Mahoning Commons Spring Festival in Youngstown

Spring is in the air with it's bounty--A Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl, Lawrenceville Art All Night, Bob Qualters at BE Galleries, The closing for The Samuel Rosenberg's students show and I'm sure lots more. Anyway, if you should be in or around Youngstown this two day festival may be a very good way to see the creative energy building there.

Mahoning Commons Fest is a biannual event that has incorporated a majority of the businesses located on/near Mahoning Avenue in downtown
Youngstown, Ohio.

Inspired by the biannual Open Studio Sale held at the Ward Bakery, the business owners banned together to create a unique event that promotes the betterment of the Mahoning Commons district and encouraging the expansion of the Arts & Entertainment district in Youngstown.

A refurbished turn of the century trolley shuttles the patrons (for FREE) from Fellows Riverside Gardens to the Lemon Grove in downtown – including stops at the eight to ten businesses that lay between. Each of the business owners offers a different experience for the participants. The experience is one that includes food, fine/performing arts, local musicians, hand crafted beer and unique shopping opportunities.

The Mahoning Commons Fests create fun for the entire family while exploring our wonderful city!

Jubilee Limosine's trolley will be running for the duration of the event - the event times are as follows;
Saturday April 30th from Noon - 5pm
Sunday May 1st Noon - 5pm
With extended hours on Saturday night at select venues.

Noon to Five both days in the heart of historic Youngstown.

More info

Mahoning Commons Spring Festival on Facebook

Last Day To Submit Your Favorite Public Artwork for Contest on OnlyinPGH

No time for a fancy post--Only In PGH is hosting a cool online contest to choose Pittsburgh's favorite public art. MR Rogers? Roberto Clemente? Willie Stargell? The gangsa pigeon on Whole Foods? The downtown Magnolia tree? Jenny Holzer's Convention Center tribute to August Wilson? The Katz Plaza Eye Benches? The Octopus Garden in Friendship?

"To enter the contest, send a picture to submit@onlyinpgh.com and include your name, specific location where the photo was taken and a caption describing why the subject of the photo is your favorite piece of public art in Pittsburgh. One entry per person.

The prize this time around? A Pittsburgh art package that includes two tickets to the upcoming Gift to America: A Celebration of the Creation of the Millvale Murals by Maxo Vanka show, a “Faces of Vanka” poster and an onlyinpgh t-shirt! (Check out the Vanka Mural onlyinpgh profile for more info and a peak at the poster.)

Voting will open tomorrow at noon–don’t miss your chance!"

Check out the details on OnlyinPGH

Cleveland's Amazing and Moving Civil War Memorial

I will be doing a few posts on some of the major public art and architecture in Cleveland. We spent a lot of time in museums and also needed to tour neighborhoods, so I didn't take that many shots. Also, I'm really bad with a camera.

This monument in the heart of the city, was something I had in the back of my mind--low on the list of things to see. As we drove by- Jean and me both were like--Wow, this is something else.

Huge scale, formal Civil War memorials and statuary are a pretty common Victorian era response to this ghastly social drama. Ohio, played a central role in the war, contributing many of it's central figures like Sherman and tens of thousands of men.

Even so, this central tomb like vault surrounded by depictions of both soldiers and sailors--carries a huge dignified punch.

The back lit shots don't really do this justice.

"The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument commemorates the American Civil War; it consists of a 125' column surrounded at its base by a Memorial Room and esplanade. The column, topped with a statue of the Goddess of Freedom, defended by the Shield of Liberty, signifies the essence of the Nation for which Cuyahoga County veterans were willing to and did give their lives. Four bronze groupings on the esplanade depict, in battle scenes, the Navy, Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry. Inside the Memorial Room are four bronze relief sculptures: Women's Soldiers' and Sailors' Aid Society, Beginning of the War in Ohio, Emancipation of the Slaves and End of the War at City Point, Va. , as well as busts of Gen. James Barnett and Architect/ Sculptor Levi T. Scofield, together with 6 officers, who were either killed in action, or died of disease or their wounds.

The column is made of polished black, Quincy stone with 6 foliated bronze bands listing the names of 30 battles in which soldiers from this County fought. The Memorial Room is constructed of rough finished, light gray granite and light brown Amherst sandstone; the esplanade and steps of Medina red sandstone."

"The Monument, managed by a bi-partisan Commission of 11 Trustees, is open daily, Monday through Saturday -9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years' Day."

Cleveland Soldiers and Sailors Monument website

Read more about the monument and recent restoration.

Images Of Cleveland's Amazing/Interesting Tremont Neighborhood

OK, I can finally admit that until last weekend, I had never been to Cleveland. We did get there and spent an active weekend. Sadly, the weather and need to see Cleveland Museum and Rock Hall impacted some of my ability to explore. We also planned this trip last minute and didn't scope out a local guide.

Here are some images from the beautiful, strange, historic neighborhood called Tremont on Cleveland's West Side. The diversity of building types is stunning. The deep handcrafted ways people are adding and preserving the place in many small ways, come across. This is not a wealthy area, or a place the city seems to have shown much care for. Tremont, reminds me of Polish Hill, in being both centrally located and yet isolated.



FYI, we were rushing around without much clue--few formal city guides or handouts at the hotels point out this place. Actually, getting a good guide or map to much beyond just the downtown/Stadium/Rock Hall/Business district and University Circle area was hard. Lucky for you, the locals have placed many wonderful plaques and maps around the area.

There were also many nice shops, cafes and the like that I didn't capture. Tremont and nearby Ohio City are great places for eats.

"Originally settled by Eastern Europeans, Appalachians, Greeks, Polish and African-Americans, Tremont is one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods with architectural gems evoking its rich cultural heritage.

Tremont was once named University Heights in tribute to the hosting of the city’s first institution of higher learning - Cleveland University - which operated in the neighborhood from 1851 to 1853. The current street names “Professor,” “College,” “University” and “Literary” are remnants of this period.

The name of the neighborhood was changed later to Lincoln Heights to commemorate the area’s role as the site of two Union Army camps during the Civil War.The small town character fostered by the isolation created by the development of the interstates along with the unique mix of architectural styles and proximity to Downtown, has spurred a renewed interest in urban living in the neighborhood."

More neighborhood Info

Restore Tremont

Tremont Art Walk

Tremont Gardeners

Tremont Oral History Project

Tremont Wikipedia


View Larger Map

Quick Fleeting Pages Pop Up Bookstore Update: Opening May 7, Still Accepting Submissions

OK this is a very half assed update--mostly telling you to look at the website and follow things if are not. The opening was pushed back by a week and as you can see lots of small presses and independent authors, comic artists and zine makers are on board.Look, spread the word and get your stuff together ASAP if you want to be involved. 24 Thousand Square Feet of space in one of Pittsburgh's most central shopping districts--open to almost any kind of book related product or event you can dream up!

Fleeting Pages can finally announce the location: The former Borders in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Both floors of the space. All 24,000 sqft of it. And lucky for us, Borders left behind a considerable number of bookshelves and other useful materials.

The process to submit work is a relatively simple one:

•Contact us with who you are & what you would like to add to our inventory.
•Add answers / details to the items listed below in your email.
•After that, you will hear back from us with answers to your questions and possibly asking some of our own.
•Then we will coordinate getting your work here.
Unfortunately, we will only be able to accept items on consignment. We know that this is not ideal and we wish the situation were otherwise. But Fleeting Pages is going to cost a fortune (for us, anyway) in rent and utilities. Not to mention everything else needed to fill the space and make it function. Our current budget just doesn’t have any room to pre-order. Hopefully that will change as we progress. Even if it doesn’t, we have plans for things like raffles, mixed bag books for sale, and an online store aspect in the works to make sure that as few books as possible will be returned. Another option is to send a couple copies and be open to re-ordering if needed.

Payment- Our intention is to send payments for books sold at the end of the first two weeks, and again at the beginning of June. All will be paid by June 15th. (well, if we exercise our two week extension, it will be June 30th) Should we need to order more copies, we will send a payment for those they are replacing.

Display- Fleeting Pages is not like a traditional fair – tables of presses with representatives manning them. We will be using bookshelves and tables as a bookstore would. Hopefully with some new ideas of what that could mean mixed in. If a representative is able to come out (which would be so great!), we’d rather have them running a workshop (or taking one), hosting an event, or helping out in the space than behind a table.

A partial list of sellers, artists and publishers already on board.

5th Street Press

40-Watt Spotlight

Abayomi Animashaun – author

Abbey Bricker – book arts

The Alchemist – zine

Annalemma Magazine

Annie Passanisi – author

Anteism Publishing

Artnoose

Autumn House Press

Avantacular Press

Balliwick

Barbara Browning- author

Barbary Shore Publishing

Barge Press

Bill Volk- comics

Black Coffee Press

Black Dog Press

BOMB Magazine

Brandt Street Press

Brian Fanelli

Brown Tie Publishing

Burning Books

Caketrain Journal & Press

Calypso Editions

Canarium Books

Cardamom Press

Connie Cantor – artist

Creative Nonfiction

Cyberpunk Apocalypse

Dan Greenwald- comics

Darlene Cypser

David Henderson – author

Deborah Fielding – author

The Derailleur – zine

Ed Steck- author

Emily Gorda – artist

Famous Hairdos of Popular Music – zine

Featherproof

Five Rivers Chapmanry

Fugue State Press

George Hayward – author

Goldmine Anthology of American Comics & Drawings

The Green Lantern Press

Heather Stanco – artist

Jaded Ibis Press

Jean McClung – artist

Jessica Heberle – zine

Jessica Knauss – author

Jessica Simms – author

Joe Kaldon

Julia Christensen – artist

Kathryn Carr -book arts

Kim Creasap – zine

Low Ghost Press

Lydia Lin – author

Make Your Own Books

Marcel Walker- comics

Mea Culpa Comics

Mindy Tucker – artist

Monty S. Kane - comics

Nick Marino – comics

P&Q Press

The Paris Review

Pear Noir!

Peter Stringham- graphic novel

PigeonBike Press

Public Illumination Magazine

Raw Dog Screaming Press

Robert Isenberg- author

Rose Metal Press

Ryan Flaherty – author

Sam Thorp – author

Sherrie Flick – author

Six Gallery Press

Small Fires Press

Sonnenzimmer

Spuyten Duyvil

Stephens Press

Stephanie Silberstein – author

Sunnyoutside

Teresa Brown – author

Ugly Duckling Presse

Undie Press

The Wapshott Press

Weave Magazine

We’ll Never Have Paris – zine

Whereabouts Press

Willow Naeco – zine

Wire Rim Books – Henry Melton

Words Like Kudzu Press

The Workshop 13

But wait, There's more (everything but a Ginsu Knife!) Fleeting Pages is also open to all kinds of readings, workshops, film screenings and perhaps music events!

Basically just check out the site and make contact if you have ideas or ways to help.

Fleeting Pages Website

Fleeting Pages Facebook

Fleeting Pages Twitter

A Few Pictures From The Transformazium

The Transformazium











Lot across from Transformazium



Mysterious Building/Art Project on lot (A prototype for the Haiti project?)



Swoon piece outside Braddock's Unsmoke Systems

Yesterday, Artist Image Resource's Industrial Legacy symposium gave a bit more insight into some of Pittsburgh's DYI printmaking scene. Dana Bishop Root, of the Transformazium spoke about the Braddock Library Screen printing shop but didn't give an update on progress of Their space. Here are some images we took when we were by there more than a month ago.

Pop Up Stores Storm Cleveland: Great Story on Freshwater

The headline is a bit exaggerated, but it looks like the pop up movement may be making a significant impact on Cleveland's retail scene.

Hopefully this recession is making people rethink many of the stereotypes that underlie our economic thinking.

Old School

That the world doesn't change.
That long leases are always a safe bet
That only big chains make good tenants
That only a small percent of the population is economically valuable
That only a small number of big companies are economically valuable
That landlords and experts can tell who they are
Only big budget, formal advertising works
There's no harm in leaving a place empty till the right big tenant comes along

New School

Landlords and retailers must adapt to change
Almost all people are of potential value
You can't guess the next big idea
Small companies and individuals can be of great value
Social media is very important
Empty spaces are very damaging and discouraging

"Cities across the U.S. are using pop-up stores as a transitional strategy in a weak market," explains Schwarz. "But in places like Cleveland, they may need to be part of our permanent toolkit." (Actually they are and should be part of any cities toolkit--comment mine)

While the shop itself is fleeting, the positive effects of a successful event can extend well after that final sale, organizers say. Often, these short-term shops are just what's needed to help young startups flourish and grow. "There's a multiplier effect," says Okey. "People grab your business card, and vendors find they get a flood of orders through their websites after the event."

DeBoe cites as an example Made in the 216 vendor Small Screen Designs, which enjoyed sales growth following pop-up venues across town. "They became known through pop-ups," notes DeBoe. "And now they're selling their work in other states."

As the story says, Pop Ups mostly work in places that already have decent retail traffic potential.

A very well done piece---Kudos.

Some upcoming Cleveland area Pop ups and short term projects.

Pop Up Pearl

Collective Upcycle

Cleveland Furniture Fair

Bazaar Bizarre

Made in the 216

Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 4/15-16/11.

c. David Grim (taken 3/19/11)

It's surprising just how much stuff there is to do in the arts scene this mid-April.

Friday

Start out by going down to the Society for Contemporary Craft (2100 Smallman Street in the Strip) for Bridge 11, a collection of work by Lia Cook, Mariko Kusumoto, and Anne Drew Potter- three artists who "are creating exceptional works that express progressive and unconventional points of view around social, political and philosophical themes have been selected for the 2011 Bridge Exhibition Series." This gets underway at 5:30PM and lasts until 8PM.

And the Brew House (2100 Mary Street, South Side) has once again opened its doors to the public with the Big Urban Photo Project. This is a display of images put together by the organizers of the website RustWire.com. The reception runs from 6-9PM.

The Michael Berger Gallery is always worth a stop, and this season they are having a show of contemporary Islamic art in America called Dis[Locating] Culture. Check out some of the amazing pieces included on their website. The reception runs from 5-7:30PM.

Meanwhile, if moving pictures is more your style, you must stop by the Warhol (8PM) for the screening of several short films from the collection of local oddball Tentatively a Convenience. I've seen a few things associated with this former acolyte of the Subgenius Church, and if the past is a guide- then you definitely won't be bored.

And finally... despite my general hesitation to ever venture downtown on a Friday night, the work of two artists I have really appreciated over the last several years will be featured at the 707/709 Penn Gallery. Bovey Lee's paper cuts are meticulously detailed and mesmerizing to stare at, and Katherine Young's finely-wrought drawings are always fantastically inspiring. The opening reception runs from 6-9PM, but if you miss it, make sure to visit during the Downtown Gallery Crawl later this month.

Saturday

If you have a hankering to buy some locally-made crafty goods, you have two options. The I Made It! Market will be in the South Side Works at noon, and the David Lawrence Convention Center is hosting the Handmade Arcade.

There's a benefit for the victims of the recent events in Japan at the Mendelson Gallery in Shady Side (5874 Ellsworth Avenue). On exhibit will be a series of "Water Babies" works, inspired by a children's cemetery in Okunoin, and created by Tara Zalewsky. Show up from 4-7PM (one day only).

Artists Image Resource on the North Side (518 Foreland Street) is having a symposium, (with an accompanying exhibition) entitled Rethinking Pittsburgh's Industrial Legacy: Prints as Catalyst for Change (4:30-8PM). What's it all about? Here's their description- "The artists in this exhibit, many with ties to Western Pennsylvania, explore the ways in which industry and deindustrialization inform our sense of place and our sense of possibility."

And as if that were not enough, there is a benefit/fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of Western PA at Modern Formations (4919 Penn Ave.). The 3rd Annual Art Auction in Memory of Cara Gasper runs from 7-10PM. Apparently cash, credit cards, and checks will be accepted, and they winners of items will be announced at 9:30PM.

Why Artists Should Move To Pittsburgh: Two Posts By Karen Lillis on Pop City

Occasional Diggingpitt contributor, Karen Lillis has a two part piece on Pop City on the things that make Pittsburgh a great place for artists, including a bunch of personal stories.

Part 1

Part 2

I still think a ton of progress needs to be made in opening up and allowing more flexible use of the large studio type buildings artist's need and crave, as well as building a much more supportive city with more connections and interactions with the outside world.

Karen states pretty clearly is that the greater affordability allows artists more time to work. Artists themselves need to put the DYI, energy into making things happen.

Paul Thek @ Carnegie Museum Closes May 1: Great Post by Steeltown Anthem

Wow, time has flown and the Paul Thek show is nearing it's end. I saw it once and have to get back again. Mysterious, quirky, visceral and in my opinion often beautiful, this is a must see show.

Steeltown Anthem has a post with her thoughts and lots of images.

Ohio's Geographic Advantages: A Discussion on Urbanophile

There's a great free form talk going on Urbanophile about what should be one of the more self evident attributes of Ohio. Of course one could say the same for several bordering states, but not as much. Talk quickly turned to rail.

"One of them is that Ohio is on the trade routes. Many major transcontinental interstates pass through the place, along with tons of rails lines. This is a big contrast to Michigan, which is a peninsula. Other than Detroit and the trade links through Canada and its air hub, Michigan is almost always going to require a special trip. I noticed this when I drove to Grand Rapids for the first time. It’s a detour. You’re not going to pass through it unless you’re going somewhere else in Michigan. Whereas in Ohio, massive amounts of people and freight are simply passing through. All it has to do is convince some of it to stop. Furthermore, Ohio is a state of many large cities. In addition to the “3C”s of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, there’s also Dayton, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown etc... "

Columbus to Pittsburgh 167 miles
Columbus to Indianapolis 175 miles
Columbus to Chicago 354 miles
Columbus to Cincinnati 102 miles
Columbus to Louisville 209 miles
Columbus to Nashville 333 miles
Columbus to D.C. 409 miles
Columbus to New York 535 miles
Columbus to Charlotte 427 miles

I can't help feeling that with the region's rich array of smaller cities, perhaps high speed rail is less an answer than good commuter lines and trains running at average to(say 70-90 avg MPH) fast speeds. I do find it hard to give up a high speed, Chicago--Indianapolis--Columbus--Pittsburgh route and a fast link connecting Cleveland and Columbus. Between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, I see more value in a train that stops in Youngstown and Akron.

Another huge issue is price. I see a lot more value in options that are affordable to a broad range of people.

99 comments so far, comparing cities, regions, land use, density, transit oriented design and all kinds of side topics.

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

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

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

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

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

More info on Rust Wire.

Brew House Website

The Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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

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

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

April 15th Zygote Press 100 for a Hundred Tax Relief Benefit Fundraiser in Cleveland

The awesome Cleveland Printmaking workshop, Zygote Press is celebrating it's fifteenth birthday and trying to live on with a tax day fundraiser and print sale.

100 works by 100 artists at $100 each.
All art purchases will include a special Tax Day refund; good for reinvesting in Zygote.

$25 admission per person...

$25 admission per person (all participating artists get in for free). Live music, off-the-wall art sale and Print Pony Gallop. Drinks and munchies included in this screaming low price! Advanced purchase through PayPal — much appreciated — or pay at the door. All proceeds benefit Zygote Press, Inc. If you can't make the party — we'd love your support through the mail or online donation!

Zygote Press was founded in 1995 by four artist-printmakers: Joe Sroka; Liz Maugans (Managing Director); Bellamy Printz (Board President); and Kelly Novak. The founders were responding to a need for a working fine art print facility in Cleveland. Zygote is a collective, providing studio space, equipment, and technical assistance to artists living and working in the area. Those interested in becoming resident are considered based on ability to work independently in a print shop facility and are accepted based on space availability. Adjacent to the printing area is a workshop gallery, which is available for exhibition by both resident artists and artist-members. The organization received its 501 (c) 3 status in Spring 2001.

Bruce High Quality Foundation, Teach 4 Amerika Tour Visits Pittsburgh

For the last 30 or so years, it seems like the art world, lived with a huge contradiction-endorsing free form experimentation, active collaboration and public engagement--while still supporting an elite, hierarchical university system.

"The Bruce High Quality Foundation’s (BHQF) Teach 4 Amerika tour is a five-week, 11-city, coast-to-coast road trip that crosses state lines and institutional boundaries to inspire and enable local art students to define the future of their own educational experience. Traveling the byways of America in a limousine painted as a school bus, BHQF will visit university art departments, art schools, art institutions, and alternative spaces across the nation, bringing together concerned educators, artists, arts administrators, and—most importantly—students to brainstorm on the future of art schools. What are they for? How should they be organized? If not for careers, what is the essence of art itself? These fundamental questions have long haunted artists, and the BHQF are interested in putting the questions back in the hands of students across America. Curated by Nato Thompson, Chief Curator at Creative Time, Teach 4 Amerika will include a combination of dynamic public rallies and intimate conversations hosted by local partners in New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland."

The rubber has really met the road, as more students and the wider public question more closely what art is, how should it be learned, who can participate? Does it take $150,000 or much more in college bills (including an MFA) to become an artist?

Not so ironically, the project attempted just to engage students at a group of art schools and a few trendy alternative spaces in this dialog.

Anyway, here's the great post they did about their visit to Pittsburgh.

"People that want to learn about art, who think making better work might be supported by a collaborative critical environment, ought to organize learning situations for themselves.

The pushback we’ve gotten on occasion from professors seems to assume we’re calling for an out and out revolt of the twenty-year-olds. But that’s not the case. We don’t think a group of twenty-year-old students would be served well by divorcing themselves from the wisdom of their forbears. Quite the contrary. We just don’t see why a generational difference should constitute a hierarchy. The best teachers we’ve met think they have something to learn from their students. And we’ve heard that the best way to learn is to teach. So if we really believe these time-honored clichés have any tooth to them, why don’t we scrap the power dynamic for something a bit more fluid?"

Pittsburgh Artist, Diane Samuels: A Noiseless patient spider @ Kim Foster Gallery in NY

"Samuels’ drawing The Odyssey of a patch of street exactingly renders a 21 x 310-feet stretch of scarred asphalt onto a 92 x 33-inch sheet of paper. With the help of a magnifying glass, you discover that the drawing is made from handwriting that word for word transcribes the entire text of Homer’s Odyssey, the epic poem of war and homecoming. The cracked asphalt is the street in front of Samuels’ home. The text winds its way down one side of the sheet of paper returning up the other side, back to her home, and ends with the text’s call to bring a halt to the great leveler, War.

Before beginning to write, Samuels affixed a photo-mask of the street’s crevices and potholes over the paper. After the text was written, she peeled away the mask removing some of the text. Where the text was destroyed, the drawing was created. Accompanying the drawing is an archive of the lost and destroyed memories made from the text-covered photo-masks.

The patch of street is the same small slice of Sampsonia Way, that inspired this major Samuels's work you might have seen at The Mattress Factory.

"Diane Samuels lives on a small alley in Pittsburgh that was originally populated by immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries and is now the home to several exiled writers in the City of Asylum/Pittsburgh project, of which she was a co-founder. Samuels will be participating in the exhibitions “Neighbo[u]rhood” curated by Georgina Jackson, independent curator from Ireland, at the Mattress Factory opening in May and “Gertrude’s/LOT” curated by Eric Shiner, Acting Director & The Milton Fine Curator of Art, at The Warhol Museum opening in September."

Diane Samuels
A Noiseless patient spider

April 28 - June 4, 2011
Reception: Thursday, April 28, 6 - 8 pm

Open Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 6pm

Kim Foster Gallery529 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011

Photos: GA/GI Fashion FUZEion Eco-Tech Fashion Show At Pittsburgh Glass Center - Photos - WPXI Pittsburgh

Photos: Fashion FUZEion Eco-Tech Fashion Show At Pittsburgh Glass Center - Photos - WPXI Pittsburgh

Chili Cookoff In Braddock 4/9/11, 1-4

John and I went to this last year. It is really fun, supports a good cause....and you get to eat lots of good chili. And you get to keep your handmade bowl and take it home with you.

The Braddock Carnegie Arts Program (BCAP) invites you to participate in our 5th Annual BCAP Chili Cook-Off! Contestants compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place chili recipes (peoples’ choice vote) and all can participate in the Chinese auction, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle so that everyone has a chance to win something!

Whether you want to enter your best chili recipe this year (if so, hurry – there are only a few slots left open!) or prefer to sit back & enjoy all of the entries, the fee is $10 per person ($5 for children 12 and under).

The Cook Off is Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 1 to 4 pm at the Braddock Elks Lodge, 424 Library St., Braddock, PA 15104. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event or in advance at the Braddock Carnegie Library. All proceeds fund the BCAP children’s educational programs. Hope you can join us!

April 2011 Cleveburgh Regional Art Roundup

Sarah Kabot @Akron Art Museum

A few of the shows that seem interesting in the wider Western PA and Eastern Ohio region, outside of Pittsburgh.

Cleveland

Cleveland Museum Of Art


Contemporary Landscape Photography

March 26–August 14, 2011

"Since the 1960s, contemporary photographers pursuing the landscape as subject matter have predominantly used two conceptual approaches. One is epitomized by the iconic landscapes of Ansel Adams, who sought out pristine views of the natural landscape—rivers, mountains, valleys, orchards, deserts, and the sea in the western United States—all presented with clarity and enriched by his poetic vision and commitment to environmental conservation. The other style sought to balance the depiction of formal beauty with the desire to document humanity’s presence and intervention in the landscape. The pioneering photography of Robert Adams is a leading, articulate expression of that approach. This survey show featuring these two methods of recording the natural landscape is drawn from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent collection, and contains some 40 images—many of them new to the collection."

The Art of Daily Life: Portable Objects from Southeast Africa

April 16, 2011–February 26, 2012

The Art of Daily Life celebrates the stunning formal diversity and deep cultural meanings of Southeast Africa’s artistic heritage. Despite some growing interest and appreciation over the past three decades, the art of traditional southern African societies have long been neglected. Portable in nature and generally small in size, works created by peoples such as the Zulu, Nguni, Tsonga, Ndebele, Sotho, and Swazi in the 19th and 20th centuries were typically related to the privacy of the home or the intimacy of the person. The makers and users of many of these works were cattle-herders with a complex history of migrations. This nomadic existence has contributed to the emergence of fluid regional artistic styles that often defy specific ethnic attributions.

The Lure of Painted Poetry: Japanese and Korean Art

March 27–August 28, 2011

"This presentation highlights Korean and Japanese artistic efforts to fuse the genres of art and poetry in works as diverse as landscape painting, figure painting, and calligraphy. With strokes of genius, artists in the early Joseon period and Muromachi period explored themes such as the Chinese Xiao Xiang River, producing a rich array of artwork—from hanging scrolls and powerful screens that provoke the imagination to intriguing images of the natural world—all without traveling to China.

Figure paintings of the recluse show an inner heart protected from the “dusty world” of politics. Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Four Elders of Mt. Shang, and The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup also epitomize the refined way of life idealized by the scholarly class in Korea and Japan."

MOCA Cleveland (same exhibits as last month--through May 8th)



Andrea Joki

William Busta Gallery

Andrea Joki
March 18 -- April 23

Kenneth Paul Lesko Gallery

Adnan Charara

Adaptability

March 18th - May 14th

"Adnan Charara came to the U.S. by way of Lebanon and Sierra Leone--eventually making his home in Detroit, Michigan. In his Return to Sender series, painted figures on envelopes merge with canceled postage in complex narrative compositions. In his found art sculptures, objects take on human characteristics, as a protractor becomes a ballerina's tutu or a hammer bows its head in sadness. Charara's life and his work, even his materials, are about adaptability."

Wow, check out the images!

Canton Museum Of Art

Canton Artists League Spring Show
Through April 24th

Akron Art Museum

M.C. Escher: Impossible Realities

February 12, 2011 - May 29, 2011
Karl and Bertl Arnstein Galleries

A chance to see 130 of Escher's Mezzotints, Lithographs, Woodcuts, sculptures and rare preparatory drawings and truely get inside the head of this important artist.

Sarah Kabot: Unfolding Space

"Cleveland artist Sarah Kabot creates installations that toy with human perception by altering the physical environment, specifically the seemingly mundane structures of the built environment. With her “interventions,” as she calls them, Kabot asks us to question what we think we know about the things we see every day and sharpen our awareness of our surroundings.

To assemble what she refers to as "interventions," Kabot often uses foamcore, a rigid but lightweight material, which allows her to assemble elaborate installations that aren't overly cumbersome. In Unfolding Space, Kabot will replicate the lights, floorboards and wall surfaces of the museum’s Isroff Gallery and then use these objects to both deconstruct and reconfigure the space."

African American Artists of Pittsburgh @ Brigadoon Art Salon through April 23

JR Holtz



James E. "Pe-Wee" White



George Gist



T More



Rene Stout

Some people may have come across a small salon next to Concept, gallery in Regent Square which until now has never had a formal show. The gallery is run by an insanely dedicated Pittsburgh character and collector named Pat MacCardle.

Read the full City Paper story.

The Brigadoon show is also a window into little-known aspects of the local art scene. Some contributors, for instance, were affiliated with The Archive, a 1970s-era Hill District studio and exhibition space run by artist Dennis Morgan. They include Gist; sculptor and collage artist Amir Rashidd; and the late Carl "Dingbat" Smith, a sculptor known for his inventive use of nails.

While some artists in the show have exhibited elsewhere, McArdle and many contributors agree that gallery opportunities for black artists are limited. And it's not just a matter of Pittsburgh's moribund art market, which sends even pros like Gist out of town to sell their work. "A lot of times when I'm in a show, I'm the only black guy in the show," says Meyers.

As always Pat has managed to introduce a me to a few people I was totally unfamiliar with.

The African American Artists of Pittsburgh continues through April 23. Brigadoon Art Salon, 1033 S. Braddock, Ave., Edgewood. 412-512-2830

There are no regular hours but Pat will likely be there if he can on Saturdays and Sundays.


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Visual Artists Wanted for Fleeting Pages Popup Store at Borders

You may have already heard that the East Liberty Borders is
going to become a pop up shop at the end of April. See John's post on this.
It will be called Fleeting Pages, and will be open for 4-6
weeks. Sorry as I am to lose the Borders, this is a very exciting
development.
While the emphasis is on books from small presses, they are
also very actively seeking visual artists who " use book as medium, or have
some cross-over with the written word ."
I will be having some work in this because of the graffiti
in (some) of my images.I say this to illustrate that the crossover doesn't have to be huge.
There is a short time line...work will be due definitely by 4/23 or earlier
There is a submission process. For detailed ( and delightfully clear) information, please go to:
http://www.fleetingpages.com/sw-book-arts-art/
This is a great and fun opportunity for indie press and visual artist types to have their work seen in a PRIME real estate location! Luring all those people from Whole Foods, Walgreens and the Liquor Store.....
By the way, they are also in need of volunteers.

Famous/Infamous Michigan Sprawl Letter and Discussion On Rustwire

My personal "mission" on this blog was not just to hype the local art scene in Pittsburgh itself, but also spark awareness, debate across the wider region about ways to create and sustain a better quality of life. The former Rust Belt, is filled with areas that are spreading out dramatically, even as their populations shrink.

Michigan is pretty far, but a letter from a figure at a successful law firm that operates there has gone viral, triggering, I hope some relevant conversation.
The letter's specific topic deals with what the writer sees as the negative effects of suburban sprawl on the firm's business outlook and ability to recruit and retain employees.

Recession or no, isn’t it screamingly obvious that people with choices in life – i.e. people with money and education – choose not to live here? We are becoming a place where people without resources are grudgingly forced to live. A place without youth, prospects, respect, money or influence.

There’s a simple reason why many people don’t want to live here: it’s an unpleasant place because most of it is visually unattractive and because it is lacking in quality living options other than tract suburbia. Some might call this poor “quality of life.” A better term might be poor “quality of place.” In Metro Detroit, we have built a very bad physical place. We don’t have charming, vibrant cities and we don’t have open space.

The letter which was originally addressed to the city leaders of Troy Michigan goes pretty far in depth.

Also, the author helped create this video, offering the start of a tangible plan to better organise and link Detroit and it's northern suburbs through light rail.



One thing I like about both is that they go far beyond just denying the suburbs and smaller towns and cities exist and demanding that everyone move back into Detroit. As the video shows, some of these places have long and unique histories, beautiful buildings and even sound original street designs dating from the pre auto age. Many also happen to line up along a corridor making it possible to connect them with a single rail link.

James Howard Kunstler dedicated an entire podcast to the sprawl letter.

Help Build A Skatepark In Youngstown: Cool Video About The Bridge Project

A great video I found on Rust Wire, about an effort to build a high quality skateboard park in Youngstown Ohio--sparked by someone who moved from Atlanta.

So far I have found several other places with info on the skateboard scene there, but none with clear info on who to contact or how to support or give money.

See more on I Will Shout Youngstown

DeKorda Jackson, The founder of this project is on Facebook

Rob Pruitt's, Andy Warhol Statue Unveiled In New York's Union Square

Video by artist& art vlogger, James Kalm, as always a fountain of New York art history.

A few thoughts from Critic Jerry Satlz

"I don’t actually love the statue itself. It doesn’t look that much like Warhol; the face is squished and smallish. But I love the passion behind it and the idea of putting this sculpture in this place at this time. It beautifully evokes the pathos, perversity, and runaway genius of this great swish-hero-artist. Pruitt is right when he says, “Every day, a thousand more kids come to New York propelled by Andy’s legacy … [making] this pilgrimage, coming here to make it big, to be an artist. Like Oscar Wilde’s grave at Père Lachaise, there should be a destination in New York to mark that journey. I think something needs to be in the streets of New York, something you could visit at four-thirty in the morning.” Pruitt’s monument will be on view only through October 2. It should be left here forever."

I think I love the super shiny look and it's obvious reference to Jeff Koons.

Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 4/1-2/11.

c. David Grim (taken 3/19/11)

I almost can't believe that we've made it to another First Friday this fast. Naturally Unblurred is the focus of art-related activity this weekend, but as always during this time of the month- there is a lot to see and do.

Friday

The Geek Art/Green Innovators Festival will be held for the second time ever. One destination among many is the Union Project in Highland Park, and the open house they are holding all weekend to highlight the potential of its physical facilities. Check out their site for a full schedule of events.

The aforementioned festival is apparently a big part of Unblurred this go round. Visit the various venues up-and-down Penn to see all kinds of works and events. As far as Unblurrred is concerned, Steve Ehret has "Buried by Daisies" at Modern Formations (4919 Penn), and he is joined by assemblage artist Ron Copeland. Unfortunately I couldn't find any listings for the rest of the venues.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself downtown, stop by to see the Shaw Galleries' "Beauty-Strength-Reflection" (805 Liberty Ave.). The show features "five perspectives on the female form", and its reception runs from 5:30-9PM. And Jim Shearer is presenting his Pirates-themed work with "Opening Day: Yinz Luv 'Da Buccos", and a reception at Wildcard (4209 Butler St) from 8-10PM.

Saturday

Shervin Iranshahr, an iranian-born artist born in Pittsburgh, will have a reception for his gothic realist paintings at Gallery 4 in Shadyside (206 South Highland Ave). "Demons and Deities" will start at 7PM.

Catholicism, the Body, and the Art of Paul Thek: A Conversation @ Carnegie Museum

I am still trying to wrap my head around the Carnegie's Paul Thek show. His work is much more beautiful and visceral than I expected and left me asking all kinds of questions.

Tonight at 6:30 there will be a free panel talk about the show.

Start:March 31, 2011 6:30 pm
End:March 31, 2011 8:00 pm
Cost:Free

"The human body, both in representation and symbol, is ever-present in Paul Thek’s art, which could be simultaneously intensely spiritual and insistently profane, lyrical and base. Join Dr. Paula Kane of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Katharina Winnekes of Kolumba, Art Museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany, in examining paradoxes embedded in Thek’s spirituality and artistic practice."

FYI, this talk is literally free since there is no charge for admission after 3:30 PM on Thursdays during the month of March, thanks to a grant by The Buncher Family Foundation.

GA/GI Festival Anchors Huge Pittsburgh Arts Weekend

Fresh Baked Goods PERFORMANCE NIGHT: Friday, April 1, 5-8pm

While Fresh Baked Goods is not officially part of GA/GI this show is all about multimedia, mad science and technology.



Dance Alloy Improv Jam @GA/GI


I'm doing a rare weekend events post myself to make sure people know about this Weekend's GA/GI (Green Arts + Geek Innovators) Festival.

The intention of this festival is to highlight locally grown art,technology,ecology and innovation with the galleries, glass center and other spaces along Penn Ave hosting related shows. Last years festival also included many demonstrations and tables by many local Sprout Fund projects, projection art; a peak into a mobile science lab and an Eco Art Fashion show.

Best to check out the GA/GI sight for all details. Here's the general schedule--which involve many events off the main Penn Ave drag. This year promises projects from 9 area colleges.



Friday Night GA/GI
Mostly centered on normal "Unblurred Penn Ave Corridor"

GA/GI NIGHT
Friday, April 1
“Unblurred” on Penn
@4900-5740 Penn Avenue
(Between Negley Avenue and Mathilda St.)

50+ Businesses and Galleries
100+ Artists
9 Universities and Schools
Showcasing:
Eco-Friendly Events,
Technology Demos,
Scientific Displays,
Art/Glass Exhibitions,
Eco Workshops,
And other mind-bending Sport

The Union Project has jumped on the bandwagon in a big way this year by hosting a dance party friday night, GA/GI events on Saturday and an open house all weekend.

See more about the Union Project below.

Union Project Documentary from Alex Lake on Vimeo.

Day Two GA/GI Events

Saturday April 2
GA/GI Day
Two Locations!

@ The Union Project 801 N. Negley
"Bird, Trees and Robots" Eco/Tech Fun for Kids 10 am-Noon
UP Open House until 5 pm

@ Penn Ave Arts District (Negley to Mathilda)

Pittsburgh Glass Center 10 am- 4 pm
GAGIPAN/Gigopanorama Project
Meet "Fuzion" Fashion Designers Noon-3 pm

I MADE IT MARKET /"I re-Made it SMART" Noon-5pm
Eco/Tech Art Exhibitions
Lofts Open House
Meet Penn Avenue's SALT Restaurant @ the Lofts
Spoken Dreams Concert w/ Joy Ike and Speaklife

Don't try to figure it all out--Just show up around Penn Ave and search for maps. Accept that you may miss a few things.

GA/GI Festival Website and Blog

See The POP City Feature

City Of Asylum Working To build North Side Literary Center

Story about City Of Asylum on NewsHour

Been meaning to post something about the efforts to expand on the City Of Asylum project which is near the Mattress Factory.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.3 million. The Heinz Endowments, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and The Hillman Foundation have committed $1.5 million in grant money toward the expansion, Mr. Reese said.

"We're combining all of these buildings into one building," he said. "We're hoping to break ground over the summer."

Plans call for building a bookstore, a performance space, rooms for writing workshops, two apartments for writers and a cafe. The new facility will allow the organization to host more events and offer additional programs to the community. Currently, the organization holds one reading each month.

Read more about it

Follow the progress and other news with Sampsonia Way Magazine.

Fleeting Pages Pop Up Indie Bookstore To Have Run In Borders Space

Image from Karen The Small Press Librarian

Our sadness about losing a large Borders bookstore in Pittsburgh may for a time be taken over by the opportunity to creatively fill such a key central location.

By April 30th, Borders will be gone and the space filled for at least a month by a Pop up small press project called--Fleeting Pages. Could they show art; host craft workshops; poetry readings and musical events? Yes! At this point it seems very much up in the air how long this might last, what might be sold and when, where and if this might later live on in another location. (Since this space is almost certainly going to attract viable retail.)

The idea is a result of a few things; the toll taken on local booksellers by big box bookstores, a concern for the cultural effects of big box stores in both their existence and their failure, a general frustration with the model of the publishing industry, and a great appreciation for independent and self-published works of all kinds, as well as for those who create them.

We felt compelled to do something. Fleeting Pages is what we came up with. It will test the theory that what is happening with “books” – creation, consumption, access – matters to many. And if given the opportunity to take over, or take back, one of these empty spaces they will. And in the most brilliant of ways.

The end result, what Fleeting Pages will ultimately become, is a beautiful unknown as it is dependent upon what others are willing to add. The framework is there – the space, the concept, and a few people willing to work their hardest in support of the project.

Fleeting Pages is in need of, and open to, work of all kinds to fill the shelves, ideas and people to create and run workshops, ideas for how to re-imagine the space, 30-days of events, people willing to come out and help at the space, partnerships, collaborations,….a community.

As of today, we have 5 weeks until the proposed opening day….. Let’s test what’s possible.

An open call is out there to anyone and everyone--for Volunteers; For Ideas, For Artists and Designers and most of all for content.

We need books! We need inventory of all kinds to stock the shelves with as much work as possible. Here’s a list of some of the types of work we are looking for to get you started. Don’t let the list limit any ideas you may have for things that could be added to our shelves that are not on this list.

Books

Journals

Zines

Graphic novels / Comics

Magazines

e-Books

Book art….??…

Calling--Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York....Alabama and Alaska if you are a publisher or have content follow up and submit.

Some of the website is still being added to

Fleeting Pages Website

Fleeting Pages Facebook

Fleeting Pages on Twitter

Heads up to Occassional Diggingpitt contributor, Karen Lillis, AKA Karen the Small Press Librarian

Architecture Tour Takes In Frank Lloyd Wright And Other Great Buildings Around Cleveland: April 9

Peter B. Lewis Building, Case Western Reserve University: Frank Gehry



Frank Lloyd Wright: Staley House



Frank Lloyd Wright: Penfield House



The Weltzheimer/Johnson House: Frank Lloyd Wright

The Weltzheimer/Johnson House holds public open house hours on the First and Third Sundays of each month

OK--straight up, registration for this tour is over so this post is just to make one more aware of these buildings and this event. Also, many of these buildings, including a Wright house are open for tours.

Wright made an impact in Ohio later in his career than in Illinois, Wisconsin and Western PA, but still left a significant legacy of six houses in Northeast, Ohio.

"On Saturday, April 9, Out and About Wright participants will have the opportunity to visit not one, not even three, but five Wright-designed private residences in Northeast Ohio. Once home to a thriving manufacturing industry, Cleveland is re-emerging along the banks of Lake Erie as a Midwest center for art and architecture. Before the region saw the landmark construction of the new I. M. Pei-designed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it already had a varied and interesting architectural heritage, including six mid-century works by Wright:"

Heads Up For Massive: Handmade Arcade @ David L Lawrence Convention Center, April 16

You likely already know this, but Pittsburgh's largest Indie Craft Fair has been super sized to fill the downtown convention center--allowing for more space and 120 Vendors from Chicago, Ohio, Upstate NY, Baltimore, New Jersey, Seattle, Pennsylvania and of course many, many from the Burgh itself.

ACCESSORIES
TOYS
CLOTHING
CHILDREN
PRINT & POSTERS
JEWELRY
HOUSEWARES
BATH & BODY
STATIONERY
Other (often the best)

The Arcade website has been posting images and previews as well as full links to all the crafters home pages. Check it out

Also, I can't add to the great preview Steeltown Anthem has posted. Follow her blog, she will likely post more.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011
11-5 (I think)
Admission: Free
200 Earlie Birdie passes for sale at $15 each allow an early hour of shopping before the crowd hits.


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Andrey Avinoff: In Pursuit of Beauty: Watercolors and Collections @Carnegie Museum

Iridescence, 1925/1947, graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor on paper mounted on artist’s board; Carnegie Museum of Art,

I have actually not seen this yet but it looks interesting on lots of levels. (BTW, The Paul Thek show at The Carnegie IMHO, will blow your head clean off. I haven't blogged about it partly because it's very hard to put into words.)

What I think I will like about this show is that it attempts to to create shows both artist's paintings and collections in a way that gives insight into an amazing life story involving global travel,serious science and artistic exploration. From 1926 -1945 Arinoff was director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

"Born in 1884 in Tulchin, Ukraine, Mr. Avinoff earned a law degree from Moscow University and in 1913 joined the protocol staff of Nicholas II. His interest in butterflies developed early, and in 1908 and 1912 he used inheritance money to fund collecting expeditions.

Mr. Avinoff first traveled to the United States in 1915 to purchase war supplies for the Russian Army. By 1918, as the Russian Civil War raged, he, his mother and his sister's family had immigrated to New York. When their dairy farm failed, he turned to commercial illustration to earn a living while his sister, Elizabeth Shoumatoff, developed a career as a portrait painter. (Her formal portrait of Mr. Avinoff is in the exhibition.)"

And then it goes on from there.

As you can see, he had mad technical skills as a painter too. Check out the Slide Show.

More articles and reviews.

Recollecting Andrey Avinoff Carnegie Magazine

Carnegie Museum of Art Unveils the Visionary and Rarely Seen Art by Andrey Avinoff Art Daily

Andrey Avinoff: In Pursuit of Beauty
February 26–July 24, 2011
Works on Paper Gallery

Agnes Gund: "Small is Beautiful" Defends Local Community Arts

I don't have time to dig it up, but earlier this year the new NEA head made comments that implied a need to concentrate support to a smaller number of large institutions--many of whom --MOMA, The Met, The Philadelphia Museum, Getty etc.. could likely very well fund themselves. He later clarified this view as seen in the link.

I just came across this defence of the small by the famous philanthropist, Agnes Gund.

"Big national museums have the idea that museums should help generate strong communities; it is something they work at. But museums like the Demuth relate to their communities in ways that precede policy and require less systematic effort. They practice community building by being a part of the community -- by inhabiting the soil and customs and histories of their regions. Their natural mission is to help define their communities, to help them grow and change. What I have come to appreciate is the presence in all America's places, large and small, east to west, of cultural institutions at home."

Hat tip to Brent Burket, who tweeted this link.

Cleveland International Film Festival March 24 -April 3 : Interview with Artistic Director on Freshwater

I was somewhat insulting when said Cleveland had such a short list of must see places/events. No way do I know it well enough to say that--plus I skipped a few cause I was just lazy.

High on any list is The Cleveland International film festival, the only truly -large festival of it's kind in wider region.

Check out this years list here.

Freshwater Cleveland has a good Q & A with the artistic director, who talks about balancing the mix of films to be both creatively important and accessible to a wide local audience.

Comments from people who attended would be great.

Innovation Erie Product Design Competion Submissions Open From April 1 --May 11

So many exiting creative events in our region this April from the TED X talks to the huge Handmade Arcade, GAGI Festival and The Cleveland International Film Festival. I try to point out a a few you may not know about.

For three years now, Erie has hosted a design competition, open to anyone anywhere with a product idea that can be manufactured in the Erie area.

The ideas are displayed in an exhibit at The Erie Art Museum this fall and judged by a panel of experts.Individuals, teams and small businesses may enter.

First prize is 10,000 for use in rent, services and support to develop the idea at a local business incubator.

Application Prospectus

Check out the details

Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 3/25-26/11.

c. David Grim (taken 3/19/11)

Sure. You could be forgiven for hibernating at home for one more weekend. After all, it is going to be unseasonably cold. But that's just the thing- it's "unseasonable" because it is indeed officially Spring! So get into the spirit and see what the local arts scene has to offer...

Friday

The Mattress Factory has had Gestures shows for years now. The North Side museum gives over space to mostly local artists and their installations. The 15th exhibition in this series (7-10PM) includes work by Will Giannotti, Wendy Osher, Garry Pyles, and others. It does cost $10 to get in, but likely includes access to a free beer or two.

Meanwhile, Melwood Filmmakers (4700 Melwood Avenue, Oakland) is showing the photography of Annie O'Neill from 6-8PM. Her series of 30 images documents folks who have worked in their profession for at least 50 years, and presents them in uniform. This reception is free (and recommended).

If you have a strong taste for photography, you can check out Silver Eye's very first Juried Member Exhibition (6:30-8PM). Curator Darren Ching looked at 1000 images from 100 artists working all over the world and chose work from six of them- Susan A. Barnett (New York, NY); Hope Guzzo (Laurel, MD); Nic Lyons (San Francisco, CA); Leigh Merrill (Dallas, TX); Monika Merva (Brooklyn, NY); and Stephen Strom (Sonoita, AZ). The gallery is located at 1015 East Carson Street.

And stop by Modern Formations (4919 Penn Ave.) on either Friday (7-10PM) or Saturday (8-11PM) to see the creative work of artisans from Specter Studios (located in Sharpsburg) . They were given raw latex masks and invited to come up with original designs.


Saturday

"Ladies' Choice" is opening at Artform Gallery & Tattoo (2603 Leechburg Rd., Lower Burrell). The show is meant to celebrate "Support Women Artist Now Day", and features female creators from all over Western PA, including Terri Perpich, Vanessa German, Lauren Toohey, Steph Scullio, Laura Petrilla, Lauren Musulin, Sam Thorp, Tamra Jutting, Tiffany Babinsack, Mia Donna Maneer, Christiane D, Jen Spisak, Mahala McWilliams, Anne Michelle Lyons, Masha Fikhman, Katie Moran. Stop in between 7 and 11PM.

Cleveland Makes Progress by Removing Waterfront Highway--Um Sort Of?

NPR recently did a story on how mainstream taking down urban highways has become.

"Cities as diverse as New Haven, New Orleans and Seattle are either doing it or talking about it. The chief motivation seems to be money.

Milwaukee removed a freeway spur for $30 million. Officials estimated it would have cost between $50 million and $80 million to fix that roadway. That inspired Akron, Ohio, officials to study what to do with an aging six-lane freeway that few motorists use.

"Perhaps we can remove sections of it and have it fit in better with the Akron grid system and offer an economic benefit by making land available," says Jim Weber, Akron's construction manager."

Shockingly, even Cleveland is well along the way towards removing the lakefront, West Shoreway freeway, and replacing it with a boulevard.

Except, in spite of the hype and good press, this has gotten, things are not exactly what they seem. Angie Schmitt,from Rust Wire notes that the resulting ground road will be very much a freeway.

"Several years ago, city planners and neighborhood activists on the west side hatched a plan to reconnect city residents to Lake Erie by converting the West Shoreway into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. Planners recommended reducing the speed limit from 50 to 35, adding stoplights with crosswalks and installing a bike path.

Despite almost universal recognition of the importance of lake access, advancing the plan was not the slam dunk you might expect. In order to lower the speed limit, the state legislature would have to formally act in favor of the proposal. Although local planners estimated the reduction would cost the average commuter a mere 70 extra seconds of travel time, the legislation stalled in the statehouse. Even city council members from the farther-west wards of Cleveland came out against the plan, joining a powerful opposition group of suburban commuters.

Furthermore, in order to convert a limited-access highway into a boulevard with stoplights that would allow for pedestrian crossing, the plan would have to be approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation. After reviewing the proposal, ODOT nixed the stoplights, saying they would increase congestion. The city was forced to scale back plans"

Yes, you read right, In Ohio, speed limits and traffic light placement on major roads are not up to the local community, but the state DOT. So, now exactly how will local residents and visitors cross this road--through new improved tunnels (you really think many people will actually use these?) built at a city expense of $2.5 million. Sure seems like a freeway.

Not that it's exactly that simple since plans to reduce speed limits spurred not just suburban but city opposition in a town so oriented around the car. Those opponents can point to the relative lack of pedestrian life in the downtown and areas near the lake and say there is just no demand for pedestrian access--just like there wasn't in NYC or San Francisco before their waterfront highways came down. Even so, Detroit Shoreway and Gordon Square near the lake are fairly popular places.

One added note is that once again, a major factor here was the very unwise placement of a huge football stadium, requiring massive parking and highway access on the central city waterfront.