Saturday, October 27, 2007

The future of Three Rivers Arts Festival

Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservatism and Natural Resources began work on renovating Point Park, which is at the tip of downtown's Golden Triangle, sitting at the confluence of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Three Rivers Arts Festival, as well as the Regatta and several other annual events, were negatively impacted by the renovation. Three Rivers Arts Festival had a much smaller footprint and various parts of the festival, like the Best of Pittsburgh show, were spread over downtown. But since this was only temporary, the coordinators found the spaces and worked around the renovation. But now, there appears to be some glitches in the renovation plan. From the Post Gazette -

New guidelines are being developed for the use of the state-owned park and unless those guidelines are revised, the festival "will most likely not be able to operate in Point State Park," said Elizabeth Reiss, the arts festival's executive director. Read the article

The article goes on to explain that the regulations have not yet been finalized and that a meeting is scheduled with the organizers of these several events to discuss their concerns. Hopefully, the meeting will bring a greater understanding of the needs of event organizers and the concerns of PA -DCNR.

There is very little diversity in the visual arts in downtown Pittsburgh, with most venues operating as non-profits or as co-op galleries. Although the festival emphasizes the performance components more so than the visual arts, at least it does present a wider range of visual arts than what is usually found in downtown. The artist market houses fine crafts and arts and most of the vendors are marketing their work to individual purchases. It brings a more diverse mix of art appreciators to downtown and that is a good thing. Frankly, I am tired of ugly, shock and derivative art that appeals to a very small group of the public. Downtown really needs this festival.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Closing reception 10/27 - Same Frequency

Join us on Saturday, October 27, for a closing reception for --

Same Frequency - Side II


An exhibit of paintings and mixed media works by three very different artists...who are nonetheless on the Same Frequency. More information

Jon Anderson - Paintings on Paper
Jean McClung - Mixed media on Paper and Illuminated Sculptures.
Sherry Rusinack- Mixed Media on Canvas

As an aside, Jean McClung's work will be included in the upcoming Blogger Shows at Agni and Digging Pitt Gallleries. So, join us for those receptions in November and December.

Above the Pitt - 10/27


Above the Pitt - Too
Saturday, October 20, 7PM - ???
Bill Cousins will be opening his doors on Saturday, October 27, for Above the Pitt - Too, new and old abstract works by Bill Cousins . So, while you are in the neighborhood for Conceived Bully and Same Frequency, take the stairs up to visit Bill.
Food - Drink - People
Music by Rick Bach
Card Art

Monday, October 22, 2007

Closing reception 10/27 - Conceived Bully

Save the Date!
Opening: September 8, 6-9PM

Conceived Bully - Side I



The raw installment and tough works of urban design.
Featuring the works of --

EVIL DESIGN - Boston MA
I've heard some of the kids talkin' on the bus an' I just wanna set the record straight. Evil Design is not a band of Blood Sucking Son-Of-A-Guns that like to make babies cry, they're just some kids that like to draw pictures is all.

ExperiBreed - NYC/PGH
Cultures come and cultures go. Some we remember and some we don't know.

MAGMO - The Destroyer - Rhode Island
Magmo is here to help. Magmo is here to destroy.

More information



ExperiBreed @Digging Pitt Too



In his exhibit at Digging Pitt Too, JC one will present works from ExperiBreed, his most recent cycle of expression. Join us in September in welcoming JC one to the walls at Digging Pitt Too. More information



Sunday, October 21, 2007

JC one interviews Magmo and Evil Design

Conceived Bully, curated by JC One, has interviewed Magmo and Evil Design. To our great delight! The exhibit really is phenomenal. In case you miseed it - More information

EVIL DESIGN - Boston MA
I've heard some of the kids talkin' on the bus an' I just wanna set the record straight. Evil Design is not a band of Blood Sucking Son-Of-A-Guns that like to make babies cry, they're just some kids that like to draw pictures is all.

ExperiBreed - NYC/PGH
Cultures come and cultures go. Some we remember and some we don't know.

MAGMO - The Destroyer - Rhode Island
Magmo is here to help. Magmo is here to destroy.


JC one


JC One interviews Magmo the Destroyer

JC- Can you tell us what Magmo means, and why he likes to destroy things?

Magmo was the name I had came up with to be part of the Tomo & Whimo gang. We all lived together in Brighton, MA. We weren't really a gang, more like three dorks that liked how our names all sounded the same. I added "The Destoyer" because that is what I want to do. Magmo The Destroyer started as way for me to create art that tries to raise awareness about all sorts of things in this world that interest me, good or bad. I am not sure how much Magmo has even "destroyed", but the idea behind Magmo has been the same since day one: Make art with a message.

JC- What motivates Magmo to do such a series as your "In America" pieces?

When I started the In America series I thought about all the times I had traveled outside the U.S. to visit other countries. As I talked to people, we always would ask about each other's culture. The phrase "In America..." seemed to be at the beginning of many of their questions and my answers. So I kept that phrase in mind as I started them. I wanted the phrases and drawings to depict life in America as if I was describing it to a stranger. Each is a response to current events that I would read about or see on the news. All the characters wear silly striped caps with a shiny spinning star on top, which I thought would be a good symbol of how absurd life in America has become.

JC- What artists do you look up to as far as having being influenced by?

Some of the artists I have been inspired by are; Francis Picabia, Dr.Suess, Tadanori Yokoo, Stenberg Brothers, Barbara Kruger, Richard Powers, Paul Laffoley, George Grosz, and Arthur Dolt. But I think I am most influenced by everything around me; people, strangers, cultures, society, animals, technology, music, the environment and books. Magmo likes books. The random and unexpected moments in life also seem to have the biggest impact on my work.


Magmo the Destroyer


JC one interviews MCA/Evil Design

JC-Is the devil one of your influences or is that just your name?
MCA: In many people’s minds the Devil is the ultimate Evil & I am Evil Design, so does that mean that I am part of the Almighty Devil’s master ‘design’ or master plan!? - No.
I am not a member of the Church of Satan, although I would have liked to have met Mr. Anton Lavey. He seemed to have his thing going good for him & he always had hot ladies around the house.
I use the term ‘Evil’ in my name in a more ironic way. Evil that is dreamt up in the minds of suburban moms who find the ‘Diary of a Madman’ record under their daughter’s bed. The Evil that is used to describe youth gone wild that are loose running in the streets, this is the evil I enjoy.
I think that people need to look towards the Three Stooges to see the actual divine plan. One Stooge represents God, One Stooge represents the Devil & One Stooge represents Man. You must look deep inside yourself to choose which is which & learn from this.
I have gained much information & influence from this blue print of the Three Stooges.

JC- What lead you to designing and were you determined from the beginning to get involved with toys?
MCA: I always have drawn pictures ever since I can remember. I learned to draw from my grandfather; not in an academic way, but just from observing and drawing with him. It was just a thing that I never stopped doing. As far as becoming a ‘designer’ - I dunno, I just still do what I always did, draw goofy characters & stuff. Once they get applied to record covers, t-shirts or toys – now you’re a designer. As far as having a determination to design toys from the get-go – no. I had no clue I would ever get the opportunity to design my own toys. One day I got an email from Toy2R & that was my starting point. Designing toys has been the most fun I’ve had in the ‘design’ world, it’s pretty awesome when a box of your newest toys comes in the mail & you get to rip it open and hold the finished piece.

JC- I remember we spoke about your "Simian Show", is the ape based on a real life person or is it a representative of an idea?
MCA: The ‘Simian Nation?’ show in Boston was at a shop/gallery called The Lab. I just wanted to do a show all based around my Evil Ape character. As far as the ape being based on an actual person, not really: more of a big mix. I do think artists put themselves into their work & I do like giving people a dead stare now & again, but that’s where the similarities end.. I think. We’re all monkeys anyways – right? So take your pick.(It would have been great to have Billy Barty do the voice in an Evil Ape cartoon, I picture an older Ape talking like that.)

MCA/Evil Design

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Matt @drink and draw

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Great session last night! Matt was a phenomenal model. He brought several costumes and came up with some great poses.





What have we been up to? find out on the drink and draw blog
Here is a calendar of the upcoming sessions --
10/16 – Matt O’Riley, 10/30 - Christine Allen: gesture intensive
11/13 – Seaman Sara, 11/27 - TBA
12/11 - Moira Meadows

Drink and Draw
is an open studio live model drawing session that meets every other Tuesday on the second floor of brillobox, located at 4104 penn ave, pittsburgh, pa. This session is relaxed, surprising, and inspiring. amazing models dressed in various themes, old timey music, great company, and decor. All mediums, except oils, welcome.

drink and draw
MySpace
brillobox
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900

Friday, October 12, 2007

Literary Reading at Modern Formations


Tonight at Modern Formations Gallery in the Garfield section of Pittsburgh: literary readings, music, and crowds, courtesy of Pittsburgh's own Six Gallery Press.

Renee Ruth Ickes

Good art in good places.

The brillobox is a terrific little bar on Penn Ave. They host a lot of great music, odd events and a drop-in model session. The owners of the bar, Eric Stern and Renee Ickes, are both artists. Eric's work was recently featured at LaVie and at Digging Pitt. Renee is currently in an exhibit at Future Tenant.

I was delighted to walk into the main bar last week to see this entire wall of Renee's work --

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I know, the images are crappy. But hey, you try shooting in a dark bar without a flash! Think of this as an incentive to get yer butt over there before she takes them down. Following are two detail shots of the wall --

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Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Metamorphose

It was great to so many people out for Unblurred. And really terrific that so many stopped by at Metamorphose. It was a terrific and varied evening. My henna tattoo is still very vivid! It was great to see Diva Dale with her lovely glass works and Judy Dickson had a small table set up.

Thanks to everyone that helped out with the event. I really appreciate it! Especially Louise, purveyor of books, whose support over the years has been invaluable. And to Serendipity for the nice shout-out.

Stay tuned for more developments. There are whispers about a closing party.


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Fashioned by Monica Phillips

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Marci Gehring

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Marci Gehring

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Marci Gehring

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Matt Dearboff

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Matt Dearboff

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Matt Dearboff

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Susan Constanse

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Susan Constanse

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Susan Constanse

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Susan Constanse

Metamorphose
4922 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
724-538-5268
412-277-1238

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Olga @drink and draw


If you listen closely to the background music, you'll know that we were listening to one of my favorite musicians - Blossom Dearie!

So what are you doing on Tuesday nights? Get in here!

Everybody --


What have we been up to? find out on the drink and draw blog
Here is a calendar of the upcoming sessions --
10/2 – Olga Brindar, 10/16 – Matt O’Riley, 10/30 - Christine Allen: gesture intensive
11/13 – Seaman Sara, 11/27 - TBA
12/11 - Moira Meadows

Drink and Draw
is an open studio live model drawing session that meets every other Tuesday on the second floor of brillobox, located at 4104 penn ave, pittsburgh, pa. This session is relaxed, surprising, and inspiring. amazing models dressed in various themes, old timey music, great company, and decor. All mediums, except oils, welcome.

drink and draw
MySpace
brillobox
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

POWERful opening

Friday was monumental. The opening was packed! The weather was beautiful, which is great because all of us would not have fit in Future Tenant's new space. If you missed the opening reception, make sure to put the following dates on your calendar. See you there.

POWER - The Definition of Feminine Power
Curated by Christiane D.
September 28 - October 20
SPECIAL POWER EVENTS
Future Tenant
819 Penn Avenue, Cultural District

ALL LIT UP - A POWER-ful evening of Words and Women October 12 - 7:00 pm
Featuring the literary and poetic works of Ellen Smith, Jan Beatty, Lori Jakiela, Carrie Smith, Megan Tutulo, and Stephanie Brea
Tickets are $3.00 at the door

Downtown Gallery Crawl
October 19, 2007 - 6-9PM

Following are a few images from the exhibit. I was lucky enough to get there early, so I could, with some patience, get some pretty clear shots --

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Susan Constanse
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Suz Pisano
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Vanessa German
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Staycee Pearl
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Pamela Jennings
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Maritza Mosquera

POWER
September 28 - October 20
Future Tenant
Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

POWER will present the work of the following artists: Susan Constanse, Suz Pisano, Veronica Corpuz, Rise Nagin, Alexis S. Covato, Patricia Villalobos Echeverría, Cara Erskine, Carolina Loyola-Garcia, Vanessa German, Stacy Rae Gross, Pamela Jennings, Monique Luck, Maritza Mosquera, Renee Ruth Ickes, Staycee Pearl, Rebecca Rose, Sam Thorp, and Two Girls Working (Renee Piechocki and Tiffany Ludwig)


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Amy Kerlin -- I just love her dress!