadium Debt Problems And Buyers Remorse
Our current financial problems are making most of us regret a lot of the purchases and debts we took on, as well as those politicians roped us into.
Null Space, points out The Bond Buyer's story on troubles brewing in Cincinnati.
Hamilton County has a $13.2 million dollar deficit in the fund for it's NFL and MLB stadiums. The problem is the low growth in sales tax revenue. This deficit could rise to 92 million in 2014.
Of course we have the casino to pay for our new Hockey arena (and everything else our hearts desire) right? Well, Null Space also pointed out a PG article about the very underwhelming casino receipts.
I really don't know much about the Casino's financing and debt obligations but the shortfall is very ominous.
"For the week of August 17-23, the casino generated $4.6 million in gross terminal revenue, placing it fifth among the nine casinos in Pennsylvania. Multiplied over the year, the $4.6 million would produce $242 million in gross terminal revenue, far less the $427.8 million the casino itself estimated for its first year. It's also lower than the $362.4 million projected by the gaming board." Geee that's not much more than half of stated projections and you have to guess that the opening weeks would be stronger than average.
Then there's that minor little BILLION DOLLAR BLACK HOLE IN THE CITY'S PENSION FUND!
I know, it's impolite to shout but people better wake up soon.
Null Space, points out The Bond Buyer's story on troubles brewing in Cincinnati.
Hamilton County has a $13.2 million dollar deficit in the fund for it's NFL and MLB stadiums. The problem is the low growth in sales tax revenue. This deficit could rise to 92 million in 2014.
Of course we have the casino to pay for our new Hockey arena (and everything else our hearts desire) right? Well, Null Space also pointed out a PG article about the very underwhelming casino receipts.
I really don't know much about the Casino's financing and debt obligations but the shortfall is very ominous.
"For the week of August 17-23, the casino generated $4.6 million in gross terminal revenue, placing it fifth among the nine casinos in Pennsylvania. Multiplied over the year, the $4.6 million would produce $242 million in gross terminal revenue, far less the $427.8 million the casino itself estimated for its first year. It's also lower than the $362.4 million projected by the gaming board." Geee that's not much more than half of stated projections and you have to guess that the opening weeks would be stronger than average.
Then there's that minor little BILLION DOLLAR BLACK HOLE IN THE CITY'S PENSION FUND!
I know, it's impolite to shout but people better wake up soon.
Youngstown Summer Movie Nights
I know, I give a lot of press on here to Youngstown , Ohio- perhaps much more than it currently deserves. Youngstown is like the formerly D student from the broken home, who is homeless and doing Their homework on the subway. They ain't getting A's or even B's yet except in effort.
The last movie night of the Summer was last night but that's not the point. The story is about the very small ways in which things can be done to bring people together and create the kind of social experiences that make people want to live in a city.
The last movie night of the Summer was last night but that's not the point. The story is about the very small ways in which things can be done to bring people together and create the kind of social experiences that make people want to live in a city.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
New Improved Blog Links
I'm finally getting around to sorting through the mess of blog links and creating a more comprehensive and rational list of Pittsburgh arts venues, exhibition spaces and other stuff of interest here.
It's a work in progress with many links still not up or in the wrong place.
At this point, with the current blog design, I haven't figured out a way to break things down by category well which will likely mean that Pittsburgh regional arts venues will be listed as such while Ohio, West Virginia and other non regional attractions and links will be dropped in the "Blogs Category".
This fits well with the overall theme of Chaos around here. Still not sure how to sort the Pittsburgh blogs and media links.
One other note. Yes, there are venues and small galleries which I think just don't make the cut in terms of basic quality.
I also want to say to those people from out of town checking out these links, that a good number galleries here are better and more interesting than their schlocky websites suggest. Gallerie Chiz shows some nice work! Thankfully, the bulk of interesting Pittsburgh venues at least finally have a website,(Thank You Fe Gallery!!)When I started my gallery, I was shocked at how hard it was to tell people out of town what was going on here. The improvements in websites, blogs and other online guides is impressive and indicates a significant cultural shift towards openness.
It's a work in progress with many links still not up or in the wrong place.
At this point, with the current blog design, I haven't figured out a way to break things down by category well which will likely mean that Pittsburgh regional arts venues will be listed as such while Ohio, West Virginia and other non regional attractions and links will be dropped in the "Blogs Category".
This fits well with the overall theme of Chaos around here. Still not sure how to sort the Pittsburgh blogs and media links.
One other note. Yes, there are venues and small galleries which I think just don't make the cut in terms of basic quality.
I also want to say to those people from out of town checking out these links, that a good number galleries here are better and more interesting than their schlocky websites suggest. Gallerie Chiz shows some nice work! Thankfully, the bulk of interesting Pittsburgh venues at least finally have a website,(Thank You Fe Gallery!!)When I started my gallery, I was shocked at how hard it was to tell people out of town what was going on here. The improvements in websites, blogs and other online guides is impressive and indicates a significant cultural shift towards openness.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
the mobile high craft vending machines have arrived
Glad I walked to work a little early this morning. Shadyside hosts the sea of small tents this weekend. People were setting up just before 8. I walked to the end of Walnut street and back to get a peek.
Many overheard vendo-craftspeople discussed the down economy. A man screwing in table legs talking about what sales were like in Texas. A small fleet of birds carved from posts. Deep white canvas closets filled with paintings each styled closely to the next, some a bit oversaturated, some with the straight-from-the-tube pigments, each booth filled with multiples of the same painting.
Whenever someone refers to something like this as an arts festival, I throw up in my mouth a little. Strong words, I know. But. This is high craft.
Please remember: high craft objects should be celebrated for the skill and labor with which they are produced.
I do not have the will to replicate items so similar to each other as to create my "brand" and market it in this particular way. I am an artist. Meaning is sewn into the decisions used to make manifest the concepts underlying the art object.
I am so going there, I am already there. Artists trade in meaning. They make useless objects (if they make objects at all), things or not-things or experiences that serve primarily to inspire thought.
If an object fits into that label "decorative art", it is high craft. "Decorative art" has, by definition, a function other than being a repository for meaning. It is adornment for your house, jewelry for your interiors. It is like buying books to display because they make you look smart. "Decorative art high craft" makes you look tasteful.
The best art you can't buy, because it exists in the gift economy. The gift economy: the work of art provides an experience that at best cannot be priced, for it transforms (or offers the perceiver the entry point to transforming) the mind of the perceiver. This change or experience cannot be priced.
While artists do concern themselves with finances, and market issues, we do so not in the "art fair" way. The high craft painter shows fifteen paintings of poppies. They are tastefully sized, each slightly oversaturated, each with the same line quality, hung inside the hut. When a booth visitor asks the high craft painter to make one 'custom' that will fit into the window-niche on the second floor, this artisan makes the painting. The high craft painter is a craftsman.
Hey, there's a place for both of us. But would you please keep your high craft hands off my job title please? For the sake of clarity? The decorative arts are incredibly important in our culture. But to spackle the same label ~ artist ~ on the guy cutting and assembling metal into beautiful flowers ~ as Sol Lewitt, whose art exists in the ephemera of directions ~ ~ ~
Comparing automobiles and french doors. Two totally different classes of activities for two totally different areas of life. No, these activities are not in a hierarchical relationship. Why call a bottle of Champagne Pinot Noir?
If you are headed into Shadyside this weekend, forget about parking anywhere close. Also bring an umbrella. It's been raining all day.
Hollywood Is Burning Screenplay Competition
In the interest of promoting Pittsburgh's small but thriving little film industry, I present this Screenplay contest which I found out about from Open Thread.
HOLLYWOOD IS BURNING SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
This is a tough business. It's nearly impossible to break in, and once you do, it's nearly impossible to do anything of quality. Welcome to the entertainment industry!
One of the toughest things to do is to get anyone in any position of power to read your screenplay. Producers usually have stacks of screenplays sitting on their desks at any given time and usually they only read the first few pages (if they're actually reading the things themselves) before making up their minds whether they'll keep reading or move onto the next one on the stack.
HOWEVER, producers will generally pay more attention to scripts that have won some sort of award. This industry loves winners, and they don't usually differentiate between small and large competitions, as long as the words "Winner of the [insert name here] Competition" appear somewhere in the cover letter.
That's where Hollywood is Burning would like to help you.
Founded by Happy Cloud Pictures producers Mike Watt, Charlie Fleming and Amy Lynn Best, Hollywood is Burning likes to champion the indie filmmaker and the struggling screenwriter. The purpose of this competition is to find the best unproduced scripts out there and give out a couple of awards that might help get your foot in the door later on. Do we guarantee it will help? Of course not, but again, the word "Winner" never hurt anyone.
The Hollywood is Burning Horror Screenplay Competition will award:
* A Grand Prize of $250 plus a "Winner" certificate to the author of the best horror screenplay.
* A Second Prize of $50 plus a "2nd Place" certificate to the author of the first runner up.
* AND to give your entry fee a little extra value you can choose to receive a one-page critique of your film written up by screenwriter and producer Mike Watt (writer of the Sci-Fi Channel film "Dead Men Walking", the Happy Cloud Pictures productions "The Resurrection Game", "Splatter Movie: The Director's Cut", "A Feast of Flesh", editor of Sirens of Cinema Magazine and contributor to numerous publications including Fangoria, Rue Morgue, Cinefantastique and Film Threat Magazine)
Again, Hollywood is Burning offers no guarantees - few things in life are sure things - but by entering our competition, you'll be taking your work to the next level and perhaps taking that next step in your career.
FEES AND DEADLINES:
Deadline and Fees:
$25 until October 1
$35 until November 30 - this is the super-late procrastinator's deadline. NO SCREENPLAYS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER November 30.
More info here
HOLLYWOOD IS BURNING SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
This is a tough business. It's nearly impossible to break in, and once you do, it's nearly impossible to do anything of quality. Welcome to the entertainment industry!
One of the toughest things to do is to get anyone in any position of power to read your screenplay. Producers usually have stacks of screenplays sitting on their desks at any given time and usually they only read the first few pages (if they're actually reading the things themselves) before making up their minds whether they'll keep reading or move onto the next one on the stack.
HOWEVER, producers will generally pay more attention to scripts that have won some sort of award. This industry loves winners, and they don't usually differentiate between small and large competitions, as long as the words "Winner of the [insert name here] Competition" appear somewhere in the cover letter.
That's where Hollywood is Burning would like to help you.
Founded by Happy Cloud Pictures producers Mike Watt, Charlie Fleming and Amy Lynn Best, Hollywood is Burning likes to champion the indie filmmaker and the struggling screenwriter. The purpose of this competition is to find the best unproduced scripts out there and give out a couple of awards that might help get your foot in the door later on. Do we guarantee it will help? Of course not, but again, the word "Winner" never hurt anyone.
The Hollywood is Burning Horror Screenplay Competition will award:
* A Grand Prize of $250 plus a "Winner" certificate to the author of the best horror screenplay.
* A Second Prize of $50 plus a "2nd Place" certificate to the author of the first runner up.
* AND to give your entry fee a little extra value you can choose to receive a one-page critique of your film written up by screenwriter and producer Mike Watt (writer of the Sci-Fi Channel film "Dead Men Walking", the Happy Cloud Pictures productions "The Resurrection Game", "Splatter Movie: The Director's Cut", "A Feast of Flesh", editor of Sirens of Cinema Magazine and contributor to numerous publications including Fangoria, Rue Morgue, Cinefantastique and Film Threat Magazine)
Again, Hollywood is Burning offers no guarantees - few things in life are sure things - but by entering our competition, you'll be taking your work to the next level and perhaps taking that next step in your career.
FEES AND DEADLINES:
Deadline and Fees:
$25 until October 1
$35 until November 30 - this is the super-late procrastinator's deadline. NO SCREENPLAYS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER November 30.
More info here
Associated Artists Of Pittsburgh Ninety-Ninth Annual : First Thoughts
I got to the opening of The big AAP show at the Carnegie, and thought I'd put down a few impressions. Although the Carnegie gave me a yearly press pass, I took no notes yet and don't intend to try to get permission to penetrate the museum's no photography policy.
Hanging, as usual was well done and the show occupied a major chunk of first class gallery space.
The curator, Doryun Chung had no prior experience with Pittsburgh at all and put together a show with a decent number of true lows (really bad work) as well as many extreme highs. Dry conceptual work was rarer than ever. Color, humor and very accessible personal expression were the common theme.
Wonderful to see Deanna Mance get her moment in the sun with two stunning big drawings and a major purchase award! Vanessa German's moving, mysterious doll totem also got an award.
More thoughts to come.
Hanging, as usual was well done and the show occupied a major chunk of first class gallery space.
The curator, Doryun Chung had no prior experience with Pittsburgh at all and put together a show with a decent number of true lows (really bad work) as well as many extreme highs. Dry conceptual work was rarer than ever. Color, humor and very accessible personal expression were the common theme.
Wonderful to see Deanna Mance get her moment in the sun with two stunning big drawings and a major purchase award! Vanessa German's moving, mysterious doll totem also got an award.
More thoughts to come.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Another "Visionary Artist" Film Star
There's a little mini fad of films about visionary or non main stream artist's out now.
This one is an inside look made by the artist's son at what it's like to live with Isaiah Zagar, who has made his life an art project in Philly.
From The NY Times
“In a Dream,” which pieces together everything from home movies to animation derived from Mr. Zagar’s sketches, is anything but hagiography. Though Jeremiah, 28, clearly adores his mother, Julia, the light he shines on his father can be harsh and unflattering. “My dad has a well of insanity that’s usually expressed in his work,” Jeremiah said recently over a plate of potato pancakes at a South Philadelphia delicatessen.
“There are people who see ‘In a Dream’ and think he’s a monster,” he added. “As much as I love him, it’s very easy to see him that way.”
For all his talk about the revelatory nature of existence, Isaiah is at bottom a solipsist for whom everyone else matters only as they affect him. During one pivotal scene of the film, as Jeremiah’s older brother, Ezekiel, struggles with a painkiller addiction, Isaiah says serenely, “No matter what happens to Zeke, he’s part of my art world.”
The only person able to distract Isaiah from himself is Julia, his muse, provider and wife of four decades. “He’s kind of a rare flower,” she says of him early in the movie. “A thistle maybe.”
Casting Call @ Ross Park Mall For Love And Other Drugs
One area starting to see some green shoots is Pittsburgh's film and TV business with at least 4 and perhaps five major pictures scheduled to be shot here in the next few months.
EXTRAS NEEDED FOR “LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS”
A FEATURE FILM STARRING
JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND ANNE HATHAWAY!!
“Love and Other Drugs”, directed by Edward Zwick will be filming in the Pittsburgh area starting in mid-September until early December of this year.
We will be looking for people between the ages of 15 and 75 to work as extras, stand-ins, photo-doubles, and silent bits. The pay rate will vary depending upon what you are cast as.
A stand-in is a full-time position, and to be considered you must be available everyday for 12 hours and have reliable transportation. Everyone else should be prepared to work at least one full day or several days in a row.
An open casting call will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 29th at Ross Park Mall in Ross.
Or you can do your profile online or send a package to Mosser Casting. All details here.
So What's this awesome film about?
"A salesman competes in the cutthroat world of pharmaceuticals to hawk a male performance enhancement drug. Based on Jamie Reidy's memoir "Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman."
This is great, I must see this movie!!!!
EXTRAS NEEDED FOR “LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS”
A FEATURE FILM STARRING
JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND ANNE HATHAWAY!!
“Love and Other Drugs”, directed by Edward Zwick will be filming in the Pittsburgh area starting in mid-September until early December of this year.
We will be looking for people between the ages of 15 and 75 to work as extras, stand-ins, photo-doubles, and silent bits. The pay rate will vary depending upon what you are cast as.
A stand-in is a full-time position, and to be considered you must be available everyday for 12 hours and have reliable transportation. Everyone else should be prepared to work at least one full day or several days in a row.
An open casting call will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 29th at Ross Park Mall in Ross.
Or you can do your profile online or send a package to Mosser Casting. All details here.
So What's this awesome film about?
"A salesman competes in the cutthroat world of pharmaceuticals to hawk a male performance enhancement drug. Based on Jamie Reidy's memoir "Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman."
This is great, I must see this movie!!!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
September Regional Arts Round-Up
A few of the shows coming up in September in the region. A distinct Sixties theme comes accross. Looks like a good time to see important works by Chuck Close, Dan Flavin, Robert Smithson and Jasper Johns in Ohio.The Astronomy related show @ Oberlin and the Graphite drawing show @ The Palmer also look very worthwhile.
Cleveland
Museum Of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA)
Hugging and Wrestling : Contemporary Israeli Photography and Video
On view September 12th, 2009 through January 10th, 2010
"In Hugging and Wrestling, a vivid portrait of Israel emerges through the perspectives of nine artists who respond to the complex shifting realities of the country today. The images are both beautiful and powerful, some deeply personal, others more philosophical, some political. With distinct points of view, the artists portray a land rich in history, and the convergence of multiple cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. But while the artists embrace Israel, they wrestle with political discord, religious divisions, and social inequities. They search for personal and collective identity in a vibrant, evolving, contemporary culture, while wrestling with the vulnerabilities of a country with contested territories where conflict is imminent and ever present."
The Sculpture Center
The Sculpture of David E. Davis: Celebrating the 20 Year Legacy
MAIN AND EUCLID AVENUE GALLERIES
"In celebration of its 20th anniversary, The Sculpture Center is honoring its founder, the Cleveland artist David E. Davis, with a comprehensive exhibition of his smaller sculpture."
Cleveland Institute Of Art
The 2009 Faculty Exhibition will run from September 3 – October 10 in the Reinberger Galleries located in The Cleveland Institute of Art. The Galleries are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Galleries are closed Sundays and Mondays.
"A tradition that spans over eight decades, the Faculty Exhibition is a celebration
of art and its makers and an opportunity for the public to view new, original and innovative works by world-class artists and designers in Northeast Ohio. The faculty at The Cleveland Institute of Art is renowned for their influential work in the studio arts, digital arts, design and film."
Spaces Gallery
Jiřà Surůvka
"Hailing from Ostrava in the Czech Republic, Jiřà Surůvka joins SPACES for eight weeks as the 27th artist-in-residence to create new work in Northeast Ohio. Working amidst a post-industrial and post-socialist landscape, the artist creates sculpture, painting, and performance that offer irony, humor and an aggressive look at issues facing his community and the world at large."
Cleveland State University
Toplu: Landscapes of New Turkish Suburbia
August 28 – October 10, 2009
Opening Reception: August 28 for 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Gallery Talk with artists: August 28 at 4:00 pm
This is an exhibition of CSU Assistant Professor Mark Slankard's photographs of new residential developments on the outskirts of the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul.
Oberlin
Allen Memorial Art Museum (Oberlin College)
Starry Dome: Astronomy in Art and the Imagination
Four hundred years after Galileo Galilei became the first astronomer to look through a telescope, this exhibition uses early lunar maps, star charts, and groundbreaking treatises by scientists such as Galileo, Johannes Kepler, and Sir Isaac Newton to examine the necessity of close observation and illustration in the development of astronomy. The works on view, drawn entirely from the Allen Memorial Art Museum
and the Oberlin College Library, equally explore the allure of the sky across diverse times and cultures, from the omnipresent full moon in Japanese prints to the imaginative, personalized cosmologies of modern and contemporary artists such as Joseph Cornell, Ansel Adams, James Rosenquist, and Vija Celmins.
Akron
Akron Art Museum
Rethinking Art:
Objects and Ideas from the 1960s and 70s
June 6, 2009 - October 4, 2009
"Rethinking Art presents such radical actions as Robert Smithson’s burial of an abandoned woodshed on the Kent State University campus and Christo’s wrapping of walkways in a Kansas City park. Dan Flavin’s store-bought fluorescent light tubes and Joseph Kosuth’s photostats of dictionary definitions of the words “black” and “white” urge us to reconsider familiar objects and meanings. The artists in Rethinking Art offer a new perspective on our environment, changing the way we look at our every day surroundings"
Also @ The Akron
Familiar Faces: Chuck Close in Ohio Collections
September 5, 2009 - January 3, 2010
"This is the first time the artist’s works in Ohio public collections can be seen together. They have been sent from all corners of the state—from the Cleveland Museum of Art, Allen Memorial Art Museum, Butler Institute of American Art and Akron Art Museum in Northeast Ohio to the Toledo Museum of Art in the west and Wexner Center for the Arts, Wright State University Galleries and Cincinnati Art Museum in the south. These public holdings will be joined by rarely seen pieces from private collections around the state."
Youngstown
The Butler Institute Of American Art
Jasper Johns: Works on Paper 1994-2007
Presented in conjunction with Matthew Marks Gallery, New York City, this exhibition offers recent works on paper by America's master of the avant garde. An exhibition catalogue accompanies this show.
Erie
Erie Art Museum
Takezasa-Do, The Ancient Art of Woodblock Printing
Annex Gallery
July 10 through September 26, 2009
"The printmaking studio of Kenji Takenaka, in the beautiful ancient city of Kyoto, is known as Takezasa-Do. The fifth generation of a family of master printers, Kenji has been a mentor to a variety of artists, including Bill Mathie, professor of art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Mathie met Takenaka in 2005, during a trip to Japan where he explored traditional Japanese printmaking. With the support of the Japan Foundation, Takenaka and four others visited Edinboro in 2006, and presented an intensive workshop in traditional watercolor woodblock printing. Takenaka, his apprentice Yuko Harada, Tuula Moilanen who taught drawing and painting at his shop, and Mathie will present their work in this ancient and beautiful medium as the final show in the Annex Gallery (which will be converted to another education studio as part of the Museum’s expansion project)."
Greensburg
Westmoreland Museum Of American Art
Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Sunday June 14, 2009 - Sunday September 06, 2009
"This exhibition examines the complex and heterogeneous nature of American art in the mid-twentieth century. Featuring thirty-one of the most celebrated artists who came to maturity in the 1950s, the exhibition traces the history of this epochal period through forty-three key paintings and sculpture selected from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection"
Upcoming
Four Perspectives on Fifty Years
Sunday September 27, 2009 - Sunday January 03, 2010
"A collaborative exhibition curated by friends of the museum—an artist, collector, art critic, and patron—all taken from the Museum's permanent collection. This exhibition will offer the unique perspectives of each of the guest curators while bringing together works from the collection that are seldom seen together. The guest curators: Adrienne Heinrich (artist), Marty O'Brien (collector); Graham Shearing (art critic); and Anne Robertshaw (patron)."
Huntingdon
Juniata College Museum Of Art
WPA Graphic Works : From the Amity Art Foundation Collection
"During the eight years of the Federal Art Project’s existence, over 5,000 artists, some of whom are featured in this exhibition, produced thousands of paintings, photographs, sculptures, public murals and prints. WPA Graphic Works: From the Amity Art Foundation Collection is part of the personal collection of John A. Stewart, founder and director of the Amity Art Foundation in Woodbridge, Connecticut."
State College
Palmer Museum Of Art (Penn State)
Leaded: The Materiality and Metamorphosis of Graphite
September 15–November 29, 2009
"Leaded: The Materiality and Metamorphosis of Graphite features more than forty contemporary works of art by sixteen international artists who utilize the physical nature and characteristics of graphite and pencils as content in their two- and three-dimensional work. The pencil is one of the essential tools in foundation drawing classes and is perhaps the most familiar of all tools to students taking their first steps at making art. For many, the pencil and the graphite it holds symbolize the essence of the creative act of drawing"
Cleveland
Museum Of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA)
Hugging and Wrestling : Contemporary Israeli Photography and Video
On view September 12th, 2009 through January 10th, 2010
"In Hugging and Wrestling, a vivid portrait of Israel emerges through the perspectives of nine artists who respond to the complex shifting realities of the country today. The images are both beautiful and powerful, some deeply personal, others more philosophical, some political. With distinct points of view, the artists portray a land rich in history, and the convergence of multiple cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. But while the artists embrace Israel, they wrestle with political discord, religious divisions, and social inequities. They search for personal and collective identity in a vibrant, evolving, contemporary culture, while wrestling with the vulnerabilities of a country with contested territories where conflict is imminent and ever present."
The Sculpture Center
The Sculpture of David E. Davis: Celebrating the 20 Year Legacy
MAIN AND EUCLID AVENUE GALLERIES
"In celebration of its 20th anniversary, The Sculpture Center is honoring its founder, the Cleveland artist David E. Davis, with a comprehensive exhibition of his smaller sculpture."
Cleveland Institute Of Art
The 2009 Faculty Exhibition will run from September 3 – October 10 in the Reinberger Galleries located in The Cleveland Institute of Art. The Galleries are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Galleries are closed Sundays and Mondays.
"A tradition that spans over eight decades, the Faculty Exhibition is a celebration
of art and its makers and an opportunity for the public to view new, original and innovative works by world-class artists and designers in Northeast Ohio. The faculty at The Cleveland Institute of Art is renowned for their influential work in the studio arts, digital arts, design and film."
Spaces Gallery
Jiřà Surůvka
"Hailing from Ostrava in the Czech Republic, Jiřà Surůvka joins SPACES for eight weeks as the 27th artist-in-residence to create new work in Northeast Ohio. Working amidst a post-industrial and post-socialist landscape, the artist creates sculpture, painting, and performance that offer irony, humor and an aggressive look at issues facing his community and the world at large."
Cleveland State University
Toplu: Landscapes of New Turkish Suburbia
August 28 – October 10, 2009
Opening Reception: August 28 for 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Gallery Talk with artists: August 28 at 4:00 pm
This is an exhibition of CSU Assistant Professor Mark Slankard's photographs of new residential developments on the outskirts of the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul.
Oberlin
Allen Memorial Art Museum (Oberlin College)
Starry Dome: Astronomy in Art and the Imagination
Four hundred years after Galileo Galilei became the first astronomer to look through a telescope, this exhibition uses early lunar maps, star charts, and groundbreaking treatises by scientists such as Galileo, Johannes Kepler, and Sir Isaac Newton to examine the necessity of close observation and illustration in the development of astronomy. The works on view, drawn entirely from the Allen Memorial Art Museum
and the Oberlin College Library, equally explore the allure of the sky across diverse times and cultures, from the omnipresent full moon in Japanese prints to the imaginative, personalized cosmologies of modern and contemporary artists such as Joseph Cornell, Ansel Adams, James Rosenquist, and Vija Celmins.
Akron
Akron Art Museum
Rethinking Art:
Objects and Ideas from the 1960s and 70s
June 6, 2009 - October 4, 2009
"Rethinking Art presents such radical actions as Robert Smithson’s burial of an abandoned woodshed on the Kent State University campus and Christo’s wrapping of walkways in a Kansas City park. Dan Flavin’s store-bought fluorescent light tubes and Joseph Kosuth’s photostats of dictionary definitions of the words “black” and “white” urge us to reconsider familiar objects and meanings. The artists in Rethinking Art offer a new perspective on our environment, changing the way we look at our every day surroundings"
Also @ The Akron
Familiar Faces: Chuck Close in Ohio Collections
September 5, 2009 - January 3, 2010
"This is the first time the artist’s works in Ohio public collections can be seen together. They have been sent from all corners of the state—from the Cleveland Museum of Art, Allen Memorial Art Museum, Butler Institute of American Art and Akron Art Museum in Northeast Ohio to the Toledo Museum of Art in the west and Wexner Center for the Arts, Wright State University Galleries and Cincinnati Art Museum in the south. These public holdings will be joined by rarely seen pieces from private collections around the state."
Youngstown
The Butler Institute Of American Art
Jasper Johns: Works on Paper 1994-2007
Presented in conjunction with Matthew Marks Gallery, New York City, this exhibition offers recent works on paper by America's master of the avant garde. An exhibition catalogue accompanies this show.
Erie
Erie Art Museum
Takezasa-Do, The Ancient Art of Woodblock Printing
Annex Gallery
July 10 through September 26, 2009
"The printmaking studio of Kenji Takenaka, in the beautiful ancient city of Kyoto, is known as Takezasa-Do. The fifth generation of a family of master printers, Kenji has been a mentor to a variety of artists, including Bill Mathie, professor of art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Mathie met Takenaka in 2005, during a trip to Japan where he explored traditional Japanese printmaking. With the support of the Japan Foundation, Takenaka and four others visited Edinboro in 2006, and presented an intensive workshop in traditional watercolor woodblock printing. Takenaka, his apprentice Yuko Harada, Tuula Moilanen who taught drawing and painting at his shop, and Mathie will present their work in this ancient and beautiful medium as the final show in the Annex Gallery (which will be converted to another education studio as part of the Museum’s expansion project)."
Greensburg
Westmoreland Museum Of American Art
Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Sunday June 14, 2009 - Sunday September 06, 2009
"This exhibition examines the complex and heterogeneous nature of American art in the mid-twentieth century. Featuring thirty-one of the most celebrated artists who came to maturity in the 1950s, the exhibition traces the history of this epochal period through forty-three key paintings and sculpture selected from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection"
Upcoming
Four Perspectives on Fifty Years
Sunday September 27, 2009 - Sunday January 03, 2010
"A collaborative exhibition curated by friends of the museum—an artist, collector, art critic, and patron—all taken from the Museum's permanent collection. This exhibition will offer the unique perspectives of each of the guest curators while bringing together works from the collection that are seldom seen together. The guest curators: Adrienne Heinrich (artist), Marty O'Brien (collector); Graham Shearing (art critic); and Anne Robertshaw (patron)."
Huntingdon
Juniata College Museum Of Art
WPA Graphic Works : From the Amity Art Foundation Collection
"During the eight years of the Federal Art Project’s existence, over 5,000 artists, some of whom are featured in this exhibition, produced thousands of paintings, photographs, sculptures, public murals and prints. WPA Graphic Works: From the Amity Art Foundation Collection is part of the personal collection of John A. Stewart, founder and director of the Amity Art Foundation in Woodbridge, Connecticut."
State College
Palmer Museum Of Art (Penn State)
Leaded: The Materiality and Metamorphosis of Graphite
September 15–November 29, 2009
"Leaded: The Materiality and Metamorphosis of Graphite features more than forty contemporary works of art by sixteen international artists who utilize the physical nature and characteristics of graphite and pencils as content in their two- and three-dimensional work. The pencil is one of the essential tools in foundation drawing classes and is perhaps the most familiar of all tools to students taking their first steps at making art. For many, the pencil and the graphite it holds symbolize the essence of the creative act of drawing"
Literary Pittsburgh: Readings Galore This Weekend
The next few days are packed with great readings: I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
Saturday afternoon, August 29th, 1:30pm: Autumn House at the Pump House. Pittsburgh’s own Autumn House Press will host one novelist and one poet at the historic
Pump House in Homestead: There’s a nice review of John Hoerr’s novel Monogahela Dusk in the City Paper this week; Hoerr is actually a long-time labor journalist, and this is his first work of fiction. I’m a big fan of Robert Gibb’s poetry, especially his Homestead Trilogy. Gibb will read at the Pump House from a new Autumn House volume of his work, What the Heart Can Bear: Selected and Uncollected Poems, 1979-1993.
Saturday night, August 29th: East End avant-garde publisher Six Gallery Press is holding their periodic Showcase (this one is called Hot August Night) with 14 readers from the Pittsburgh poetry underground. Digging Pitt blogger, videographer extraordinaire, talented poet, and charismatic reader Jessica Fenlon (pictured) will read from her new book of poetry, Spiritual Side Effects. Guest author Kevin Finn will read from his new chapbook, Exit Wounds (Ohio: Amsterdam Press), Six Galllery poet Michael S. Begnal is visiting from North Carolina, and all will share the stage with many other local talents: Renee Alberts, Nikki Allen, Jerome Crooks, Davka, Che Elias, Bill Hughes, Jonathan Loucks, Alexi Morrissey, Scott Silsbe, Ed Steck, Billie Steigerwald, Matt Wellins, and Don Wentworth of Lilliput Review fame. Local rock stars Colin Baxter and Julie Sokolow will provide the musical entertainment. ModernFormations at 4919 Penn Avenue, $5 at the door, 8:00pm, BYOB.
Late-night on August 29th (hey, you could make it to all 3 of Saturday's readings if you wanted to): KINETIX! (formerly Poetry…Yes!) is a new late-night poetry series that happens once a month and runs from 11:00pm-1:00am in the theater lobby at The New Hazlett Theater on the Northside. Featured Pittsburgh poets are followed by an Open Mic. $5 door charge; doors open at 10:30pm. (N.b.: the last 54C bus leaves Allegheny Center at 1:12 AM.)
Sunday August 30th at 2:00pm: The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Main library in Oakland) holds its weekly Sunday Poetry and Reading Series, featuring Chuck Lanigan’s presentation of fiction and oral history: To Be of Use: Stories of Labor and Identity in Southwestern PA. Free.
Sunday night, August 30th: The fabulous Typewriter Girls Cabaret will feature the fabulous Gist Street hosts as readers: poet Nancy Krygowski and fictionist Sherrie Flick with her new novel, Reconsidering Happiness. Poet Sandra Beasley, musician Steve Pellegrino, burlesque act The Bridge City Bombshells, and much more will round out the show. Howler’s Café in Bloomfield. Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm, $5.00 cover. See more info here.
Tuesday evening, September 1st: Outrageous blogger Maddox will be in town signing his book of “fratire,” called The Alphabet of Manliness. 6:00pm at Borders Eastside on Centre Avenue near Highland (aka Penn Circle South).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
High speed, intercity rail
I love to travel by train. Lots of leg room, a place to plug in my laptop, ease of travel. Train stations are always in downtown metropolitan areas. This is absolutely perfect for me since going city-to-city makes up all my travel. Pittsburgh could use some more travel options, though. It wold be nice to be able to get to NYC, Philadelphia and Washington a little more quickly to see exhibits, shows and all that great stuff. Luckily, there are other folks that are thinking the same way --
I don't know definitively what was approved for this proposal. However, from the sound of it, input is being sought --
Here's the important part --
Now, I don't understand why they are having this meeting in Carnegie instead of downtown Pittsburgh. Especially at 6PM. Anybody out there planning on going? I would love to put together a group to get out there!
PennDOT submitted the following as candidate projects for potential formal application later:
* Keystone East Corridor Harrisburg to Philadelphia — funding would include track, signal, power and catenary upgrades, grade crossing removal and station improvements or replacements.
* Scranton to New York Rail Passenger Rail Service Program Phase 1 — funding for part of a proposed restored 133-mile passenger rail corridor between Northeastern Pennsylvania and Hoboken, N.J., with connections to Penn Station in Manhattan.
* Pittsburgh High-Speed Magnetic Levitation Project Phase 1 — funding to design and construct the first segment (Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown Pittsburgh) of a Maglev, or magnetic levitation, line between the airport and Monroeville/Greensburg.
* Keystone West Harrisburg to Pittsburgh High-Speed Rail Feasibility and Business Plan Study — funding for a feasibility study of enhanced intercity passenger rail service between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. One Amtrak train a day in each direction now serves this corridor.
I don't know definitively what was approved for this proposal. However, from the sound of it, input is being sought --
The plan will enable PennDOT to implement a more efficient and effective approach to intercity rail transportation within the Commonwealth. Specifically, consideration will be given to more frequent and timely passenger rail service and increased use of the freight rail system for goods movement. In addition, this plan will also aid in prioritizing rail projects throughout the state by identifying those that will provide the most benefit for the limited funding available. Prioritization will take into account multiple factors. These factors include, but are not limited to; the availability of funding, the ability of the project/improvement to facilitate economic growth, and the minimization of impacts to the environment.
Here's the important part --
A public meeting to review the Draft Intercity Passenger and Freight Rail Plan has been scheduled. The plan will enable PennDOT to implement a more efficient and effective approach to intercity rail transportation within the Commonwealth. Additional information about the plan and meeting can be found in the attached flyer. We hope that you will help us to spread the word of this meeting to the constituents of District 7.
PA Intercity Passenger & Freight Rail Plan
Thursday, September 17, 2009
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Carnegie Borough Building
One Veterans Way
Carnegie, PA 15106
Now, I don't understand why they are having this meeting in Carnegie instead of downtown Pittsburgh. Especially at 6PM. Anybody out there planning on going? I would love to put together a group to get out there!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
AAP: Influx 3 @ Borelli-Edwards Galleries
An interesting show of new Associated Artist's of Pittsburgh members opens tonight @ Borelli Edwards in Lawrenceville.
Hopefully this link will take you to some images.
The exhibition runs till September 5th.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
GRRL Talk
Guest post by Kate Bechak
Emily Laychak wears her heart on her sleeve, sticks paintings on the wall and sculptures on the floor, and creates the distinct impression that she once drew a deep breath and then didn't exhale until a great golden aura filtered out of her pores and crystallized around her. In short, she's an inspirational person to meet. She's currently curating the show GRRLS GRRLS GRRLS! with work by Stephanie Woods and others, previously mentioned in this blog as part of Unblurred. The show will run at Garfield Artworks until August 29th, and her band Rock Rifle will open for Jessica Hopper and Katie Stelmanis this Friday at 6:30. I interviewed her via email:
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Has working at the children’s museum affected what you think about artistic development?
What is it about girls?
Emily Laychak wears her heart on her sleeve, sticks paintings on the wall and sculptures on the floor, and creates the distinct impression that she once drew a deep breath and then didn't exhale until a great golden aura filtered out of her pores and crystallized around her. In short, she's an inspirational person to meet. She's currently curating the show GRRLS GRRLS GRRLS! with work by Stephanie Woods and others, previously mentioned in this blog as part of Unblurred. The show will run at Garfield Artworks until August 29th, and her band Rock Rifle will open for Jessica Hopper and Katie Stelmanis this Friday at 6:30. I interviewed her via email:
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Money! And this is coming from an artist who works primarily with garbage, literally. Most of my materials are free. If you want to live under a roof and eat, you have to work, but being an artist is a fulltime job in itself. It takes a lot of time and energy to make art and organize shows, but one doesn't necessarily make money. I took off work a lot in the month leading up to the show-- and I have done that before, getting ready for shows, because I have needed the time to work on them -- and the consequence is being poor.
I do have a job in art, at Pittsburgh Children's Museum, but minimum wage requires you to work pretty much fulltime to live, and if you're working full time, you have no time to make your own art. Either you chose to have time for your creative self and barely make rent, or you live financially comfortably and exhaustedly watch television after work until bedtime. But that’s not a challenge specific to artists though, is it? That’s the challenge all people face as people: what are we living for?
Has working at the children’s museum affected what you think about artistic development?
Working at the children's museum is an eye-opening experience because I see firsthand how hard adults have to work to be creative and how often they stifle the natural creativity of their offspring. Children are a big influence in my art because we intuitively create -- we just see things, that’s all, and have ideas. I watch parents tell their kids what colors to pick for a project, for example, or even encourage their kids to copy from another kid's ideas. It’s pretty crazy. Kids do not need help to be creative, it’s really raw.How well do you think our educational system arms artists with the tools they need to develop their work?
Art and creativity are underappreciated. When budgets are cut, what’s the first to go? My little brother’s elementary school doesn’t have art and music classes anymore! Of course they maintain gym classes and sports teams. This makes sense because what will the working adults watch on TV if we aren't training our children to be football players?
What is it about girls?
Well, girls aren't being trained for the NFL-- but I'm just using football as an example to illustrate a bigger point. Girls are disadvantaged all over the place. The history we learn in school is dangerously misleading, it leaves out many people who have contributed a great deal and keeps a whole lot of people from believing in their potential in every subject.Do you see an intersection between your work as a fine artist and as a musical performer?
I make art and music because I have ideas. That is really all there is to it. I see things, hear things and then make them new things. I think that everyone could do this in one way or another if they were encouraged to, but they are not, and they lose it. I consider myself monumentally blessed to have this freedom. I want everyone to have this, whatever form their own ideas come in, to have the freedom to make them real and to share with other people. I especially want this for girls because girls are the most oppressed people there are, throughout all places and time.
Anyway, it’s really scary to share ideas because no one is asking for them. Of course, no one even knows about your ideas except for you, so why would they want them? But wouldn't it be great if a girl, instead of needing a diamond or cute shoes, if she needed her very own song, that she personally wrote, to sing?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sacred Art @Box Heart
The Sacred Art exhibit at Box Heart is always a good show. This annual juried exhibit has reached it's thirteenth year. The exhibit is up and the opening reception is this Saturday. There were several really fine works up yesterday when I swung by. The show is just recently installed and the Box Heart team has not had a chance to upload documentation on the exhibit yet. This exhibit is national in scope and features work from all over the country as well as some local artists.
Jessica Somers Consumption
There is something really appealing about the simplicity of the above work by Ms. Somers. I think the title belies the image somewhat. The wolves seem more comforting, like a mass of warm bodies acting as protection. Well, that's my individual reaction, though.
Liz Rundorff-Smith Reap (left) and Savor (right)
The above works by Ms. Rudorff-Smith are small canvases, well-painted. Both have a lovely soft glow. They seem like a memory of anticipation. The table was in the process of being set. The presentation was seriously considered, with an eye for tablecloth and place setting. The host and guest know each other well enough to share a simple, intimate repast. Since this exhibit is about interpretations of the sacred, it seens to me that the artist feels a very day-to-day relationship with the spiritual.
David Nelson God's Appointment Book
Yep. Nice painting. It really drew your eye when you walked into the gallery.
The 13th Annual Sacred Art Exhibition
August 18, - September 12, 2009
Public Reception: Saturday, August 22nd: 5 pm - 8 pm.
Box Heart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
boxheartexpress@earthlink.net
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM
Jessica Somers Consumption
There is something really appealing about the simplicity of the above work by Ms. Somers. I think the title belies the image somewhat. The wolves seem more comforting, like a mass of warm bodies acting as protection. Well, that's my individual reaction, though.
Liz Rundorff-Smith Reap (left) and Savor (right)
The above works by Ms. Rudorff-Smith are small canvases, well-painted. Both have a lovely soft glow. They seem like a memory of anticipation. The table was in the process of being set. The presentation was seriously considered, with an eye for tablecloth and place setting. The host and guest know each other well enough to share a simple, intimate repast. Since this exhibit is about interpretations of the sacred, it seens to me that the artist feels a very day-to-day relationship with the spiritual.
David Nelson God's Appointment Book
Yep. Nice painting. It really drew your eye when you walked into the gallery.
The 13th Annual Sacred Art Exhibition
August 18, - September 12, 2009
Public Reception: Saturday, August 22nd: 5 pm - 8 pm.
Box Heart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
boxheartexpress@earthlink.net
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5 PM
Friday, August 14, 2009
Welcome Students
Off-Campus Oakland Primer from Pitt News Multimedia on Vimeo.
We all know that Pittsburgh is now kind of a college town, with an economy tilted towards "Eds and Meds", and an energy level can be measured by the number of cups and vomit pools on Carson Street.
Welcome Freshmen! I found this video to help orient you to Oakland, assuming you are not from Pittsburgh which may also be helpful to yinz types that never crossed the river to see it.
Night Out In Braddock To Celebrate Unsmoke Systems First Year
In July of 2008, UnSmoke Systems Artspace was launched with their inaugural event, Out of this Furnace, in conjunction with the 55th Carnegie International. Since the studio’s debut, UnSmoke Systems has become integral to promoting the arts in Braddock.
On August 15, from 7:30 – 10:30pm, UnSmoke Systems will be hosting Night Out: Braddock - a party to celebrate our first year of events. Featuring the artwork of resident and guest artists, Humanaut DJ’s Aaron Clark and Paul Alexander (resident DJ’s at Hijack, New Amsterdam) and refreshments. Delicious Donations will be present and raising money for the regional artists, with a cash award (typically between $100 - $250) to be given away at the end of the night. Join us for an evening of art, music, and socializing to kick off one more year.
Participating artists: Barb Antel, Stephanie Armbruster, Emilia Edwards, Jeanine Hall, Eric Haberle, Marc Nieson, Tara Powley, Fitzhugh Shaw, Josh Tonies, and Paulina Wilkowska
Stephanie Armbruster has been with UnSmoke from the beginning. Her work is an exploration of urban spaces, populations and visual textures. Often a reflection on the postindustrial landscape, her works suggest whimsical environments that are familiar, unique, and a little absurd. Informed by a fascination with printed matter, street art, and design, Stephanie works primarily in 2D media. Her work is currently on view at the Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art.
Marc Nieson’s background includes filmmaking, children’s theatre, building construction and a season with a one-ring circus. Excerpts from his forthcoming memoir Schoolhouse: A Memoir in 13 Lessons have appeared in the Literary Review and Iowa Review, and his fiction recently was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and won the 2008 Raymond Carver Short Story Contest. His feature-length screenplays include Bottomland, The Dream Catcher, and The Speed of Life (Special Jury Prize 2007 Venice Film Festival).
Josh Tonies has been with the organization from the start. He also lives and works in Braddock, PA. His current work explores transient structures. Mining systematic imagery such as technical illustration, security patterns from envelopes and architectural diagrams, he reconfigures these depictions of space into slippery windows. He has exhibited his work nationally at Mass MoCa, Light Industry in Brooklyn and internationally at Meinblau e.V in Berlin.
Support for Night Out: Braddock is generously provided through a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) – Project Stream Grant
Sorry, for the crude cut and paste job. It's the best I can do. I'm also very sad I will not be able to catch this event.Very, Very exiting weekend in The Burgh.
By the way -- I think the address on Unsmoke's website is wrong.
I think it's 1183 Braddock Ave which is what Google's street view shows.
View Larger Map
Thoughts About The Education Bubble
As people crow about Pittsburgh's bulletproof economy built around "Eds & Meds", (we are still losing jobs) It might be good to take a hard look at how well these "industries" really are doing and the danger our dependence on them might mean.
Of course, people need to go to school and people need healthcare, but the fact is that people need a lot of things and what matters most in a truly sustainable economy is the balance between current consumption and future investment. The heart is important and so is the brain, liver and stomach but when one grows out of all proportion to all the others---you might have cancer.
An article on The Examiner tells the harsh truth
"As usual, the numbers tell the whole story. According to the College Board in early 2009, total student loan borrowing more than doubled between 1998 and 2008. The numbers are staggering. We're talking about $85 billion in loans, as compared to $41 billion ten years ago.
Privately funded student loans have risen, too, from 7% in 1998 to 23% of all student loans in 2008. It makes for quite a brew for cash-strapped Americans this year, who are already saddled with unemployment and loss of income. Sallie Mae, for example, had a delinquency rate of 9.4% in Q3 2008, as compared to a rate of 8.5% just a year earlier.I'm willing to bet that rate gaps higher as the months go by.
The student loan market has been, is, and will be riddled with trouble. Expect higher default rates, as students can't pay back these loans."
Even more disturbing is that the real explosion of college costs have not been fully felt by people(which is why they exploded in the first place) because of government loans and subsidies. As that well runs dry-the reality will hit like a rock and real hard cost cuts and college closings will begin.
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