tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-298643582024-03-07T01:18:46.020-05:00SerendipityArts. Culture. Ephemera.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.comBlogger1018125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-28615915574111728332009-12-10T07:03:00.004-05:002009-12-10T08:00:46.043-05:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 12/ 11-12/09.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />Space Gallery (812 Liberty Avenue, downtown) has a group show of creators who have somehow affiliated themselves with the monolithic complex of institutional arts organizations throughout the area. "Behind Our Scenes" includes 34 artists who work in a variety of mediums, and is curated by Laura Mustio & Nicole Rosato. The opening runs from 6-10PM.<br /><br />You can see a variety of student productions at the Melwood Screening Room in North Oakland (477 Melwood Avenue) this evening by attending an event unveiling thesis screenings. Not only will you have no idea what you might see, but you can also avail yourself of a free reception to follow (7PM).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Artists Image Resource (518 Foreland Street on the North Side) is opening its doors for a preview of "Pittsburgh 250 Portfolio, 2009 Projects Portfolio", from 7 until 9:30PM. Along with the output of its 2009 Resident Artists, there will be work from Pittsburgh 250 Portfolio artists (Delanie jenkins, John Ritter, Glenn Kaino, Nick Bubash, Hiroki Otsuka and Shepard Fairey) . If you don't know about the services that <a href="http://www.artistsimageresource.org/">AIR</a> offers, or what the organization has done for the past 13 years, this is a good chance to find out.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-70001842093075721542009-12-03T09:11:00.008-05:002009-12-05T14:18:32.800-05:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 12/ 4-5/09.<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Friday</span><br /><br />The calendar informs us that it is once again time for <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Unblurred</span>, on Penn Avenue. Instead of giving you a full rundown here, I'll merely divert you to the official website of the Penn Ave. Arts initiative, which has <a href="http://friendship-pgh.org/paai/unblurred/">ALL the details</a>. I do, however, insist that you make it a point to stop at Most Wanted Fine Art to see the work of fellow Unicorn Mountain denizen Tibi Chelcea.<br /><br />If you have a taste for a bit of music, I recommend you check out Slim Cessna at Club Cafe (in the SouthSide) at 10:20PM. While his legendary Auto Club is a burst of mad energy and revelation, his local band is shaping up as a formidable act to be reckoned with. Sure, there's gospel and country roots included... but don't fool yourself- these guys rock. Believe me, you need a dose of this to get yourself in the mood for the holiday season.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Saturday</span><br /><br />Sometimes it's kind of pleasant to have something to do midday, before its time to head out for your particular brand of nightlife. So why not grab a cup of coffee, and peruse some art by Hannah Reiff at the <a href="http://www.secreteye.org/m/">Morning Glory Coffeehouse</a> (1806 Chislett Street) in Morningside from 5-8PM? She's advertising <span class="event-description">"wintry prints / drawings / collages". While you are at it, check out the neighborhood's new <a href="http://thelongwayhomediaries.com/2009/09/07/morningside-mural-project/">Sprout Fund mural</a> nearby.<br /><br />Over on the South Side, the <a href="http://10.20.1.180:81/cgi/block.cgi?URL=http://www.mbergerart.com/&IP=10.2.3.129&CAT=EXART&USER=SVSD%5C%5Cstaff_sec_sv%5C%5CGRIMDM&CE=0">Michael Berger Gallery</a></span> (30 S. 6th St.<span class="event-description">) has an opening for your enjoyment earlier in the day (12-5PM). It's entitled<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> Sundown of the Last Dynasty Hung Liu: Tapestries & New Prints</span>. That's an explicit enough title to give the prospective viewer at least an inkling of what one might see.<br /></span>Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-12146645301953367622009-11-12T09:48:00.010-05:002009-11-12T11:43:11.222-05:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 11/ 13-14/09.There are plenty of art-related odds-and-ends around town this weekend. They are dispersed throughout the city, so you'll have to put a bit of thought into what you might be desirous of seeing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />I've never attended a <a href="http://www.ccac.edu/default.aspx?id=151906">faculty art show</a> at CCAC, but I am aware that some of the most passionate educators can be found at our nations' community colleges. You can see the annual show over at 808 Ridge Road on the Northside campus between 5-7PM.<br /><br />Last week, it was puzzling to discover that the new Fast>>forward Gallery (3700 Penn Ave) had apparently decided to distance itself a bit from the monthly Unblurred event. I noticed its conspicuous absence on the promotional literature. But I've recently discovered that the reason it wasn't open was because co-founder Craig Freeman had a solo down at Zombo Gallery. That explains this week's opening reception for <span style="font-style: italic;">Breath Deep: An Ecological Exhibition by Ross Hardy</span> (6-10PM).<br /><br />And while we are on the subject, there's another 2-day exhibition at the Zombo Gallery. This one is entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Mod as a Hatter</span> (that's cute... right?) and features work by someone named <a href="http://www.imagekind.com/searchresult.aspx?search=CZM">CZM</a>. I've also caught wind of the news that Zombo and Co. will soon have regular hours, when they open up their doors (4900 Hatfield Street) for a fashion boutique. Sometimes I wonder where Michael and Julie find the energy and time to be involved with their various projects.<br /><br />You can also catch the unveiling of Matt Marino's current preoccupations at the Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield (4525 Liberty Ave), and stop by the grand opening of <a href="http://www.gallerysim.com/">Gallery Sim</a> (1735 East Carson St.) in the South Side. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Kathleen%20Zimbicki">Kathleen Zimbicki</a> has curated the show at this location. It's been awhile since there has been a viable cultural presence on that side of town, but who knows? A few venues have been active down there lately. Might there be a <span style="font-style: italic;">third</span> "First Friday" art walk soon?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.toonseum.org/">ToonSeum</a> opens its doors for the first time at 10AM. It is one of only three museums in the nation dedicated to the art of cartooning. From what I hear, it will focus heavily on the type of strips that have been delighting American newspaper readers for over a century. I've also been told that Bill from <a href="http://www.copaceticcomics.com/">Copacetic Comics Co.</a> has been asked to run the gift shop, AND that he'll be offering some pretty sweet specials for the occasion of the Grand Opening. The ToonSeum is located at 945 Liberty Avenue, downtown.<br /><a href="http://lukeandeloy.ning.com/"><br />Luke & Eloy Gallery</a> (5169 Butler St.) has a daytime reception (11AM-5PM) for <span style="font-style: italic;">Paper or Plastic</span>, a group show featuring stuff by creators from across the country, and you can follow that up with a visit to the <a href="http://www.christinefrechardgallery.com/">Christine Frechard Gallery</a> (5871 Forbes Ave) in Squirrel Hill. <a href="http://hishamyoussef.com/">Hisham</a> and <a href="http://kamalyoussef.com/">Kamal Youssef</a> are the featured artists there, and the opening lasts from 5-8PM. If it's anything like their inaugural event, you should get there early if you want some of the divine refreshments they put out.<br /><br />If you'd prefer to get out of town (but not that far), you can venture out to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dv8espressobarandgallery">DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery</a> in Greensburg (208 South Pennsylvania Avenue) for a solo show of <a href="http://gabefelice.com/home.html">Gabe Felice</a>'s intricate and fantastical paintings. Felice regularly produces an output of wondrous images on wood that suggest medieval engravings and illuminated manuscripts. If you went to see the <a href="http://www.pghvisionaryartsfestival.com/">Visionary Arts Festival</a> this past August at Schenley Plaza, you would have had a hard time missing Gabe, toiling in front of his tent, and working up a back stock of affordable inventory.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-47765875199250041072009-11-05T09:11:00.006-05:002009-11-05T10:52:57.775-05:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 11/ 6-7/09.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />For some reason, I've been particularly anticipating this month's Unblurred. The last couple of weekends have been dead on the local arts scene, and I'm looking forward to what the various venues will be putting out.<br /><br />I'm most excited to find out that artist, curator, educator, and former gallery-owner Bob Ziller is opening up a book store! It's located at the old Red Star Ironworks garage at 4810 Penn Ave. Ziller says that he is starting with an inventory of 3400 books, and that everything will be priced at 50% listed price. He's also doing another installment of his <a href="http://dgrim.blogspot.com/2009/07/bob-ziller-blooms-birmingham-bridge.html">Pittsburgh Beautification Project</a>, so stop in and find out what that is all about.<br /><br />Meanwhile, "Pigeon Pair" is at Modern Formations (4919 Penn Avenue), serving up the work of <a href="http://www.christianbreitkreutz.com/">Christian Breitkreutz</a> & Jason Rosemeyer. I've been keeping an eye on C.B., and I'm eager to track his development.<br /><br />The building housing the misleadingly-named International Children's Art Gallery (5020) is opening all three of its floors. The second will feature recent stuff by James Maszle, and <a href="http://www.richard-rappaport.net/the_site_of_richard_rappaport_.html">Richard Rappaport</a> will be up-top.<br /><br />There will also be music by Brass Chariot, Duane Jones Duo and Al Zavacky at the new <a href="http://www.irmafreeman.com/Site/IF_.html">Irma Freeman Center for Imagination</a> (5006 Penn), a group show at Garfield Artworks (with Maggie Black from WV), Cory Bonnet & Ryan Dunmeyer at Most Wanted Fine Art (5015 Penn Ave), and creations on glass by Joseph Holtz at Imagebox.<br /><br />Shadyside offers its monthly dose of openings as well. Gallerie Chiz (5831 Ellsworth Avenue) has a group show called "A Convivial Collection...New Creations" that includes work by Philippe Paulin Derville, Ben Oddi, Joyce Werwie Perry, Carlos Sanchez-Vegas & Randie Snow. It runs from 6-9PM. Patrick Ruane is over at Gallery in the Square (5850 Ellsworth Avenue), and the Mendelson Gallery has Bob and Paul Bowden (6-9PM).<br /><br /><br /><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span></span><br /><br />Zombo Gallery (4900 Hatfield St.) returns with another one of its idiosyncratic weekend shows. You get the opening on Friday, and if you miss that... the closing on Saturday (6-10 PM, both nights). This time around, it's "Lickity-Split!" with Craig Freeman , supplemented by sculptures by Seth LeDonne. Don't miss the madness of this space.<br /><br />If you never made your way over to <a href="http://moxiedada.com/">Moxie Dada</a> at the Firehouse in the North Side (1416 Arch Street), this absolutely and without reservation will be your very last chance. The closing for "Dia De Los Muertos Y La Resurreccion: The Existencial Crisis" runs from 6-9PM. If you have been a regular habitue of the space, then I'm sure you'll recognize a lot of the creators represented. While it's sad to see such a stalwart of the local scene pass on, it will be exciting to see what the people behind Moxie Dada do next. Its proprietors have ensured me that they are not giving up, but just moving on to other projects.<br /><br />Oh, and by the way... the Three Rivers Film Festival opens this weekend, and you can find a list of the events <a href="http://3rff.com/2009/events.html">here</a>.<br /><span><br /><br /><br /></span>Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-4790132273823516412009-11-02T09:15:00.002-05:002009-11-02T09:17:34.907-05:00Quote of the dayFrom the Associated Baptist Press website:<br /><br />"And, frighteningly, Christians seem at the very least to be as susceptible as the population at large to the habit of spreading false stories."<br /><br />Read the full story <a href="http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4496&Itemid=53">HERE</a>.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-29673442060696766572009-10-15T09:17:00.005-04:002009-10-15T14:31:54.877-04:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 10/ 16-17/09.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday<br /><br /></span>"3-Way", the new exhibit at <a href="http://www.fegallery.org/">Fe Gallery</a> (4102 Butler St, Lawrenceville), runs from 6-9 PM, and features the work of Anna Mikolay (Director of Education at the Mattress Factory), Josh Tonies, and <a href="http://www.lauratabakman.com/">Laura Tabakman</a>. This non-profit venue typically shows art without regard to commercial imperatives, so there's a good chance you will see some stuff to make you go "hmmmm?!"<br /><br />Have you had the opportunity to check out Maxo Vanka's murals at St. Nicholas Church in Millvale (24 Maryland Ave.)? If you haven't, this is the perfect chance- they are having a "50%-off flea market" this weekend. On Friday, it runs from 5-8PM and on Saturday, it's 8AM-2PM. Along with a dinner and a lunch, they are also welcoming people to tour the church itself.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Spend the day (10AM-6PM) in Lawrenceville checking out artist studios. Despite the rapidly increasing price of real estate in this neighborhood, artists haven't (yet) been completely priced out. Although many of the participants are more of the "crafter" sort, you should take this opportunity to invade some strangers' spaces. Unlike the typical "house tour", this event is free. Make sure to stop by Encyclopedia Destructica (156 41st Street) to see where their magic is realized.<br /><br />Apparently Shepherd Fairey is in town again, for his opening reception for "Supply and Demand" at the Andy Warhol Museum. The museum is encouraging all to come and meet the artist. I used to have a modicum of respect for Fairey... until I realized what a raging hypocrite he is. The guy has been freely appropriating the imagery of other creators for years, and in fact has built his career on the practice. So it galls me that he has sued others for so-called copyright infringement. Anyway you can meet him after 6PM, and meet his lawyers if you decide to appropriate his very own methods.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-67281872947883932082009-10-01T07:24:00.012-04:002009-10-01T22:01:09.960-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Events: 10/2-3/09.<font style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</font><br /><br />Is this the night of the seasonal Downtown gallery crawl in the Cultural District? It sure is, and naturally it falls right smack dab on the same night as Unblurred. What a surprise! The shower of events in the midst of the Golden Triangle gets under way at 5:30PM.<br /><br />937 Liberty has a a group show of work focusing on a single object (I hear tell this will contain multiple perspectives on "rope"). The folks behind it belong to The Pittsburgh chapter of the American Society Of Media Photographers, which means that they get paid to make their images. That's cool. That must mean they are legitimate. Don't hold that against them.<br /><br />SPACE (812 Liberty Avenue) is unveiling some "high-concept" project called Transfer Lounge, described as "a unique opportunity for artists from different parts of the world (from what I can gather- Valencia, Spain and Pittsburgh) to actively exchange their views and ideas around issues of mobility and transition." Unfortunately this tells me virtually nothing about what you might see if you make a visit.<br /><br />Don't forget Soulpurpose at the 707/709 Galleries (Penn Avenue). The G20 might be over, but you can still see at least one curator's ideas about a balanced representation of local artists. Apparently <a href="http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/showblog/archive/2009/09/04/the-not-so-secret-art-of-jen-cooney.aspx">Jen Cooney</a>'s "The Secret Lives of Stories" is still at 707, and this would be the single compelling reason for me to venture Downtown on a Friday evening. I saw her work a couple of years ago when the PCA and Filmmakers jointly hosted their Biennial, and it was easy to get caught up in her visual world. She seems to love Bigfoot, and for this reason alone, I must someday meet her.<br /><br />Finally, I want to mention that a <font style="font-style: italic;">French Artist</font> is showing installation art "highlighting <font style="font-weight: bold;">simultaneously <font style="font-style: italic;">both</font></font> the<font style="font-weight: bold;"> </font><font>simplicity <font style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and</font> the complexity of reality</font>" (emphasis mine, quote theirs) at the Wood Street galleries. And that wraps up one crawl!<br /><br />If you're going to Unblurred instead, consider dropping in on the Friendship Development Associates' <a href="http://friendship-pgh.org/fda/20th/">birthday bash</a> at 6PM. Be aware that this does cost money ($7 in advance, or $10 at the door). With all the free stuff going on this night, I'm sure the lines for beer won't be excessively long.<br /><br />Despite what some other media sources are saying, <a href="http://pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/">Rick Byerly</a> is reporting that the Rob Larson/Mike Egan collaboration is opening at Modern Formations (4919 Penn Avenue)<br />on Friday night. These guys have both appeared in the gallery before, so I know they are worth a stop. Egan does simple day-of-the-dead inspired paintings, and Larson appears to employ stencils and photographic prints extensively. It'll surely be an interesting mix.<br /><br />Other Unblurred highlights include images from Susan Constance at Most Wanted Fine Art (5015 Penn Ave), glass work by Sheila Klein at the Pittsburgh Glass Center (5472 Penn Ave), a 3D exhibit of Joseph Materkowski's abstract paintings at FAST>>FWRD (3700 Penn Ave), an Autumn "ensemble" at <c> <a href="http://cspacecollective.wordpress.com/"><c> SPACE</c></a> (4823 Penn Avenue), and a collection of stuff over at Garfield Artworks that includes (among others) multimedia creators Becky Corrigan and Evan Knauer. Whew.<br /><br />Of course Shadyside has their version of First Friday too, so you can go and check out a reception for Cliff Enright's watercolors over at Mendelson Gallery (5874 Ellsworth Avenue). They are rather bright abstracts that contain a broad enough palette to <a href="http://www.shelbygallery.com/exhibits/color_abstract/image09.php">match any decor</a>. Meanwhile <a href="http://www.coryrockwood.com/">Cory Rockwood</a> has some more of his "Painted Shaped Canvassesd" over at Gallerie Chiz (5831 Ellsworth Avenue). I've seen some of his works over at Moxie Dada, and I enjoy their subtlety. Rockwood shares the space with <a href="http://www.ryderhenry.com/Site/Home.html">Ryder Henry</a>, whose futuristic cityscape paintings impressed me very much during this past August's Visionary Arts Fest in Schenley Plaza.<br /><br />As if the concordance of art events during first Fridays in Pittsurgh isn't already overwhelming, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (in the heart of East Liberty) is having a roll-out/call for artists for "<a href="http://www.kelly-strayhorn.org/calendar/event/go-east/">Go East!</a>", that is evidently seeking to compete with the other two regular monthly extravaganzas. They promise " A combination of live music, dance, theatre, film, spoken word, and more...crafts marketplace, music, free food and drink." Make sure to bring samples of your work on CD/DVD if you are interested in participating in such future events.<br /><br />And if you happen to be in the Homestead area, you'll be close by the Pump House & Water tower, where four artists (including former Digging Pitt regular and current blog contributor Jean McClung) will display their work inspired by the Carrie Blast Furnaces (see <a href="http://bittersweetharvest.blogspot.com/2009/09/carrie-furnace-project-at-pump-house.html">Bittersweet Harvest</a> for some previews).<br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</font><br /><br />Another exhibition space is opening this weekend in Squirrel Hill, to join the ranks of Sirani Gallery on Forbes. <a href="http://www.christinefrechardgallery.com/">The Christine Frechard Gallery</a> (5871 Forbes Avenue) will feature emerging, as well as international artists, and their grand inaugural celebration kicks off between 5-9PM with a group show of locals, including the very talented <a href="http://www.aimeemanion.com/">Aimee Manion</a> (another veteran of VAF). If I had my way I'd already own one of her paintings, but I fear she's quickly leaving my price range.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pittsburghsocietyofartists.org/">Pitsburgh Society of Artists</a> is having their annual show at Borelli Edwards in Lawrenceville (3583 Butler Street). The opening reception is from 6-8:30PM. I was too busy to submit anything, but that doesn't mean I won't stop by.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-6279656193242503952009-09-17T09:42:00.009-04:002009-09-17T14:32:55.487-04:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 9/18-19/09.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />Zombo gallery (4900 Hatfield St.) upholds its status as the most active art space in the city with its reception for Catfish & Such (7-11PM). TJ Reddick likes animals and bright colors. <a href="http://www.tjreddick.com/">See what I mean</a>?<br /><br />It's not too late to buy a $50 ticket to the Unicorn Mountain Fundraiser @ Remedy. The event is called The Esoteric Order of the Illustrious Owl Bear, and includes live entertainment, a Bavarian dinner served family-style, an art auction, the new issue of UM (called <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Forest</span>, to be released later this month), and a T-shirt advertising Pittsburgh's hippest art collective. For $35 you can attend the dinner without the material goodies, and for a mere $5 you can participate in the dance party. For details, check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157175141054">the link</a>.<br /><br />Future Tenant (819 Penn Avenue, downtown) features a show curated by Jeff Schreckengost and Lisa Toboz called 'Dividing the Goose". The title apparently refers to the themes of folklore and fairy tales that underpin this multimedia exhibition.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Cleveland-based <a href="http://www.arabellaproffer.com/">Arabella Proffer</a> is unleashing "Splendor and Safety Pins", which highlights her "faux portrait paintings" at Boxheart (4523 Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield) from 6-9PM. She creates mythical European countries and populates them with the characters she envisions. Her work is flat, cartoon-like, and vibrantly colored... and thus perfectly appealing to my aesthetic sensibilities. I believe I'll make a point of attending this one.<br /><br />When was the last time you made it over to Braddock? See what Fetterman and Co. have been up to by attending the <a href="http://obscuraegallery.com/">Obscurae</a> Art Lottery over at UnSmoke Systems (1137 Braddock Avenue). For $45 ($55 at the door) you can buy a ticket to purchase a fine art photograph documenting the community. Depending upon when that ticket is drawn, you may get to select your favorite piece, from first to last. It is free to attend this event, but they are trying to raise money to revitalize their neighborhood, so donations are accepted. Eat some fresh bread cooked nearby while you are at it.<br /><br />Imagebox (4933 Penn Avenue) is opening their doors for "The Red Tag Studio Sale" to benefit the Persad Center. It's rare to see the gallery welcome guests on a day other than First Friday, so it's probably worth a stop (6PM) to see the work of local and national artists.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-20992386900262301752009-09-14T14:34:00.000-04:002009-09-14T14:36:02.506-04:00Who is the tool?My (relatively) new domestic arrangement has exposed me to habits and patterns that sometimes confound me. For instance, my roommates have the capacity to be entertained by television shows that I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> never considered viable sources of amusement. I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> seen things that have shocked me with the most banal and ridiculous examples of human behavior. I had no idea that both cable and network programming had reached its current depths. Neither would I have expected intelligent viewers to settle for the poor quality product put in front of them.<br /><br />Still, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ve</span> been told repeatedly throughout my life that folks value escapism, and apparently the more mind-numbing it is, the better it satisfies the singular need of the audience. Certainly the choices made in my household illustrate that point. The MTV music awards prove to be a meaningless and contrived spectacle, meant to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Reality shows offer insipid dialog, loathsome personalities, and situations that would strain credibility if penned by a scriptwriter for (even) the dullest of dramas. And consumers are meant to laugh at the most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cliché</span> jokes of today’s so-called sitcoms.<br /><br />If I’m in the room when the idiot box is on, it’s sometimes impossible to ignore. As a result, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> learned that L.A. is still filled with self-absorbed, sub-human, empty shells that cynical producers put forth as fascinating subjects of study. I find it all insulting to the social condition. But obviously there are plenty that disagree. So I make my best attempt to find something redeeming about whatever’s on. Otherwise my hatred for my fellow man will know no bounds. Most of the time I’m thwarted in my efforts.<br /><br />Yesterday I discovered “Tool Academy”. The set-up for this show is a supposed nationwide search for the ultimate “bad boy’. Unsuspecting dolts audition for a competition that will identify the “Alpha Males” of America. But within the first (or so) episode they realize that a trick has been played on them. Their girlfriends have submitted them for consideration as the worst mates in the nation. And all the video footage that they willingly had shot of themselves mouthing off and bragging becomes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">evidentiary</span> material. They get to sit beside their disconsolate honeys as the very worst parts of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">personas</span> are displayed for a live crowd and America at large.<br /><br />To add insult to injury, the creators of “Tool Academy” have enlisted the aid of an imperious relationship counselor with a distinguished British accent apparently meant to mask the vast level of stupidity the proceedings represent. And so it goes- a parade of self-delusion, an awesome lack of common sense, and a cavalcade of absolute nonsense. Is it representative of the quality of intimate pairings of the populace? If it is, then evolution has truly reversed itself, and our species must soon inevitably cede to another classification of animal. Our citizens are literally retarded, emotionally and otherwise.<br /><br />Could it be that this show actually serves some sort of useful purpose other than the empty calories derived from the titillation of digesting extreme obnoxiousness? Is it a useful guide in what to avoid in dealing with your significant other? Perhaps some unfortunate viewers will see reflections of their own lives in the hapless guys and gals onscreen. I suppose if even a single woman decides to dump her misbehaving man after noting his resemblance to one of these buffoon contestants, then some redemption for its existence might be proven. Yet it’s easy to counter that anyone who has chosen to invite the presence of such a creature into her life deserves the burden of its continued presence.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-28831307625488145522009-09-10T09:31:00.010-04:002009-09-10T14:23:47.990-04:00Pittsburgh Events: 9/11-12/09.Hey folks... I'm back with a weekly round-up of doings in and around town. I do want to point out right up front that this is NOT meant to be a comprehensive outline of everything available. So if I don't mention an event you have some sort of personal investment in... tough luck. Maybe I haven't heard of it. Or maybe it didn't catch my fancy. Or maybe I just didn't care enough to highlight it. Go find another shoulder to cry on. Or do a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span> blast. Or hell... just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />This week brings us the grand opening party (5:30-9PM) for Pittsburgh Tribune Review art critic Kurt Shaw's <a href="http://www.shawgalleries.com/Shaw_Galleries/Welcome.html">self-titled galleries</a> (805 Liberty Avenue, Downtown). Highlights include original lithographs, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">woodblock</span> and '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pochoir</span> Prints' (whatever the hell those are) by such luminaries as Dali, Picasso, Chagall, Ernst, Miro and Braque. Feel free to go down there and see what those pikers accomplished.<br /><br />The second issue of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TAV</span> (an online publication featuring a collective of artists, filmmakers, musicians and writers associated with Encyclopedia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Destructica</span>) is being unleashed this weekend. Folks on display at the publication's studio (156 41st Street in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lawrenceville</span>) include founder Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kardambikas</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CMU</span>-graduate Peter Burr. The festivities kick off at 7PM.<br /><br />Also in the neighborhood- Coca Cafe (3811 Butler Street) presents a photography exhibit called Green Eye on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Western</span> PA to benefit Group Against Smog & Pollution. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing there will be some urban landscapes in this show. If you care about that sort of thing, this will likely be worth a visit. And painter <a href="http://www.graphicanatomy.com/">Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Thorp</span></a> is down at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zombo</span> Gallery (4900 Hatfield Street). Pop in and say hi to her from 6-10PM.<br /><br />The 707/709 Galleries (on Penn, Downtown) are having their tribute to the G20 with 15 local artists meant to display "the region's artistic diversity in various media." Expect to see a plethora of arbitrary groupings leading up to this conference. Obviously everyone is wanting a piece of the action.<br /><br />It's been awhile since I've heard about an opening at <a href="http://www.secreteye.org/m/calendar.html">Morning Glory Coffeehouse</a> (1806 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Chislett</span> Street) in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Morningside</span>. Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Scafuri</span> (owner of 3G Gallery) will host a reception for her collages, sketches and original poetry, beginning at 6PM. She's promising free food and drink. That should bring 'em in.<br /><br />Toby Keith is coming to the Post Gazette Pavilion. This is a fortuitous event because it will ensure that all the yahoos are out of town for the evening. Enjoy the extra space!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Want something to take the children to? I'm considering schlepping mine out to Carnegie for its Arts and Heritage Festival. It actually starts on Thursday, but I can't make it until the last day. Why would I go all the way out there for what is sure to be <a href="http://www.carnegieartsandheritage.com/vendors.html">an amalgamation</a> of greasy food and pedestrian arts and crafts? Well... Carnegie kind of fascinates me in the efforts it makes to be a destination town. Plus I hear that there are some fine restaurants out that way. Besides, how many times a week can you take your kid to the local playground?<br /><br />If you want to look at art this Saturday, you can stop by <a href="http://www.constructionjunction.org/">Construction Junction</a> (214 N Lexington St. in Point Breeze) for the Pillow Project's <a href="http://www.pillowproject.org/events/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Second</span> Saturday</a>. This event has a lot to offer- Time Capture themed photography, dance & experimental music. I can't claim to have ever participated in this series, but with the relatively limited options, this just might be my first visit. It costs a fin.<br /><br />For just $25 you can can take your dog to Sandcastle to swim and eat "chicken-flavored" snow cones. Not being a particular fan of the canine, this sounds sorta disgusting to me. I wonder how the region's clans of Celtic descent feel about their ethnic festival being interrupted by packs of hairy interlopers and their masters.... I guess I'll never go to that water park again.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-64819826220845149822009-09-03T10:06:00.009-04:002009-09-04T07:34:33.795-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 9/4-5/2009.It's been awhile, so I thought I'd pop in with a hasty roundup of the many offerings the local art scene is rolling out this weekend. Forget about going out of town... you'll miss way too much if you do.<br /><br />Friday<br /><br />Unblurred is back again. Most Wanted Fine Art is celebrating with <span class="EventTitle">"Jon Howe vs Jason Sauer: MWFA 2-Year Anniversary</span>". It runs from 6-10PM and offers discriminating viewers the chance to see bands like Grand Snafu, Fulmarine Petrels, and Das Black Milk.<br /><br />How do two artists get married? Apparently they build an installation piece. See artist interpretations of the union of Dave Bernabo and Lindsey Clark at Modern Formations @ 7PM. Also, stop by 5020 Penn Avenue for Harvest, a group show of illustrative painters who seemingly share an interest in the type of images found in Juxtapoz Magazine. There are some great images of the work (along with lots of other great stuff) over at <a href="http://bittersweetharvest.blogspot.com/">Bitersweet Harvest.<br /></a><br />And there's a new gallery at 3700 Butler Street in Lawrenceville. It's apparently called Fast<<forward, and="" it="" features=""><span class="EventTitle">Lots of Pulp: Works on Paper Group Exhibition</span>". The opening reception for this show is from 6-10PM. I'm having difficulty finding any information online, so you'll just have to stop by and see for yourself until we find out more details about who's behind this project.<br /><br />*** I forgot to mention (thanks MW!) that my buddy Bob Ziller will be having his first jam session for the new Sprout-funded Pittsburgh Beautification Project. It's basically a painting party whereby participants will be able to color/paint templates, producing works that will be hanging all over abandoned buildings throughout the city. Bob will be down at the old Red Star building (4810 Penn Avenue) from 7-midnight. Check out more info <a href="http://dgrim.blogspot.com/2009/07/bob-ziller-blooms-birmingham-bridge.html">here</a>...<br /><br />Also, check out Lucas Stock and Alison Pochapin at the "Philosophy Kings Art Show" (5131 Penn) from 7-10PM.<br /><br />Meanwhile Shadyside offers its own version of First Friday. <a href="http://www.galleriechiz.com/">Gallerie Chiz</a> is still kicking, and hosting "The Pleasure of Their Company (Tom Nozum) & mirrors, miniatures, mugs & more (Ida Michaeli)". That runs from 6-9PM. And Steve Mendelson opens his annual Salon des Refuses. Based on a historical collection of rejects from a prestigious European art show from the beginning of last century, this is <a href="http://www.mendelsongallery.net/Site/Welcome.html">the gallery</a>'s (5874 Ellsworth Avenue) effort at honoring the stuff that doesn't make it into the big AAP show. Judge for yourself whether the curatorial decisions this year were merited or simply misguided .<br /><br />Saturday<br /><br />Experience Crafts N'at over at the <a href="http://www.unionproject.org/">Union Project</a>, starting at 10 AM. There will be over 50 different artisans displaying and selling their wares in this fundraiser for Parkinson's Disease. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in the homegrown economy during these tough economic times. The only sweatshop victims are the crafters themselves!<br /><br />Have a taste for a bit of the bubbly during the afternoon? Check out the "<span class="eventTitle">Art: East Meets West Champagne Reception" at the <a href="http://www.mbergerart.com/">Michael Berger Gallery</a> (their new location is 30 South Sixth Street, over on the South Side) at noon. The show features an international lineup of names you can't pronounce. How culturally sophisticated of you to show up...<br /><br />And finally... stop by (6-10PM) the <a href="http://web.mac.com/panzagallery/Panza_Gallery/Panza_Frame_%26_Gallery.html">Panza Gallery</a> in Millvale for Form of Fission, a collaboration between Pittsburgh Society of Sculptures, the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators and Pittsburgh Poets.<br /></span></forward,>Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-17197129285150122712009-08-07T16:26:00.006-04:002009-08-07T17:05:44.917-04:00Hanging at the Pittsburgh Visionary Arts FestivalIn lieu of writing my weekly art events post (which I apologize for skipping last week), I figured I'd do my first live blog post. This is the premiere of the Pittsburgh Visionary Arts Fest (hereby to be referred to as <a href="http://pghvisionaryartsfestival.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-to-vaf-blog.html">VAF</a>). The event was organized by young, talented artist Alberto Almarza, and showcases a more non-traditional, "outsider" brand of artists doing edgier work than you would find at a typical summer arts festival.<br /><br />There are about fifty tents down here at Schenley Plaza, and the scope and quality represented is remarkable. It doesn't hurt that the location is smack dab in the center of Oakland- a hub of activity with multiple hospitals and universities. Folks seem to be pleasantly surprised to encounter this type of aesthetic madness during their lunch hours.<br /><br />Site coordinator Sarah Bauer (Almarza's better half) seems to be relishing the day. In between running around with waiver forms, she had a chance to sit down for a few seconds at our Unicorn Mountain tent. Says Bauer, "It's cool to showcase the diversity of the progressive arts scene of Pittsburgh. People have been so receptive... they're not like, 'who are these freaky wierdos'."<br /><br />Maybe it helps that the audience is unfamiliar with the odd brand of individual who would agree to sit in a ten-by-ten foot enclosed space for 27 hours over a three-day weekend. The VAF runs all weekend from noon until 9PM each day. I'll be sitting here during much of that time hawking my own photos, as well as work by other artists in our collective, books and t-shirts. Perhaps I'll even get a chance to say hi to the other creators... if I ever get the chance to leave this tent.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-610105985879969572009-07-24T00:04:00.008-04:002009-07-24T01:12:01.053-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 7/24-25/09.We're really smack-dab in the middle of Summer now. Embrace the opportunity to get out and about while the gettin's good. Here are a few ideas for your weekend plans...<br /><br />Friday:<br /><br />Take a trip to <span style="font-style: italic;">Fun Land</span>: The Art of Pinball! The Warhol Museum is hosting a reception (7-10PM, free admission) for the launch of two pinball machines designed and created by local artists Mike Budai and Brian Holderman. The shindig is sponsored by art-collective Unicorn Mountain and the Professional Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA). I've seen these functional art pieces in promo shots, and I'm confident that they'll be absolutely stunning in person. You may have to wait in line a long time to play them, but there will also be twelve more vintage games to stick your quarters in. See what the kids of today are missing.<br /><br />Guest curator Katherine Talcott has put together the 13th Gestures Show over at the Mattress Factory (1414 Monterey St., 7:30-9:30, $10). Included within is John Riegert's <span style="font-style: italic;">Sublet</span>, a "gallery-within-a-gallery". These exhibitions are always worth seeing, if only to have a look at the individual aesthetic of a single art-world personality. I've seen some I've liked better than others, but they are invariably interesting (and very crowded... so get there early if you want to take some time with the work).<br /><br />And if you have the time to stroll by Future Tenant starting on Friday, you can see a window installation called <span style="font-style: italic;">Planet Dragulon!</span> by <a href="http://www.sandmedia.net/mfa/">Scott Andrew</a> and Michael McParlane. If you want to know what it's all about, there will be an artist Q & A from 9-10PM.<br /><br />Saturday<br /><br />All you really need to know is that <a href="http://www.slimcessnasautoclub.com/#">Slim Cessna's Auto Club</a> is playing at the 31st St Pub. Although Cessna himself has called the 'Burgh his home for more than five years, the rest of the band lives in Denver, and so their appearances in town are limited to 1-2 events annually. If you haven't yet had the honor to attend a performance of this Tent Revivalist stream of energy, spirit, and sound- by all means show up around 10PM and prepared to be altered forever. You may not get the chance to be told again.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-63236283685497660012009-07-16T22:50:00.005-04:002009-07-17T00:39:03.538-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Art Events: 7/17-19/09.Once again I have to apologize for being largely absent here at the blog this summer. Things are hectic, but I'm trying to keep up.<br /><br />There is A LOT to do around town this weekend, and I'm sure to miss a lot. Here are some highlights:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />If you have a functioning heart, you may want to consider stopping by Imagebox (4933 Penn, 7-10:30 PM) for a benefit for <a href="http://artbydafs.blogspot.com/">artist David Flynn</a>. A pittance of 5 lousy bucks gets you beer, cookies, vegan pasta salad, and the chance to say that you are not wholly without compassion. Apparently Mr. Flynn has lots of hospital bills to pay, and is in desperate need of a replacement used laptop to replace one that was stolen. Bring your checkbook, as you wil have the opportunity to purchase some of his art as well.<br /><br />The seasonal downtown gallery crawl is also happening Friday starting at 5:30PM. If you really want to find out what most of the folks in the region consider the "Cultural District" of the city, head for the smells and the traffic tie-ups of the Golden Triangle.<br /><br />Meanwhile, at 8PM there will be hundreds of people walking around like zombies. But unlike every other weekend in the South Side, these will be in even scarier make-up. Celebrate the tradition of local legend Romero and shamble down Carson St. It's high satire, and there's supposed to be some party after the mass hike. Tell the entire drinking population of South Hills I said "Hi", and ensure that they continue to revel on the other side of town.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Here's a shout-out to one of the 'Burgh's most unusual couples- whether considered separately or (most appropriately) together... Phat Mandee and Tommy Amoeba's <span style="font-style: italic;">Traveling Variety Show </span>is jumping off at the New Hazlett Theater at 10:30 PM. I can only guess about the strange and wonderful sights they have for the lucky ones that show up for this event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday and Sunday</span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.spfpittsburgh.com/calendar">SPF EXPO</a>, for Pittsburgh's pre-eminent small press festival, is happening this weekend. There are two floors of vendors, workshops, panels, entertainment, and food. It's $5 for a weekend pass. If you just want to walk around aimlessly without participating in any cool stuff, there is no cover. Venture forth to the Regina Gouger Miller Gallery at CMU's Purnell Center for the Arts (5000 Penn Avenue). Best of all, you can watch me making a fool out of myself on Sunday afternoon, trying to moderate my first panel. What do I know about "art books"?! Here's the <a href="http://www.spfpittsburgh.com/spf2009">detailed schedule</a> for the Expo.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span><br /><br />Head up Polish Hill (to the crossing of Brereton and Dobson Streets) for the 2nd Annual <a href="http://www.myspace.com/artwhatyougot"><span style="font-style: italic;">Art What You Got</span></a> (Noon-8PM). Along with an artist and handicrafter's marketplace, you'll find ethnic grub like kielbasa and pierogies. Plus you can see some local bands, including one of my favorites- <a href="http://timbeleza.com/">Timbeleza</a>, a Brazillian drumming and samba outfit that got me moving one night over at Your Inner Vagabond. The organizers are convinced that they can avoid the hurricane winds that blew tents over at last year's gig. Go find out if they are prescient or merely plagued by hubris.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-75460505944324684582009-07-05T19:08:00.009-04:002009-07-06T20:50:16.300-04:00Bob Ziller Blooms Birmingham Bridge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWpDWcDQhmSSl8A7J8xZUytl1mvFM0fxM_7RXzs7GnmcnPslM4qu0doQG10yadyLqQFU-w2mL6HySVfTGbTWPV2YqFL5l4YX64f4_G-tb7eziHQQcp4YC7bmaSUmUH7T364y3/s1600-h/before+resized2..jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWpDWcDQhmSSl8A7J8xZUytl1mvFM0fxM_7RXzs7GnmcnPslM4qu0doQG10yadyLqQFU-w2mL6HySVfTGbTWPV2YqFL5l4YX64f4_G-tb7eziHQQcp4YC7bmaSUmUH7T364y3/s320/before+resized2..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355117448726224850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSS7Vh-kO2HrwukslidDqRbFtbvk8vnigiuX6hi455A-La4mO-IUbnnev13fTM1MWxmS0ULgtrj-QdyvI_eAQS9Qk6mYFXg41cphcWXeJOyiSNAsK962Va7BxuXCoU2jW3NsD/s1600-h/after+resized.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSS7Vh-kO2HrwukslidDqRbFtbvk8vnigiuX6hi455A-La4mO-IUbnnev13fTM1MWxmS0ULgtrj-QdyvI_eAQS9Qk6mYFXg41cphcWXeJOyiSNAsK962Va7BxuXCoU2jW3NsD/s320/after+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355509956708764946" border="0" /></a> I was surprised early Sunday morning to get a call from my friend Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ziller</span>, as virtually everyone I know would expect to hear back from me late in the afternoon rather than actually get me on the phone at that time. For some reason I was awake, and that was fortunate. I don't really enjoy documenting other folks' projects, but for Bob I'm usually willing to see what he's up to. So I pulled myself together and drove down to the Hive to find out what he had in mind. I quickly learned that it involved ladders, and secretly began to regret my decision. But when I found out what we were going to do, I got excited.<br /><br />Bordering Fitzpatrick Street in the Hill District (a stone's throw from the house where Andy Warhol was born), there is this abandoned building that greets everyone at the end of the Birmingham Bridge. Bob decided to make some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">neighborhood</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">improvements</span>, and he wanted me along for the ride.<br /><br />While I helped schlep some stuff back and forth (and manipulate some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ridiculously</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unwieldy</span> ladders), I discovered that Bob was perfectly capable of installing his work himself. That left me free to shoot a series of shots that ended up being pretty fun. Here I've included the before and after shots of the property. I can't imagine anyone would have any serious objection to this particular brand of public art. Bob plans to continue this activity, so please keep a look out for the next entry in the series.<br /><br />In the meantime make it a point to travel northward over the Birmingham Bridge (from the South Side) sometime soon, because there is no guarantee this is going to last and it is really best experienced in person.<br /><br />PHOTO CREDIT: David GrimMerge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-35583507952207688892009-07-01T10:52:00.008-04:002009-07-01T12:49:46.212-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Happenings: 7/3-4/09The great spectacle of the summer is upon us this weekend, and folks are finalizing their plans. I've asked myself what level of engagement I want with the outside world, and I've decided to make sure all of the signal lights on my car work. That being said, there is enough going on right here in the 'Burgh to compel me to stay close to home... so we'll see.<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong><br /><br />Do you want to know how the L-Ville got hip? Soul City Tours aims to tell you in their own walking tour of the Design Zone. Check out the upholstery store and the cupcake shop. Find 0ut what they consider a "Turkish Harem". And take a moment to spill a bit of brew for the long lost businesses that helped the neighborhood get where it is today (the Digging Pitt, Culpeppers, Ray's, La Vie, etc.). Make sure your guides show you where the ER Room is. You locals know what I'm talkin' about. The tour gets underway at 1PM. Call (412) 508-2942.<br /><br />Contrary to my expectations, there IS a scaled-down version of First Friday <a href="http://friendship-pgh.org/paai/unblurred/">Unblurred</a> on Penn this month. And there is a handful of "must-sees". <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.passportsart.blogspot.com">ARTica</a> (5110 Penn) has Susan Constance, Michelle Gregio and a host of others. Garfield Artworks has Katie Jarrett, Jesse Best, and Masha Vereshchenko (etc.). And a definite highlight will be <em>Through the Window</em> with Sam Thorp and Carolyn Wenning at Most Wanted Fine Art (5015 Penn). Most of these events occur between 6 and 10PM, but show up at 7PM just to be safe.<br /><br />Speaking of safe, Shadyside has their art walk Friday as well. I still can't understand why we can't stagger these monthly events instead of indulging in a pissing contest between hoods. WTF? Anyway, the Mendelson Gallery is featuring an opening for work by Ben Matthews & Alberto J. Almarza. There are some great promo images and a write-up at <a href="http://bittersweetharvest.blogspot.com/">Bittersweet Harvest</a> (a new blog dedicated to emerging artists in Pittsburgh- YAY!!). Also, you must stop in Gallerie Chiz (6-9PM, 5831 Ellsworth St.) for Laura Jean McLaughlin's <em>Schlumpy Funk</em> show. I feel like enough of an authority on the matter to say that she best embodies the virtues and attitudes as described in <a href="http://www.lascauxeditions.com/">the manifesto</a> of the same name.<br /><br />Maybe a dance party is more your style. Brillobox has been bringing the good people Pandemic for several years, and for my money it's the most eclectic and interesting booty shake you'll find in town. Gypsy music, Brazillian Funk, and a whole lot of other stuff that will have you movin' even if you've never heard it before. Check it aht at 9:30.<br /><br />The Big Butler Fair begins this weekend, and yes, it does have a demolition derby. See <a href="http://www.bigbutlerfair.com/">the link</a> for details.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Saturday</strong><br /><br />Also, the Regatta is going on- but it sucks, so don't feel bad about pretending it's not happening. I blame it for the historical atrocities that happened at the Point during the last couple years. Find someone with a deck on the South Side slopes, and watch the fireworks from there instead. If you really need to see Three Dog Night in 2009, then I really can't help you anyway.<br /><br />If you must give in to cliché and head to Mt. Washinton, I implore you to take a stroll down Shiloh Street and peep the "Art Marketplace". I don't know who is participating, but at least you'll be shopping local. It runs from Noon to Five (Sunday too), and includes bands.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-69186269094988411832009-06-11T20:31:00.009-04:002009-06-11T22:42:20.761-04:00Pittsburgh Weekend Events: 6/12-13/09.I realize that most prideful 'Burghers are likely to focus on the fortunes of their beloved Pens this weekend, and believe me... as far as vicarious pleasures of the sporting nature, I can think of few better than NHL hockey. Having said that, don't forget that you have many opportunities to engage in much more direct amusements, and on a much more intimate scale. For instance...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday<br /></span><br />Local arts collective Unicorn Mountain is having the reception for a group show of participating artists, featuring many stellar works including those of rising star Elina Malkin.<span> It all goes down at the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.mendelsongallery.net/Site/Welcome.html/">Steve Mendelson Gallery</a> (</span>5874 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside) between 5:30-8:30. Participants include Jon Carling, Bill Wehmann, Jeff Schreckengost, Masha Vereshchenko, Ian Finch, David Grim, Christopher Kardambikis, Jenifer Cooney, Ben Kehoe, Beano, Christopher Cornwell, Tom Hall, Katherine Young, Amy Conroy, Brian Holderman, Laura Jean McLaughlin,<br />Paul Roden, and Valerie Lueth.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Continue the swank by making a hop to the North Side for the Urban Garden Party fundraiser at the Mattress Factory.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Gourmet food, drinks, entertainment, artwork, and this year's "rock theme" should justify the exorbitant admission price. Besides you'll just feel cooler if you are there, rather than sitting at your local neighborhood bar doing whiskey shooters and talking about how great it feels to piss in a public sink<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(not that I know anyone who has ever done such a thing).<br /><br />If you feel some pressing need to head downtown, stop by the <a href="http://www.spacepittsburgh.org/flash.html">SPACE gallery</a> for "Smoke and Mirrors". Check out this roster- Cory Arcangel, Matt Barton, Chris Bearegard, Robin Brasington, Jacob Ciocci, Olivia Ciumo, Thad Kellstadt, Ladyboy, Guthrie Lonergain, Spencer Longo, Eileen Maxson, Jesse Jamaica McLean, Alex Miller, Jae Ruberto, Mike Smith, Scotty Vera, Jeffrey Vulture, John Daniel Walsh and David Wightman. Too bad I'm gonna miss this one. Also see ArtUp's "Homeland Insecurity" (937 Liberty, 8PM, $10).<br /><br />And in the South Side (for the real masochists), <a href="http://www.graphicanatomy.com/">Sam Thorp</a> will be showing her latest work under the title "Adjournment" (7:30-11PM) @ The Rex (1602 East Carson). I've always enjoyed the clean lines and bright pallette of her portraits.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Saturday<br /><br /></span><span><span>If you want a window into the vast diversity of celebratory options in Pittsburgh, consider visiting the Cultural District on Liberty Avenue in glorious downtown for "Pride in the Streets"- a block party featuring DJs, food, and fierce fun. That gets underway at 7Pm, and costs a mere $20. Jennifer Holliday headlines, and while I don't know who that is, I am assured that she is famous, and honey... that's all that matters.<br /><br />Or for a completely different scene, check out the free opening for Warhol Live at the Andy Warhol Museum (competing at the 7PM slot). This show focuses on the themes of music and dance in the great one's work. Also, you get a chance to see Dean and Britta (of the band Luna) for a very reasonable $10.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-17040180451590702662009-06-05T08:29:00.005-04:002009-06-05T08:44:07.144-04:00Artist Statement for "Vanishings"For those that either can't or won't be at my show tonight, here is my artist statement. If you would like to come to the reception, it is at Imagebox (4933 Penn Avenue in Garfield), from 7-10PM.<br /><br />"<span style="font-weight: bold;">About 'Vanishings</span>':<br /><br />I had the idea to visit Eastern Penitentiary last summer, in the midst of a particularly acrimonious national election. Originally I meant the series to be a commentary on the direction of our nation, and the political and social climate of our society. I believe that this original purpose would have been consistent with the spirit of Alexis de Tocqueville, the Parisian who came to the US in 1831 to study this specific institution (modeled on Quaker philosophies and beliefs), as well as the American prison system in general.<br /><br />In the intervening year since I booked the show, the content has taken on a host of additional personal meanings. While the specifics of the events that have lent additional heft to my feelings about the show are best left unexplained at this point, I will say that the symbolic weight of “prisons” has made its mark on my spirit. I would suggest that we are all limited by walls, whether literal or figurative, self-constructed or imposed, and our challenge is to identify them and assess their true utility for our existence.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About my process</span>:<br /><br />All my shots are taken in the field, and there is absolutely no intentional post-production on my part. I make every effort to ensure that the final print looks as close as possible to the image I saw on my LCD screen when I took each photograph. My efforts are not intended to express a negative commentary about editing software, but they are essential to the immediacy of my work.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About purchasing the artwork</span>:<br /><br />Framed prints are $100. If you are especially economically-minded, you can purchase a naked one for $66. Please keep in mind that the frames in this show were hand-made by local artisans, and each image is limited to an edition of ten. The inks and papers used in the print process are meant to ensure lasting quality over a lifetime.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for your considered support</span>,<br /><br />My Name<br />My Phone Number<br />My E-Mail<br /><br />I<span style="font-style: italic;"> wish to extend my gratitude to the following individuals who helped make this show possible: John Mahood, Paul Roden, Valerie Leuth, Jeffry Grim, J. Cleo Zell, Jeanne Zell, and Katie Zell.</span>"Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-65634413289640416312009-06-04T21:21:00.010-04:002009-06-04T22:16:17.365-04:00Pittsburgh Art Events: Weekend of 6/5-6/2009.This weekend arts summary is going to be a rush job, as I still have too much to do to prepare for my own obligations. Speaking of which- there is some unavoidable self-promotion about to happen, so bear with me...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span><br /><br />Go to Unblurred (of course). For some reason, the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative schedule page is down and has been all day... so I suggest you juat show up somewhere along Penn (between Garfield and Friendship) and grab yourself a schedule. Make sure to stop at the <a href="http://www.sproutfund.org/">Sprout Fund</a> headquarters (5423 Penn, 5:30PM) for their annual social, visit <a href="http://www.pittsburghgrapevine.com/Artica">ARTica</a> (5110 Penn, where my friend Susan Constance is displaying some of her fine work). and come say "Hi!" to me at Imagebox (4933 Penn). Other highlights include Benedict Oddi at Modern Formations and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djjoyboy/">Joey Kennedy</a> at 5427 Penn.<br /><br />Or alternatively, go on down to the opening of the Three Rivers Arts Festival. It will be jam-packed with sweaty cornballs eating fried foods and screaming kids with ice cream dripping down their chins. Seriously though- The Black Keys are playing for free, and (believe me) you'll have plenty of fun finding a place to park. If you do venture forth, you must see Tom Sarver's new installation, entitled "<a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09155/974843-437.stm">Bait & Tackle</a>". It's great to have him back in the 'Burgh for the summer, while he's got a break from his fancy NY MFA program. Also, pop in at 937 Liberty for an AAP group show, and dig some pieces by my buddies Rick Byerly and <a href="http://www.miahenryart.com/">Mia Tarducci Henry</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.moxiedada.com/">Moxie Dada</a> (1416 Arch Street, the North Side) has an opening reception for artist Connie Cantor's "Scribbling for Dummies", starting at 6PM. I don't know what crazy stuff she has planned, but Cantor has been laboring on the local arts scene for decades, and I'm certain that whatever she puts up will be worth looking at.<br /><br />You should also plan on spending some time at the <a href="http://www.zomboworld.com/">Zombo Gallery</a> to see Eric Luden's latest batch of illustrative gems. Personally, I haven't missed one of his shows at the gallery yet, and I don't intend to start now. Busty chicks, gritty lizard-like con men, etc... who wouldn't want to take a gaze at that sort of thing? It's called "Chicks and Beer", and the opening runs from 6-10PM. There's also photography by Laura Petrilla, which I find fascinatingly odd, since our good ol' Michael D. insists that shutter-buggery isn't "real art". Perhaps he's had an epiphany?<br /><br />If you need something to do during the day, check out the new thrift stores along Butler in Lawrenceville. Don't let the new crop of would-be hipsters get all the good stuff.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-77861896997577452352009-06-03T21:57:00.003-04:002009-06-03T22:38:05.231-04:00Now what?Things have been a bit of a blur for me lately, and I feel a bit self-conscious about slacking off... especially here on <span style="font-style: italic;">Serendipity</span>. As many long-time readers of this blog know (and I honestly don't expect that there are many of you left), not too long ago I posted every single day. That's why I have arrived at my thousandth entry after a mere three years. Alas, such productivity couldn't continue forever. Of course I've been posting poetry and the occasional local events update. But I wonder who I'm serving at this point, and I'm not certain the answer is not "nobody". I do know that I exhausted the essay format I was using for much of the past few years. Perhaps I'll be inspired to return to that someday. I can't make any promises.<br /><br />I had grand plans of doings something special for this occasion. I thought maybe that I'd go out and celebrate or (god forbid) write something extraordinary. Obviously the plans have changed, and you are getting this instead. I'm taking stock here, folks. A lot has changed in my life over the last three months and I'm still rearranging things. Perhaps I simply haven't felt emboldened enough to lay it all out here on the net. But I'm trying not to beat myself up over all of that. I do feel I've earned a break.<br /><br />There have been a lot of benefits to doing this project, but very few of them match my original expectations. I've written book reviews that have resulted in personal and direct contact with the authors of some of those books. I've also generated some fairly robust hatred, and if you sift through the comments here (or at least those of several months ago), you'll get an eyeful. I've even lost friends over what I've decided to publish on the net. On the other hand, there are a few things that I feel proud of. A highlight for me was being hyperlinked in a column by a Huffington Post author (after the Ashley Todd incident). That little boon resulted in a nice sustained hike in traffic, which I've since pissed away. Also, I'll take this moment to brag that I predicted Barack Obama's ascension to the presidency in August of 2006.<br /><br />Ultimately the most rewarding thing about writing <span style="font-style: italic;">Serendipity</span> has been the experience of discipline and focus resulting from the arbitrary commitment I impulsively made to post every day. Whether or not the decision was made to boost my own self-esteem is probably beside the point. I feel like I learned something from the process. I hope it has been periodically edifying to its small audience as well.<br /><br />This post isn't necessarily a "goodbye", but I do view it as a kind of release. I'd say that there's been a bit of a low fizzle here recently, and I'm sick of feeling like I've let myself down. So this is official notice that I may discontinue this public exposure at any time. I haven't quit writing entirely. In fact, I've written nearly a hundred poems over the last nine weeks. I've just stopped making it all immediately available to an unspecified and indeterminate readership. Maybe I'll take the time to be more deliberate in what I share. Or alternatively, I may simply sustain my current habit of stumbling along haphazardly. Anyway, if you are still reading this, then you have my appreciation and gratitude. Stop by now and again and you may find yourself surprised. Who knows?Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-5688551662584990472009-05-28T11:05:00.002-04:002009-05-28T11:14:43.995-04:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 5/29-30/09.My apologies for not posting a weekend round-up here last week… I needed to get out of town, and I focused on preparing for that instead. But this weekend holds some surprises for you and yours, so grab a cup of coffee and peruse your options.<br /><br />Friday/Saturday<br /><br />While it’s true that I simply don’t go out to movies anymore, I feel compelled to mention a documentary film playing at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland (8PM, both Friday and Saturday). “New Muslim Cool” concerns a former drug dealer named Jason Perez, who formed a community of Muslims, and moved to Pittsburgh’s own North Side. I won’t belabor you with the details, but I do encourage you to read more about the film over on the <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09148/973041-60.stm">Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s website</a>. There is a reception at 7PM on Saturday night.<br /><br />Friday<br /><br />At first I didn’t think anything art-related was going on this weekend, but my internet meanderings brought light to a number of events that I believe would be worth checking out.<br /><br />If you are so inclined, you might want to check out “Comin at Ya ... Another 15 Minutes of Photos by Eric Holmes” at La Fond Gallery in the South Side (1711 East Carson St) sometime between 6 and 8PM. There are so few galleries left in this neighborhood that it’s pretty much off my radar anymore- but I know Holmes from back in the day, and I’d like to see him get a good turnout. He’s been a local supporter of Pittsburgh arts for years, and so y'all should return the favor.<br /><br />On the Larryville tip, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fegallery.org">Fe Gallery</a> (4102 butler St.) will host a reception for new works by local art school undergrads. It’s great to see this non-profit so active in the scene, and it’d be a shame if its productions weren’t well-attended. Go see “Grade A” some time between 7 and 9PM.<br /><br />Fortunately for you and your tired dogs, your next destination is only a few yards from Fe. <a href="http://www.yourinnervagabond.com/">Your Inner Vagabond</a> (4130 Butler St.) is having a “Granada Arts Education Project Benefit” featuring an art and poster exhibit, as well as bands (starting at 7P). The idea behind <a href="http://granada-arts-education.blogspot.com/">this thing</a> is that teachers can integrate the arts into any subject area they teach. That’s good stuff I can get behind. Plus I do enjoy the venue AND <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kisumontao">Machete</a> is one of the bands performing. If I wasn’t already committed to seeing another musical performance tomorrow night, this is where I would be.<br /><br />Instead, starting at 10PM I’ll be over in the North Side at the <a href="http://www.newhazletttheater.org/">New Hazlett Theater</a> (6 Allegheny Square East). My buddy <a href="http://slimcessnamusic.com/">Slim Cessna</a> is performing with his son George and local bass guitar hero Rob Loveclutch. Cessna’s been on a European tour with the <a href="http://www.slimcessnasautoclub.com/">Auto Club</a> for the last couple of months, and it’s just a good feeling to know he’s back in town. If you haven’t seen his local combo (and you haven’t unless you were at the Zombo Galley in December), then you need to make an appearance. It’s an all ages show, but I implore you not to let that put you off- it’s only $3 stinkin’ bucks and there’s a bar area too.<br /><br /><br />Saturday<br /><br />Occasionally the gall of local organizers, planners, and city functionaries is so prominent that I have to remember to breathe. Such is the case with the <a href="http://www.pittsburghparks.org/">Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy</a>. They have planned a “Children’s Carousel Tea” to be held at Schenley Park at 11AM. Now, that’s all well and good until you consider the price tag- $25 per kid and $50 per adult. For that nominal fee, attendees are promised lunch, treats and rides on the Merry-Go-Round. Awesome. Global recession, anybody?!<br /><br />Believe it or not, cheaper entertainment is to be had on Saturday evening. <a href="http://web.mac.com/panzagallery/Panza_Gallery/Panza_Frame_%26_Gallery.html">Panza Gallery</a> (115 Sedgwick Street, Millvale) offers an opening reception for the works of three artists-<br />Mark McLaughlin, Gloria Dufresne, and Pat Lee. The hours for this event are 6-9PM.<br /><br />Afterwards pay Gooski’s (3117 Brereton Street) in Polish Hill a visit, and support the “Art What You Got Benefit Show” (starting at 9PM). <a href="http://www.phcapgh.org/awyg.html">This annual arts festival</a> is only in its second year, so get on board while it’s still hip. UkuLizzy, DJ Mary Mack, and folk-pop band Horse Or Cycle will be providing you entertainment for the mere price of $5.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-50221493301298963682009-05-27T00:03:00.000-04:002009-05-27T00:04:52.046-04:00The All-Seeing II may<br />Show you<br />All of these<br />Words,<br /><br />And you<br />May form<br />All of your<br />Opinions.<br /><br />Meanwhile<br />I know this<br />Is<br /><br />At long last<br /><br />A conversation<br />With myself.<br /><br />Here<br />In this form<br />I don’t have<br />The luxury<br /><br />Of objectivity.<br /><br />Read yourself<br />Into the poem<br />If you will<br /><br />And<br />If you can.<br /><br />But<br />Don’t make<br />The mistake<br />Of thinking that<br />I had you<br />In mind<br /><br />When I wrote<br />This,<br /><br />Unless<br />You<br />Are a shape-shifter,<br /><br />Able to<br />Inhabit every<br />Eye<br /><br />That will ever<br />See these<br />Pages.<br /><br />I think<br />It’s time<br />To acknowledge<br />Multiple<br />Centers<br /><br />In myself<br />And<br />In the<br />Universe.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-59889430197418167752009-05-20T18:49:00.002-04:002009-05-20T18:54:55.461-04:00The Hegira (Vanishings opens 6/5/09 @ Imagebox)Prison walls<br />Are fading<br />Into the ether.<br /><br />The yard<br />Is barren<br />Of ghosts<br /><br />And<br />Inmates.<br /><br />It’s been<br />Centuries<br /><br />Since<br />The <br />Others<br />Visited,<br /><br />But<br />I’ve <br />Stayed<br /><br />To<br />Watch the<br />Shadows<br />On the wall.<br /><br />I’ve always <br />Known<br /><br />That if I<br />Stared<br />At them<br />Long enough<br /><br />From<br />Between my eyes,<br /><br />And<br />Met their illusion<br />With my own<br />Reflection,<br /><br />I could<br />Release them<br />Forever,<br /><br />And they’d<br />Be free<br />To join the light<br /><br />As I left<br />For a better<br />Place.<br /><br />Now<br /><br />This is<br />What<br />I’ve found.-<br /><br />Departing<br />Can be<br />Frightening,<br /><br />And yet<br /><br />Necessary<br />To continue<br />Our<br /><br />Journey.<br /><br /><br />5/19/09Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-13046821321638778502009-05-19T00:15:00.000-04:002009-05-19T00:19:09.055-04:00Advance NoticeWhen the<br />Great modern-day<br />Poet died<br /><br />His wishes were<br />Granted<br /><br />And his<br />Gravestone<br />Read,<br /><br /> “Don’t Try”.<br /><br />Until now<br />I puzzled over<br />What he meant<br /><br />Or what<br />His words<br />Could mean.<br /><br />I never looked<br />To an authority<br />For the answer<br /><br />Although<br />Now I know<br />There is one-<br /><br />His widow<br />Has explained<br />The sentiment<br />Succinctly.<br /><br />But I figured<br />It out<br />Myself<br /><br />And it only<br />Took thirty-eight<br />Years.<br /><br />And here<br />It is:<br />Life is not<br />About<br />“trying”,<br /><br />Because<br />That’s simply<br />An excuse<br />That keeps<br />Us<br /><br />From <br />Manifesting<br />Intention,<br /><br />And<br /><br />A portent<br />That our will<br />Is never<br />Going<br />To happen.<br /><br />Who has<br />Time<br /><br />For that<br />Sort<br />Of thing?<br /><br />5/18/09Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29864358.post-90870379995347055172009-05-14T16:04:00.001-04:002009-05-14T16:09:25.002-04:00Pittsburgh Art Events: 5/15-16/09Friday<br /><br />The place to be tomorrow night is definitely Lawrenceville. Regular readers of my events updates probably shouldn’t be surprised by this. The L-Ville is firmly establishing itself as the most culturally diverse and stimulating neighborhood in the ‘Burgh.<br /><br />Both The Framery (4735 Butler Street) and the Gallery on 43rd Street are having opening receptions. Elise Rugolo and Adrienne Borkowski are presenting their work at the former space, under the title “Traces of Light”. Rugolo makes mixed –media paintings and Borkowski is another among a large group of regionally-based assemblage artists. Meanwhile Diane Grguras is over on 43rd with a collection of pastel pieces.<br /><br />After you’ve seen what you wanted at those locations, stop by the Fe Gallery @ 4102 Butler Street for their 5th Anniversary Celebration. Various artists (including yours truly) have donated their work to benefit this non-profit arts space. Reportedly, local luminaries like George Davis, Brian Holderman, and Rick Byerly have also chipped in to help. There will be a DJ (Kelly Carter of Milk Records), as well as refreshments at this party, so don’t whine about the $5 admissions fee. It jumps off at 8PM.<br /><br />Saturday<br /><br />There are a lot of yard and garage sales happening this weekend, so head on over to the Pittsburgh Craigslist and peep the listings. I’m not going to hip you to my intended destinations (don’t want the treasure-hunting competition, after all), but I am putting you on alert anyway.<br /><br />Also, the <a href="http://www.PittsburghDragonBoatFestival.org">Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival</a> will be held at the South Side Riverfront Park starting at 11AM on the 16th. They’ve got displays, music, dance, martial arts, food, art and textiles. And can you guess the common thread? Asian culture, of course. It’s free and you have no excuse to miss it.Merge Dividehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09589723464172651599noreply@blogger.com1