Bittersweet Harvest | Your Source for Creative Inspiration from Pittsburgh

Speaking Of... Coming Again on February 4th!

2012-01-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh's own Speaking Of... arts and performance is coming back on February 4th to the New Hazlett Theater. This is a really exciting event that is gaining popularity quickly each show. What's really cool is that this event is unique to the area, but would be really great to see Speaking Of... events taking place in other cities! Curator Phinehas Hodges is genius when it comes to hand-picking talent for future shows that bring to light the best talent in the area. If you've gone to a previous SO event you can probably attest to this. The latest promo video above was co-directed by Samm Hodges and Chicago-based Mike LaHood.

Be there!

Link to Speaking Of...

"Bailey and the Snowman" Commercial

2011-12-09T11:24:00.001-05:00

Local production-house Animal recently created this beautiful commercial for First Commonwealth Bank. It gives me a warm feeling inside my tummy for the holiday season. Directed by Kris Boban with great sound design by Market Street Sound.

Ed Piskor & Other Local Cartoonists for the Toonseum's Illustration Ale II!

2011-12-08T09:50:00.006-05:00

The Toonseum is once again teaming up with the East End Brewing Company for Illustration Ale II! The Toonseum hunts out some of the top illustrators in the area and get those involved in creating a label. This time with a new beer, new labels and six new artists! This is a limited edition beer from East End Brewing Company with a portion of all proceeds benefiting the ToonSeum! See labels from the first round here. The launch event date will be announced soon, but for now you can soak up the goodness of Ed Piskor's design above, which was recently featured on the very popular BoingBoing! From Ed Piskor on BB:

We have a decent cartoonist scene here in Pittsburgh and it seems that the hub of a lot of activity is our very own Toonseum. As a fundraising measure they, along with a local brewery, created "Illustration Ale" and asked a handful of us to design beer labels.

I decided to highlight my favorite alcoholic cartoonist, Wally Wood.
Here's a link to the label and some photos of my process.

Other artists include:
Mark Bender

Vince Dorse

Jasen Lex (final artwork for this year's label)

Nathan Mazur

& Dave Wachter

Link

(Above images, except where noted, are examples of the artists' work, not the East End Brewery labels.)

Pittsburgh Dad

2011-11-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh Dad is an online show created by Curt Wootton and Chris Preksta (Mercury Men, Captain Blasto). Definitely worth a watch or two, and checkout the other two episodes here!

Scott Benson for Rendezvous!

2011-10-25T01:54:00.002-04:00

Local animator & illustrator Scott Benson has already received so much attention on the blogrolls lately that we probably don't even need to share the video above with you, but for the couple of you that haven't seen this yet, you're certainly in for a treat. I think this is Scott's best work yet, which displays his exploration of digital lighting techniques, texturing, and pushing his abstract illustrations, not to mention the perfectly timed animation. You can read a great interview with insight to how he works and created this video for the Rendezvous' "The Murf" on Motionographer. After just four months after posting the video it has close to 150,000 views. In addition to the Motionographer feature, it didn't hurt to be featured on CBS News, Laughing Squid, InsideOut 7, Drawn!, among countless various other plugs online and beyond. I think I'm not alone when I say I can't wait to see what Scott puts out next!

And why not checkout his latest reel while you're at it.

Oh yea, and if you're not already familiar with the Yinzpiration blog, go read his interview there!

Link

Andy Kehoe's Creatures "Behind Your House"

2011-10-25T00:38:00.005-04:00

Andy KehoeWe've been watching Andy Kehoe's work over the last several years, and were delighted to see that he was featured in a recent article in Hi-Fructose. When he was beginning with his odd and quirky animals/monsters on simple, somewhat flat, one or two-colored backgrounds as you can checkout on his "2008 & Older" Portfolio site. But over the last year or two he's begun incorporating more detail including imaginative foliage and varying textures while expanding his color template. We are totally loving where it's going! His recent show with Maryland-based artist Charlie Immer at Seattle's Roq La Rue exhibited his most recent work. While we weren't there to see it in person, there are plenty of pictures to oogle at the Hi-Fructose article. Andy recently added a few beautiful new prints from this show to his Etsy store, but All Turns to Brilliance has already sold out, so you better get your hands on the remaining ones while they last!

On the Banks of Broken Worlds

Chance Meeting of Forest Dragons

All Turns to Brilliance(Sold out)
There are plenty more prints to buy in the store. Andy is truly an emerging artist to watch closely and I'd be surprised if his following doesn't double each year. Don't forget to follow his blog!

Link

(Photo at top by Robbie Lowery for Hi-Fructose)

Speaking Of... October 1st at the New Hazlett!

2011-09-28T15:39:00.000-04:00

Phinehas says:

Speaking of… presents their latest installment of the quarterly series with a "congregation of modern ballet, spoken word, cello, hip-hop and literature at the New Hazlett Theater on October 1st, 2011 at 8:00 PM!

The event features Texture Contemporary Ballet, writer Alan Olifson, local hip-hop artist Billy Pilgrim, and writer Taylor Grieshober (of the New Yinzer) along with spoken word artists and classically trained musicians.

Speaking of… is building on an eclectic yet cohesive tradition — the creation of a space in which artistic forms that are normally practiced in completely separate spheres are brought together. The result is always remarkable, and sometimes scientific. This October, look for electronica meeting ballet, a DJ spinning alongside a writer and an encounter of spoken word poetry with classical cello.

Tickets are available for $10 presale, or $15 at the door, and can be found here or on Showclix.

Local hip-hop artist Billy Pilgrim

Link
Link to facebook event

Crabs in Love

2011-09-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

Beautiful second-edition print by the fine folks, Paul and Valerie, at Tugboat Printshop! This print is almost sold out (as of , so go get yours now!

Andy Kehoe Blabs!

2011-08-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

Checkout artist Andy Kehoe's fantastic new painting for the Blab! Show at Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle opening this Saturday, August 12th, which will stay up until to September 3rd! If you're in the area, don't miss this show which features well established artists including Shag, Travis Lampe, and many others! Digging those dark, mirky colors.

Link

Off Brand Premiere Screening FREE at Southside Works on Thurs, Aug 11!

2011-08-09T22:24:00.006-04:00

Local film director Thom Glunt (previously mentioned here) recently completed his latest project entitled Off Brand, which is a quirky comedy about a European film director who is the "world’s greatest terrible" director. Thom is providing everyone who wants to see two 'pilot' episodes for FREE at the Southside Works Cinema this Thursday, August 11th, at 7pm or 8pm. No tickets needed, but I would suggest going to the earlier showing in case you don't get in and can wait to get into the 8pm screening - or see it twice!

I've seen both episodes and they are brilliantly written with professional acting and strong production values. Although Thom's background is mainly in music videos and commercials, it's a bold move to take the dive into storytelling, not to mention acting and directing, so that he's able to use this as a creative outlet and show what he really wants to do by manipulating his audience through his own words. This show is on par with the best of the best and we really hope there will be more episodes in the near future! Off Brand is a pure labor of love and it shows through this strong quality of filmmaking. Come out to show Thom your support for him to continue creating awesome shows such as this!

Off Brand stars some of the great talent in the area including veteran actor Adam Kroloff, Juliana Carr, and David Fedor, and includes music by the rocking Pittsburgh-based Meeting of Important People. Thom was also able to nab UK-based illustrator Louis Roskosch, local animator Kris Boban and illustrator extroadinaire Ed Piskor to give a helping hand with illustrated sequences.

Checkout this short clip of "controversial director" Richter Brand in his past explaining to a US television talk show host what he thinks about critics saying his films are ~~driven~~ derivative.
Thom, as T & E say, "Great job!"

Link

Monkey's Uncle bottle label for East End Brewery

2011-06-14T14:21:00.001-04:00

There's a new brew being released this Saturday, Monkey's Uncle, by the micro-est brewery in the burgh, East End Brewery. From known drinkers, I'm told this is some of the best beer you'll drink. The illustrious Wayno has once again designed their label! Love the monkey, colors, As EEB says, he "has captured the quirkiness of this beer," which only makes me want to try this beer even more!

Link

Speaking Of Noir at the New Hazlett Theater this Sat, June 18th!

2011-06-13T22:41:00.005-04:00

Yo! What are you up to this coming weekend? Lots of great stuff is coming up and I know this place needs updated, but this Saturday, June 18th, at 8pm one of the coolest events of the summer is happening at the New Hazlett Theater (Allegheny Square East)! The Speaking Of arts series is hosting NOIR, a "night of mystery stories, dubstep/ballet/break dance fusion, soul and jazz, and the spoken word." From writer/creator Phinehas Hodges:

The evening features readings by National Book Award Winner Terrance Hayes, Paul Lee, and local legend K.C. Constantine alongside the music of Dreamjob and the dance choreography of Hannah Galvin and Randall Miller, along with a finale number choreographed by Evolve Productions.

‘Speaking of…’, founded in November 2010 as an event that showcased spoken word alongside fiction and poetry in a welcoming, open atmosphere at Amani Coffeehouse. is bringing the same motif to this event. Beyond the absurd talents of the writers and musicians and dancers, 'Speaking of...Noir' will also feature not one but two Cave Canem fellows, Laura Yes Yes and Mahogany Browne.

You can't not checkout this short, very cool video that portrays an awesome mood that sets the noir scene, directed by Phinehas' bro and local motionographer Samm Hodges:

Tickets can be purchased online at speakingofpittsburgh.com for $8, or $10 at the door. Also for all of you online socialites, check them out @speakingofpgh and/or at Facebook. This event is not to be missed!

Link to facebook event
Link to Speaking Of

(Poster art above by illustrator/animator Kris Boban!)

The New Yinzer Presents Tomorrow, May 19th and Friday, May 20th!

2011-05-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

First, tomorrow (May 19th) at Modernformations gallery (4919 Penn) at 8pm is the last reading of The New Yinzer Presents' season before their break until August. Have some drinks and come out to hear some great readers including Steve Himmer, Derek Pollard, and Traci O'Connor. Only five bucks, or free with a contribution of a potluck dish. Then on Friday at the former Borders in East Liberty from 7 to 9pm is A Reading at The Fleeting Pages! "Join us for a reading with some of our goofy, brillant staff. Readers will include Kris Collins,
Scott Silsbe, Taylor Grieshober, Celine Roberts, Mark Mangini, Holly
Coleman, and Nicole Leckenby. So much New Yinzer, so little time!"

Link to TNY blog
Link to the New Yinzer magazine

Retro Boards

2011-05-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

A nice shot of some super rad works that are helping brighten up an otherwise depressing house front in an unknown location of town. I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same project as this one (the Pittsburgh Beautification Project), previously mentioned a while back. The image above was shot by local photographer John Craig (AKA Craig Photography). Check him out on Flickr, too.

~~Can you tell us where this is?~~ UPDATE: We now know from a commenter below that you can drive by these boards at 102 North Avenue, right next to the historic Garden Theater. Thanks Dobler!

Culture Club and Free Admission at Carnegie Museum of Art on Thurs, May 19th!

2011-05-18T09:28:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow after work the place to be in town is at the Carnegie Museum of Art (4400 Forbes)! First, from 3:30pm to close the museum is free to the public. If that isn't cool enough, they are hosting an event called Artists and Scientists: Creative Thinkers from 5:30–9 pm. There is a catch - to get into the event, it's $10, but includes two 'free' drink tickets. So if you really think about it, you're getting two events for the price of one. An awesome deal if you ask me, and sure to be an interesting time for learning and networking. From CMoA:

Happy hour has never been so interesting. Museum staff and guest presenters engage you in provocative conversation about art and life. Start with a drink at 5:30 p.m., and then join in a salon-style conversation in the galleries starting at 6 p.m.

Andrey Avinoff, whose art is presented in the exhibition Andrey Avinoff: In Pursuit of Beauty, was also director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In this lively discussion, entomologist John Rawlins, paleontologist Matt Lamanna, science educator Mary Ann Steiner, exhibition curator Louise Lippincott, artist Tom Sarver, and art educators Lucy Stewart and Marilyn Russell explore the way Avinoff looked at the world.

And here are a few of Andrey's works to get a feel of his subjects if you haven't already seen the current exhibit:

You can read a bit more about this Pittsburgh-based artist on CMoA's website. His show will be up until July 24, 2011.

Link to Carnegie Museum of Art

Riverlife Animated!

2011-04-27T12:06:00.002-04:00

A beautiful new piece of animation from local animator Scott Benson produced by Riverlife! Riverlife is a "public-private partnership established in 1999 to guide and advocate for the redevelopment of Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Riverlife works to reconnect Pittsburgh with its rivers by bringing recreation, ecological restoration and economic opportunity back to our waterfronts." This video is the first installment of several and we think this video really helps bring out the best of this area. It would be awesome if they utilized several local (and non-local) animators in several styles to create the future installments, but I think Scott's work here is an outstanding start!

Tragnark for Rock the Campus!

2011-04-12T09:54:00.000-04:00

Here's a sweet new piece from Tragnark, illustrated to promote the Rock the Campus For The Cure event in Dallas, TX on April 16! So digging these character designs!

Link

Ambulantic's Water Matters

2011-04-06T09:50:00.001-04:00

Shot and edited by Ben Hernstrom, head of production company Ambulantic. Checkout more of their rad videos on Ambulantic's YouTube, some of which were featured on BSH before. This video was created as a supplement to the Water Matters! Global Conference that took place this past June, as part of World Environment Day (which is June 5th this year). Also I found interesting is that the music was created in this video by none other than ~~transplanted LA~~ PGH-based artist Andy Kehoe. Awesome work as always!

Joe Wos featured in the Village Voice!

2011-04-05T22:39:00.002-04:00

Our very own local ToonSeum curator/founder Joe Wos is featured (briefly) in a brand new article in the Village Voice, mentioned in the same article as Jules Feiffer, Jim Woodring, Tony Millionaire, David Delmar, and Jason Yungbluth! That's some pretty strong company to be mentioned with. The article is interesting in exposing the lives of several cartoonists and how they are able to translate their drawings into cold hard cash, using Joe as a prime example of being able to realize his strong-points and plugging that into the art community while opening one of only three cartoon museums in the United States. From VV:

Joe Wos got comic-strip assignments in school, but was fired from all of them, including one on the college paper he co-founded. "I think I knew then," he says, "that I just wasn't a good fit for the funny pages." So Wos started doing what he calls "performance cartooning."

Read the rest of the article here...

(Illustration at top by Chicago-based Mitch O'Connell for Village Voice!)

Warhol Using Photoshop

2011-04-05T22:12:00.001-04:00

Well, not quite. But Warhol did take part in this promotional event by "paint"-ing Debbie Harry on an Amiga in 1985 with one of the earliest forms of a computer program of its kind preceding but likely inspiring Photoshop 1, which premiered just four years later.

Nice Article on Ready Made!

2011-04-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

Here is a super cool short-but-sweet article from online magazine ReadyMade that discusses Pittsburgh's "sports fans who also dig art, culture, and chowing on a serious sandwich." Written by NYC-transplant from Pittsburgh Casey Barber, she gives nods to the Andy Warhol, SPACE , and Lawrenceville. From RM:

My Pittsburgh is a city of dive bars and cheap eats, but also a brilliant mix of museums, architecture, sports, and markets punctuating a patchwork quilt of (often hilly) neighborhoods nestled among the dramatic vistas of our famed three rivers and the Allegheny Mountains. Tradition is strong, but upstart ingenuity keeps the city alive. And though I’m an expat currently living near N.Y.C., I’m still stocking my fridge with Iron City beer and acting as a cheerleader for my hometown.

Link

(Illustration above by Pasadena,CA-based Andrew Holder for ReadyMade!)

Brother America Finished Filming in India

2011-03-24T11:28:00.003-04:00

Remember when we told you about the Uncle America documentary that is being filmed and directed by local directors Danny Yourd and Steve Hoover back in November? Well, local film producer Danny Yourd and director Steve Hoover (of Animal/Endeavor Media) have returned back to Pittsburgh after filming in India for 30 days between the end of January through February. Danny and Steve went to film Steve's old friend and roommate from college, Rocky Borat. Rocky graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in graphic design, and easily could have had that career path, but he felt empty staying in Pittsburgh - instead he realized his real passion was to help people in need. He knew thousands of people around the world were too poor to afford good food and water, let alone clothing and toys, so he flew to northern India without pre-made plans of where he would help, and eventually hooked up with an orphanage in a small village that takes care of AIDS-positive children. Initially he went to stay for a short period of time, but he fell in the love with the kids there, and after several years there, wants to stay there to take care of the kids for the rest of his life. Along to accompany Danny and Steve while filming were writer Phinehas Hodges (who runs the Speaking Of series we mentioned a couple weeks ago), Steve's wife Kira, Akron, OH-based DP (director of photography) John Pope, and Pittsburgh-based editor Tyson Vanskyver. The children at the orphanage that Rocky teaches and takes care of call him "Uncle" America, but due to legal reasons with this guy, the guys had to change the name from "Uncle" to "Brother." No biggie. I think Brother America has the same effect and will make no difference to the audience.Personally this looks to be one of the best documentaries currently being made in the world with a great message, right here in town. Awesome!

Link

More Wayno + Piraro

2011-03-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

We think this is still one of the coolest gigs that a Pittsburgh artist has: coming up with ideas for the nationally syndicated comic Bizarro, created by NYC-based Dan Piraro. The amazing Wayno™ is the lucky guy who hooked up with Dan when he visited a few years ago to do a standup bit here in Pittsburgh, I think it was run by the then-new Toonseum. Checkout a brief writeup that Wayno talked about the process on his blog, where he even included the original idea sketch. He also mentions in his blog post that he is working on an art show with Dan Piraro for 2012. Rad stuff!

Last Day of Surface & Rigor Tonight!

2011-03-18T10:28:00.011-04:00

Before it's too late, I wanted to note another closing date looming even closer then the last post: if you're free tonight, go checkout Mendelson Gallery (5874 Ellsworth Ave) to see Surface & Rigor, a show including works by Rick Byerly, Mark Gualtieri, and Will Gianotti. I can say that this show is a great blend of mediums. Checkout some of the artist's past work (other then Rick Byerly's, not in this show):
Rick Byerly's Planetary Host

Will Giannoti's Skull (painted wood)

Mark Gualtieri's Trolling the Benthos
The always awesome Pittsburgh Art Blog fills in what we miss, and had posted about this a while ago which I'm sure you've seen by now, but make sure to check them out to stay updated on what we miss. Don't miss this show if you're free tonight!

Seth Clark's Ruinations & Other Shows at PCA Closing March 20th

2011-03-18T10:15:00.002-04:00

So we totally missed out on posting about the opening to this show, and it closes in just 2 days (March 20th is the last day), but there's still time to go to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (6300 Fifth Ave) to checkout a bunch of shows, one specifically that caught our attention is from local artist Seth Clark's (previously here) titled Ruination. The description of the show is simple, as PCA says:

Clark moved to Pittsburgh two years ago, and the Massachusetts native finds inspiration in the row houses and giant abandoned factories of the Steel City. In his new series of drawings, materials such as paint, paper, charcoal and found objects are layered to create depth and reflect a structural decay of the architecture around him.

There's also a great article in the City Paper if you haven't already read it. After seeing Seth's work in person, you'll understand his creative passion and artistic ability, and especially in these large drawings! It's an awesome show that you don't want to miss!

Link to City Paper review article
Link to Seth Clark

Pittsburgh Designers

2011-03-17T13:05:00.004-04:00

I don't know how we didn't hear of this website before, but here's an awesome resource for all of you graphic/web/animation/other designers in the area! Pittsburgh Designers provides a free section of job listings and checkout their extensive and updated list of agencies! This is the perfect service whether you're a seasoned professional or recent graduate, it's always awesome to have access to all of these contacts in one place. Dig it!

The New Yinzer Presents at Modernformations Tonight!

2011-03-17T10:58:00.002-04:00

Read more about it on The New Yinzer Presents blog Tonight at Modernformations (4919 Penn Ave) at 8pm come listen to the reads of Dave Newman, Bob Pajich, and Jim Cvetic! For only $5, or free if you bring a potluck dish, you'll get to hear these great stories in the author's words!

Link

Top 'O the Mornin'!

2011-03-17T09:53:00.004-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! To celebrate, soak in some Pittsburgh clovers from Pat Lewis (above) and flickr user Michael Righi having a little fun (below).
And be glad we're not celebrating this St Patties Day like they did in 1936!

See more images where these came from here.

Video from KDKA of Local Artist Dave Klug

2011-03-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

As the description says, local illustrator Dave Klug talks art on this week’s WHIRL Wednesday on KDKA-TV with WHIRL Editor in Chief Christine Tumpson and Pittsburgh Today Live Host Brenda Waters.

Found via Whirl Magazine!

Hill House Association Hooks Up with Kelly Strayhorn Theater

2011-03-16T12:46:00.004-04:00

The Hill House Association, based in the Hill District, announced yesterday that they will be joining forces with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater of East Liberty to direct the arts programming of the Association's Kaufmann Center (1835 Centre Avenue). The partnership will allow the Kelly Strayhorn to implement its community theater program in the Kaufmann Center which has fairly recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. There will be a dedication held on Wednesday, March 16th, and just two days later on Friday, March 18th, nine-time Grammy award-winner John Legend will give a benefit performance to kickoff the new management!

From Pittsburgh's "flagship NPR station" DUQ 90.5FM:

Hill House President and CEO Victor Roque says the Kelly Strayhorn is one of the most vibrant cultural amenities in the city....."Under the direction of Janera Solomon they have completely revived the concept of walking a few blocks to attend the theater. That's an urban cultural experience we'd like to replicate in the Hill District."
Executive Director Solomon says the Kelly Strayhorn gives artists theater time and space for preparation and rehearsal leading up to shows and performances and that has built strong relationships with local artists who typically don't have the space or resources to stage productions.

Read the rest of the article here!

TAK!

2011-03-16T09:50:00.001-04:00

TAK is a local multimedia developer and photographer works full-time in the multimedia department at PMI, as seen in his portfolio.
Personally, though, my favorite work by TAK is his photography. A lot of times photoshop work will bug the crap out of me - the filters and modified levels are overused and distracting. But TAK's simple tweaks fit nice and support the overall feel of the content in each image which utilizes Photoshop to support the mood. I love how he sometimes captures the grey/dreary days through a little photoshopping like in the image shown below.

He has a great flickr account where you can spend some time surfing his nice work!

Link

Mattress Factory Wants YOU!

2011-03-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

The Mattress Factory is reaching out to you to find you, the artist, to create their next t-shirt design! The winner receives two tickets to MF's 2011 Urban Garden Party on Friday, June 17th along with "one free fabric edition of their own winning design and bragging rights." The Mattress Factory is a well-known museum that represents Pittsburgh in a hugely positive way, as exemplified by fairly recent articles you can read in the NY Times (under "5) No Beds Here") and the Tribune. Go read the guidelines here and pull open up Illustrator to get yours started today! The contest began this past Friday, March 11th, and ends Friday, April 15th.

Link

Opening at the Toonseum Tonight!

2011-03-11T11:46:00.002-05:00

What are your plans on this dreary, snowy night? I hope they involve brightening your spirits by going to the (free) opening of Brenda Starr: The Art of Dale Messick tonight (March 11th, 7-9pm) at the Toonseum! From their site:

Brenda Starr: The Art of Dale Messick presents to audiences with a unique opportunity to see Messick's art up-close and personal. The exhibit presents pieces from the ToonSeum's permanent collection as well as incredible pieces from the collection of comics' matriarch and Brenda-expert Trina Robbins.
Robbins, who will host several events at the ToonSeum in late March, comments on the importance of Brenda Starr as a feminist milestone in American culture. "There had been plenty of women drawing comics over the years prior to Brenda, but they had stuck to subjects considered 'safe for women.' But Messick's work all features Depression era heroines born ahead of their time, working girls come to the big city to earn their living."

Also,checkout this super rad promo, featuring Joe Wos, made by the super friendly and talented illustrator Vince Dorse!
Link to facebook event
Link to Toonseum

Pinburgh on March 18-20!

2011-03-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

Click to embiggen!Checkout this rad new poster by Brian Holderman for the awesome event that is happening at the Professional Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA) (100 Keystone Dr, Carnegie) next weekend, March 18-20, called Pinburgh! Players of all skill levels are welcome, as well as spectators. The tournament provides the opportunity for terrific competitive play, but everyone is also welcome to browse the machines, play practice games, meet other players, and watch the competition.

Link

Mike Egan at Anno Domino in San Jose!

2011-03-09T10:10:00.001-05:00

So unfortunately for those of you in my neck of the woods, we won't be able to checkout the latest gallery show for Pittsburgh artist Mike Egan. But for those of you reading this on the left coast, if you haven't been to San Jose in a while, then you have a reason to drive up or down to stop by! From March 4th to April 16th, the Anno Domingo gallery (366 S. First St, San Jose) is hosting Egan's Funerals beautiful new show. This show boasts Mike's latest explorations with the style he has developed for years now: the stained glass and religious/death themes. No wonder since his day job is working at a morgue. He recently posted some pictures from painting a large mural on one of the walls of the gallery!

Mike's work just is so consistent because he maintains the same tonal range, line weight, textures, and overall quality and creativeness from work to work. Checkout a few details:

Link to Anna Domino
Link to Mike Egan

Web Design Boot Camp!

2011-03-09T09:31:00.004-05:00

This is a late notice I know, but I wanted to put the word out there for this cool opportunity. There are still a few seats left for the Web Design Boot Camp, which is part of a series of classes held at Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) as "brush-up" classes for alumni. From my understanding everyone is invited. This class is run by genius wizard of web-erry Josh Sager. There are three classes, March 12, 19 and 26 for beginner to intermediate level web developers. For anyone who looks at job postings and says, "wow, I wish I knew how to code", here's your chance!

Speaking of Pittsburgh.

2011-03-09T08:45:00.004-05:00

If you haven't already heard about the Speaking of series in Pittsburgh at the Amani Cafe (507 Foreland St), then you should definitely check it out. It's an outstanding group of writers who share their passion for storytelling with anyone who wants to come and listen. I think it's safe to say that your imagination will run wild, because in their words they want to "showcase the diversity of words." ~~Right now Speaking of currently don't have the next date posted, but keep your eyes peeled on their site for updates.~~ The next appearance of Speaking of is Saturday, March 19th! Here's a nice video promo done by the super cool local motionographer Samm Hodges:
Link

Lohio's Music Video Directed by Thom Glunt

2011-03-07T11:15:00.005-05:00

Checkout this new imaginative music video from local film director Thom Glunt for the band Lohio! I know we've been posting a lot of video-related work lately, but there is just so much that is being filmed right now that is turning out beautiful!

Support the PA Film Tax Credit

2011-02-22T02:47:00.000-05:00

Antuks

2011-02-11T09:11:00.005-05:00

Checkout the very cool video production company, Antuks. They are run by film directors Jeff Hilty and Jordan Beckham. Simply put, from their words "ANTUKS is a collaborative media movement focusing on art, culture, and life." I think their work definitely portrays our current culture for sure, through showing us what the day of in the life of Wiz Khalifa is like. That video, which you can watch below, received over 6 million views in just 3 days. Only 72 hours!

So you may agree to disagree with his lifestyle, but his culture is definitely portrayed in the video, in nicely planned compositions visually. But despite all of that, Antuks is able to capture and edit a well lit and shot video. Dig!

Link

A Sweet Valentine!

2011-02-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

From the very sweet Pat Lewis!

Jesse Best for Justin Andrew

2011-01-26T13:32:00.001-05:00

Artist Jesse Best created a very nice album cover and slip design for local musician Justin Andrew that really goes nice with the feel of the music Justin writes and performs. The music has real nice catchy melodies, and very mellow, great for listening to while you're working, which is available on iTunes but you'd be missing out on a physical copy to fully enjoy Jesse's work, so go see him live at Lava Lounge on February 3rd!

Lush Cats & Space Station II

2011-01-25T00:41:00.004-05:00

The all star-retro artist El Gato Gomez recently released these couple babies to her eBay site, which gets an impressive amount of bids on works! Which means you better go pick what you like and bid high and early, otherwise you may miss out on the perfect painting to hang in your kitchen, living room, or bed room. These are so groovy!
Link to El Gato's eBay

Pinburgh by Douglas Cooper!

2011-01-14T14:46:00.002-05:00

Here's a pretty cool animation that includes a mural that is at the student center at CMU. The animation is a little clunky, but the idea shines through. It's described as a "short fantasy set into panoramic Pittsburgh industrial landscapes drawn by muralist Doug Cooper, Andrew Mellon Professor of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University." View it in higher resolution here.

After the Sky Has Fallen at 709 Penn Tonight!

2011-01-14T09:33:00.006-05:00

After or before you stop by Future Tenant's Acid Rain, about a block away is 709 Penn's opening for After the Sky Has Fallen! Jill is the founder and previously the sole curator of shows of Fe Gallery. From 709:

In "After the Sky Has Fallen," Jill Larson takes viewers on a raw, personal journey, where beauty manifests in the face of devastation. Her grueling divorce process and subsequent re-immergence and re-invention is revealed. As the artist pointedly reveals, "Often there comes a time in one's life, when it feels like everything is crashing down around them. After the Sky Has Fallen is that time."

Link

Acid Rain at Future Tenant Tonight, Jan 14!

2011-01-14T09:10:00.001-05:00

There are a couple awesome events happening tomorrow night, but this is one that we won't be missing at Future Tenant. Their new show, Acid Rain: A Plague Upon The Waves, is "an exhibition of non-video art produced by a select group of artists that have broadcast their video work on Acid Rain Production within the last two years." From Future Tenant:

Started in 2008 by Jerstin Crosby, Acid Rain Production is a cable access series dedicated to broadcasting video art in Manhattan, and several stations in North Carolina, where the show first began. A Plague Upon the Waves includes work by Tony Balko, Jerstin Crosby, David Colagiovanni, Barry Doupe with Dennis Ha, Jesse Hulcher, Thad Kellstadt, Jesse McLean, Lydia Moyer, Jason Polan, Niels Post, Megan Sullivan, Petri Saarikko, and Josh Tonies. The title of this exhibit was appropriated from an outdated science book, but also functions to reference a psychedelic subversion of broadcast airwaves.

These guys clearly sound like they'll put on a class act show with moving visuals that can bend and shape what you imagine. Free reception tonight 6-9 and will close February 5th! Stoked!

Link

Mongo Wrestling Alliance on Adult Swim

2011-01-12T14:31:00.003-05:00

The always awesome Ed Piskor has been working hard on a project for a small network by the name of, ahem, Cartoon Network. They host a portion of shows in the wee hours of night called Adult Swim. AS will begin airing a new show called Mongo Wrestling Alliance, which Ed contributed to with his rad character designs! From Channel Guide:

From Metalocalypse co-creator Tommy Blacha comes this animated comedy about brothers Rusty and Bruno Kleburkuh, whose pro-wrestling lineage dates back 200 years. But the Kleburkuh family’s Mongo Wrestling Alliance has fallen on hard times and is the laughingstock of pro wrestling. It’s now up to Rusty and Bruno to restore the greatness of their family’s franchise.

Make your calendar to be sure to watch the premiere episode on Sunday, January 23rd after Robot Chicken!

Wiz Khalifa's Black & Yellow featuring Snoop Dogg

2011-01-11T00:13:00.002-05:00

One word: Represent.

Link to Wiz

Josh? Was Here

2011-01-10T10:22:00.004-05:00

Los Angeles-based street artist Josh? spotted on 1st! Josh is originally from the Pittsburgh area and his sticker art can be seen around the world, so it's not that surprising to see his work here. Look for more around town!

Zippos by Henderson!

2011-01-07T09:24:00.001-05:00

Checkout these rad Zippo lighters, illustrated by Don Henderson!

Found via Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T09:35:00.004-05:00

Image from the story, "The Year Without a Santa Clause," illustrated by John Manders.

Tugboat Hooks up with Martha Stewart!

2010-12-20T12:00:00.003-05:00

Check out this rad print tutorial that Tugboat Printshop created and was recently featured on Martha Stewart's Craft blog! Craft Department writer Stephanie Hung says she "was blown away by the caliber of its work." Some cool insight into Tugboat's process/technique as well. Nice job, guys!

Link

The Gallery on Baum Fakes It?

2010-11-15T16:25:00.010-05:00

Found an interesting post today on the mondo-popular animation blog Cartoon Brew that blasts Pittsburgh-based gallery owner Tony Greco. They advise to beware of the fake animation and fine art at the Gallery on Baum. They mention that he is a scam to many art collectors on eBay that can't tell the difference between the real deal or fakes and think they're getting a great deal. Even the Post-Gazette questions their authenticity.

Here are some pictures that were sent to us from visitors to the gallery:

Want to see more? Check it out and decide for yourself.

Link to Cartoon Brew

Uncle America Film!

2010-11-12T12:51:00.005-05:00

The awesome producer/director couple that make up Endeavor (and work at Animal), Danny Yourd and Steve Hoover, are looking for donations for a documentary they are planning on filming in India called Uncle America Film. It's about how the lives of orphaned kids, mostly effected with AIDS, are changing with a Pittsburgh-native's help, Rocky Bratt, who moved there to care for and bring out the positive things in life for the kids, such as providing them with healthy food and spending time playing and listening to their stories.

Rocky has become okay with eating only rice, and the biting of mosquitoes at night and of flies in the day, and not having toilet paper or a bed to sleep in, because the love he gives them is returned to him ten-fold. He has discovered, as so many have, that the things we think we need, the things we are told we need, are not what we need.

They are getting close to reaching their Kickstarter goal by Dec 17th, so if you can help them to reach their goal by donating anything to help this film be made, I encourage you to help out! I can't wait to see the film when it is finished.

Link to film site
Link to Kickstarter to donate

Robotagger!

2010-11-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

The rad project above has a machine called the Robotagger developed CMU professors Golan Levin and Jeremy Ficca. It's programmed with GML (Graffiti Markup Language) which was written by Evan Roth and company at F.A.T (Free Art & Technology). There is so much potential with this machine that I think it's crazy I haven't seen this in any shopping stores windows or childrens' toy stores - very likely in the near future. This is just too freakin' cool!Link

Pittsburg Visible-Writing Machine Nouveau

2010-11-12T00:29:00.002-05:00

A bit of older art for an early Pittsburg company. Found at and thanks to Gerontologo Americano. Year unknown.

Lawrenceville Artists' Studio Tour on Nov 12 & 13!

2010-11-11T22:27:00.002-05:00

What's going on this weekend? Well one event that you really can't miss is the Lawrenceville Artists' Studio Tour! You've never been to one of these? Don't let that hold you back. This is a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at various studio spaces Lawrenceville including soapmaking, weaving, stained glass, books and photography. Below is a map of the studio spaces, and the event premieres Friday night at Javo Studios, with the tours from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, November 13.Link

Dead in Pittsburgh

2010-11-11T10:54:00.005-05:00

A while back I read an interesting post by a guest blogger on the popular BoingBoing. It is about a unique history that Pittsburgh has about how the dead is all around today's modern-day Pittsburgh buildings and homes. As you know, Pittsburgh is a fairly old city with a rich background, but if you begin to take looks at old maps of where cemetaries were located, are actually in place of buildings and backyards of current homes. Some cemetaries were likely moved, other were just built over or shoved to the side as those people were forgotten over the years. From the article:

Through property acquisition and expansion, these forgotten cemeteries find new purposes, perhaps to be discovered later. The University of Pittsburgh acquired the grounds to a cemetery years back. Where are the bodies? Only the back-hoe knows.

Link to the post on BoingBoing

Strawberryluna's National Poster

2010-11-10T11:35:00.002-05:00

Another awesome band poster design by Strawberryluna. From SL's blog:

All hand screenprinted poster for their September 25, 2010 show at The Carnegie Music Hall, in Homestead, Pittsburgh, PA. Now available here at my website and here in my Etsy shop.

Etheral & earthbound, all at once. That’s sort of the charm of the amazing band The National. We love this band, and we’re thrilled to be working with them again too on a poster for our hometown, Pittsburgh.

This is our hand screenprinted, limited edition silkscreen poster for The National with dark sky blue, dark yellow and light blue hand mixed inks. Edition of 150, signed and numbered (by me, strawberryluna). Size: 16 x22 inches (39.4 cm x 55.9 cm.) Paper: archival Cougar, White 100lb cover weight.

This poster was sold at the show and on tour with the band, and I have just a small number for sale, so they will go quick. Now available at my website here. I design & hand screenprint my prints and posters. If you have any questions, just let me know.

Here are some quick process shots, too, with more & nicer ones to come soon in my Flickr account.

(Found via GigPosters.com)

Gondek's Monsters

2010-11-10T10:55:00.005-05:00

Since we haven't posted in a while, I thought it was time to check out what Matt Gondek has been up. Holy crap! I was surprised to find so much new work on his site! The detail of line work on his characters really give them some nice anatomy, very surreal, and the colors used really make them pop as a lot of his illustrations are made for band t-shirts.
Link

Goodbye Zombo Gallery

2010-11-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

We ran across this listing for 4900 Hatfield St on the Lawrenceville site to be rented out as retail space, which was "used previously as an art gallery." Another very nice gallery leaving us too soon. First to go this year was Fast>>Fwd, and now Zombo? Who's next?

Beyond Belief at the New Hazlett Theater Tonight

2010-11-09T11:57:00.007-05:00

Beyond Belief is a documentary film released in 2006 about the "extraordinary humanitarian efforts of two suburban Boston mothers who both lost husbands in the attacks of September 11, 2001 and turned their grief to a mission of compassion and peace on behalf of Afghan widows. Susan Retik, co-founder of the charitable foundation Beyond the 11th and winner of the 2010 Presidential Citizen’s Award, will answer questions following the film.Link to facebook event
Link to Beyond Belief
Link to New Hazlett Theater

Valley's Peace

2010-11-09T11:38:00.004-05:00

The beautiful work above is one of Gregg Valley's (previously here) latest pieces for a traveling art show titled The Peace Project. To clarify, Gregg currently resides in San Francisco, but is originally from Pittsburgh, and you've probably seen at least one of his multiple murals throughout our city, so I thought this piece was too cool not to share!

Is This Art?

2010-11-09T11:30:00.001-05:00

Have you been walking through the mall, looked at a sign for a store and thought "Is this art?!". Well ponder no longer and have that question answered by downloading the Is This Art? application for iPhone. Is This Art? is a collaborative project by deeplocal and the Mattress Factory, with help from C-Monster and WNYC. Using "a complex, revolutionary algorithm, we now have the ability to instantly provide users with an authoritative declaration of artistic importance."

You can download the free iphone app here!

Link

Andromeda!

2010-11-08T11:54:00.006-05:00

Andromeda is a new monthly comic anthology zine that's published independently by local artists and features . The variety of artists is diverse and fresh, including but not limited to Nate McDonough, Maura Doern Danko, Steph Neary, Tom Dewing, Katie Gould, Andy Scott, Jes LaVecchia, Knick Williams, and Anthony Ferguson.

Be sure to checkout Pittsburgh Art Blog's post about Andromeda which says they "aspire to establish a creative platform in which to project expression and artistic experience."

They are always looking for new artists to come on board for future zines, so shoot Andy an email if you're interested!

Link to Etsy

Tragnark!

2010-11-05T11:19:00.008-04:00

An awesome artist recently relocated to the Pittsburgh area and his name is Tragnark. Get familiar with this name, because he's not exactly new to the art world. Tragnark has a diverse art background including animation art, gallery curator, web and game programming, toys, and video game art direction for clients including but not limited to Warner Bros, Klasky Csupo, and Blue Sky. The designs are so fresh with a sweet array of color that is just calling out to be moving pictures. As Steve Brule says, check it out!Link

Unblurred on Penn Tonight!

2010-11-05T10:39:00.011-04:00

In case you forgot, the monthly Unblurred along Penn Ave is tonight! There are some super rad shows opening including Distillery Round 5 at C Space: Collective, a double-header with Christian Breitkreutz's The Ghost Machine and Jason Rosemeyer's it'sjoy at Modernformations, Travels and Explorations: New images from Cory Bonnet and Ryan Dunmeyer at Most Wanted Fine Art, and Susan Constanse's Unreal Spaces at Imagebox, among many other shows and places to eat! For the full list of events, go checkout Unblurred.

Susan ConstanseCory Bonnet
We will be live tweeting this event so stay tuned to our Twitter page so you can keep up-to-date where we're at. Meet me there. Get pumped, this is a great one to go because next month is only going to get colder.

Super Bros

2010-08-27T12:01:00.002-04:00

I dig this cool little piece from Geoff Munn! Checkout more of his work on his deviantart gallery.

Pick a Spot and Stay There

2010-08-26T13:29:00.003-04:00

Here's a nice, simple post on the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy blog with several photos of creatures along the Nine Mile Run taken by Melissa McMasters for her daily Project 365. If you weren't already aware of the PPC blog, continue checking back. Plenty of beautiful photos and great information updated daily! Thanks for sharing these with us, Melissa!
Link

Leaving My Mark at Fe Arts Gallery on Aug 27!

2010-08-26T11:45:00.006-04:00

This upcoming Friday, August 27, come out to Lawrenceville's Fe Gallery (4102 Butler St) from 7 to 9 for the opening of Leaving My Mark! This exhibition features ten artists work directly on the walls of the gallery. During the closing reception (October 9), Fe will encourage people to paint on the walls, covering the artwork and leaving their marks/artwork in the space forever. Participating artists include:
Steven Boksenbaum:

Seth Clark:

Lex Covato:

Doug Kinsey:

Deanna Mance:

Meghan Olson:

Suzie Sparks:
Plus Marc Burgess, Lorin Boksenbaum, and Thomas M. Weprich.

Link

Thanks Seth for the heads up!

Obama is Muslim.

2010-08-26T08:30:00.001-04:00

This is so true that's it's almost not funny! Nice one, Rob Rogers.

El Gato Gomez Getting Some Love from Portland

2010-08-25T14:02:00.003-04:00

Check out this short and sweet Q & A with artist El Gato Gomez, AKA CZM (previously here), on the Portland-based blog PeterBryanJenkins. El Gato says "I LOVE what I do and I am rewarded every time I sit down at my work table to paint, after moving the watering can, and the plastic armies, and the laundry detergent out of the way." It definitely shows in her work, and I am constantly wanting to see more!
Link

Shadyside Arts Festival this Weekend!

2010-08-24T12:15:00.002-04:00

This coming weekend is the 13th Annual Shadyside Arts Festival! It's not as large as, say, the Three Rivers Fest, but there is still plenty of rad work to checkout.

Drink & Draw at Brillobox on August 31!

2010-08-24T10:35:00.003-04:00

In case you don't know, or forgot, every last Tuesday at Brillobox (4104 Penn) is Drink & Draw! Which means there is one coming up! Come on out to Drink & Draw on Tues, August 31 at 6:30pm. This session is "relaxed, surprising, and inspiring." All mediums, except oils, welcome. Just $10!

Link
Link to facebook group

Art by Mary Jane

2010-08-23T16:26:00.007-04:00

So here's a unique medium. Pittsburgh-based tattoo artist Cliff Maynard puts together bits from roach ends to create some pretty realistic mosaics with extremely unique textures. His work has attracted pot-smoking celebrities such as (you guessed it) Cheech and Chong! You can checkout some of his work at Slackers on Carson St, and at marijuana conventions all over the country.

Whether or not you smoke, you have to admit these are pretty cool!

Link

Found at Gizmodo, via Dangerous Minds, via Jailbreak!

Ghost Monster!

2010-08-23T16:08:00.003-04:00

Here is a cool spotting by Mitch Donaberger. As he says, "Cool graffiti found on Boundary St, underneath where the powerplant is." There has got to be more of these.

Thanks for sharing, Mitch!

Blog Updates

2010-08-23T15:40:00.007-04:00

This has never been addressed before, and this will probably be the only post sharing a glimpse of my personal life. I know, this blog has been lacking content over the past few months. This year has been extremely busy, and keeps getting busier, between my full-time and freelance work, as well as my wife and I welcoming our first son just over three weeks ago.

With that said, Bittersweet Harvest is not defunct and will continue to be updated. If it is ever decided to be killed, we will let you know, but for now there are no plans for that to happen in the near future. Thank you so much for coming back to read, and for all of the support this blog has received since beginning last year. As always, if you have content you would like to share, please email us, message us on facebook, or @ us on Twitter. Continue making awesome art, Pittsburgh, and we'll continue posting it!

Cheers!

Photo by flickr user phototravel1, found at random. Checkout more of his cool photos from Pittsburgh here!

Downtime in the Airport

2010-08-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

This is long overdue, and had a lot of attention on the blogroll earlier this year, but I realized it wasn't posted on this blog. It is a cleverly creative use of downtime and much needed to be shown here, just for the couple of you reading this who haven't seen it before. Enjoy!

Food for Thought

2010-08-23T14:22:00.005-04:00

Just ran across this great article on SlashFood that discusses a new food vendor in East Liberty titled Conflict Kitchen. From Carnegie Mellon:

Carnegie Mellon University School of Art Professor Jon Rubin, adjunct assistant professor of art John Peña (A'08) and Dawn Weleski (A'09) are opening an Iranian takeout restaurant in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Saturday May 7 as part of a yearlong art project called "Conflict Kitchen." The kitchen only serves cuisine from countries that the United States is in conflict with to raise awareness of the issues between the countries and to gain a better understanding of the highlighted countries social and culture life.

"Kubideh Kitchen," the Iranian take-out restaurant, will be the first iteration of Conflict Kitchen. Brett Yasko, an adjunct professor in the School of Design, created the graphic design work and Pablo Garcia, the Lucian and Rita Caste Chair in Architecture and assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon, created the architectural design of the storefront. Illah Nourbakhsh, assistant professor in the Robotics Institute and a member of the Pittsburgh-Iranian community, advised the project.

What a totally cool concept to stir up some commentary and controversy both locally and nationally! Stop by next door to another CMU venture, the Waffle Shop at the corner of Highland and Baum, everyday from 11am-2pm and on Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm-3am!

Link to Conflict Kitchen
Link to SlashFood article

(Photo at top by Keith Srakocic/AP Photo, photo at bottom from the Conflict Kitchen site)

Andrew WK's "I Want to See You Go Wild" Animated by Thomas McConnell!

2010-08-11T14:16:00.002-04:00

Here's a brand spanking new video by Andrew WK (who knew he was still making music!?), directed by Peter Glantz and animated by Pittsburgh-based animator and recent CMU grad Thomas McConnell. The energy that is in this video is awesome, and was told this entire video was created in a very quick turnaround time - 1 month! Awesome!

In Stereo at Zombo Gallery on June 4!

2010-05-27T14:04:00.006-04:00

On June 4 from 6-9pm (next Friday, part of June's Unblurred) at Zombo Gallery is new art by Eric Luden and Kris Boban! Eric's illustrious work is always awesome - curved girls, guitars, and all things inspired by those things. Come on out for some free food and drinks and to see some cartoony goodness!

They've also created this rad, short video:

In Stereo at Zombo Gallery on June 4!

Link

Dave's Meeting of Important People Poster

2010-05-24T10:41:00.003-04:00

Dave D'Incau Jr recently put out another rad new poster for the musically inclined The Meeting of Important People coming to Brillobox on May 28!

Dave has been posting a lot of great new work on his blog lately, and I have to say I'm always digging what is going on in his world. Keep checking back to his blog for updates - great stuff man!

Link

Tugboat on BoingBoing!

2010-05-24T08:55:00.005-04:00

I was making the daily rounds of blogs this morning and when I went to BoingBoing, happened to see Tugboat Printshop (prev here)front and center! Great to see them getting the recognition they deserve! I think these prints will be sold out within minutes if not already sold out.

Link

Rob Rogers at Shaw Galleries Tonight!

2010-05-21T13:34:00.003-04:00

Hey you! Yeah, you. What are you doin' tonight? Want to head over and chill at the Shaw Galleries (805 Liberty) to buy recent award-winning Best Cartoonist (The Week magazine’s 7th annual Opinion Awards) Rob Rogers' newest book, No Cartoon Left Behind? I knew you would! Let's go!!

Taylor Callery Illustrates Arnold!

2010-05-21T13:08:00.004-04:00

Taylor Callery is a local illustrator who recently completed the piece above for the April 18th issue of the LA Times for, as Callery puts it, "a light-hearted look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's departure from politics, and his possible return to acting." Totally digging it!

Taylor has a sweet portfolio with a wide variety of clients. Check these pieces out:

Link

Piece by Piece Art Auction on June 4!

2010-05-20T15:04:00.006-04:00

(Click to enlarge)So many events coming up next month, but one of them not to be missed on June 4 is Piece by Piece, a silent art auction at the Spinning Plate Artist Lofts (5720 Friendship Ave) from 7 to 11pm! 100% of the proceeds are being donated towards the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which will be held on June 26. Come out to support this outstanding effort to benefit the "funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism."

Link to the Walk Now for Autism (no official website for the event on June 4)

Animator Nick Fox-Gieg Screening and Lecture at Pittsburgh Filmmakers on May 20!

2010-05-19T14:04:00.003-04:00

Toronto-based animator Nick Fox-Gieg will be presenting at the Pittsburgh Filmmakers (477 Melwood Ave) tomorrow, May 20th, to show and speak about his work! Nick most recently won the jury prize for Best Animated Short ("The Orange", above) at SXSW 2010. He received a BFA from Carnegie Mellon in 1999, and an MFA from CalArts in 2004. Nick's work has been seen all over the world, and has been steadily gaining notoriety for his animations in recent years. Come out to hear him and see his work for free!

Link

Stick Men: The Legendary Rhythm Section of King Crimson at New Hazlett Tonight!

2010-05-19T11:06:00.007-04:00

Stick Men is three of the five members from King Crimson, who will be playing live at the New Hazlett Theater tonight at 8pm!

Who is King Crimson and why are these guys called Stick Men? Well, depending on when you were born, you may have never heard of them but they are arguably some of the best musicians currently alive. Briefly, King Crimson formed in England in 1969, and was one of the first bands to blend jazz, classical, heavy rock and electronica into their own unique sound. Two of the members began playing the Chapman stick, which is like an 8-string guitar without a body. These guys are masters of this rare instrument.

Checkout this great video of them live in Gothenburg, Sweden. And go see them live tonight in Pittsburgh!

Link

Pop City covers Girl Talk!

2010-05-19T10:36:00.003-04:00

Girl Talk (prev here) is featured in Pop City's most recent Young Creatives video series. Shot/edited by the fab Ambulantic.

Link

Mosser and the Prudential Center

2010-05-18T16:03:00.004-04:00

Artist Tom Mosser needs no introduction - if you haven't seen his work around the city, then you've probably seen it in another city, or on that UPMC commercial. Which explains his latest painting above of the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, where he painted a mural inside a few years ago. Below you can see a progress piece of his latest, which gives a little insight to his process before starting the LOOPtechnique that he coined. Using both hands with a brush in each moving in a circular, or looping, motion to paint which creates a impressionist look/feel.

Link

Modesto's Jackalope!

2010-05-18T09:53:00.003-04:00

New, beautiful serigraph from art collective (husband and wife) Modesto! Get yours on their Etsy page now.

Link

David Pohl for Oprah Magazine

2010-05-17T13:49:00.003-04:00

David Pohl (previously here) recently completed this awesome illustration titled The Law of Attraction as seen in the June 2010 issue of Martha Beck's column in Oprah Magazine! RAD!

Link

John Metzler

2010-05-17T11:37:00.010-04:00

We'd be remorsed to not mention the passing of John Metzler at this time. As many of you may have already read or heard, local artist/friend/father/founder John Metzler passed away at the young age of 46 on Thursday, May 17 around 8pm from a tragic accident involving a U-Haul trailer that hit him on the side of the road.

John was (and will continue to be) an important artist in Pittsburgh. He founded a group called the Urban Tree Forge (1004 Washington Blvd) which "turns wood salvaged from Pittsburgh’s forest into sustainable, green, building materials and inventive custom furniture." The group consists of several sculptors who worked with John leading and motivating them with his great enthusiasm for nature. The idea is that although trees die, they can be used and recycled for use in everyday life, while replenishing the city with more trees to help nature and humans. John was an innovator and forward-thinker in the arts and community, and he will be sorely missed. A great inspiration to everyone.

The Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Akron, Cleveland Arts And Livable City Blog wrote a nice, short article about John, and how he played a wonderful part in our society. Read that here. Also, the Pittsburgh Art Blog wrote an insightful and thoughtful post here. Feel free to post links and memories of John in the comments below.

Also, you may find the Post-Gazette wrote a wonderful article recently published on May 2, and sadly his obituary.

RIP, John.

(Photo at top by Robin Rombach for the Post-Gazette, and all others from John's myspace page)

Link to Urban Tree Forge

Drink & Draw at Brillobox Tomorrow, May 18!

2010-05-17T11:02:00.002-04:00

Be sure to stop by the monthly (last Tuesdays of the month) Drink & Draw at the Brillobox (4104 Penn) for May's installment of this rad event. Always a constant flow of alcohol, always inspiration to draw, and always a good time! As usual, there will be door prizes.

Link to the D&D myspace

Wayno + Dan Piraro = Hilarity!

2010-05-17T10:18:00.003-04:00

It's been so long that we've updated this blog, NY-based Dan Piraro has used many of Wayno's gags in his nationally syndicated comic Bizzarro! Check them out here:

Also, Wayno gives a little insight to each gag on his blog, where he has also posted the original sketches that he sent to Dan for the ideas, which is awesome to see that little part of the process that you don't see in the newspaper.

Link to Wayno's blog

Owl City's "Vanilla Sky"!

2010-05-17T09:55:00.002-04:00

Above you may indulge yourself in the second video (previous here) that Endeavor Media created for the popular Owl City, this time for the song Vanilla Sky. Other than a couple scenes of a particular celebrity, shot and edited right here.

Spotted on 1st!

2010-05-04T07:53:00.003-04:00

Spotted right next to the Obey mural on 1st and Wood. Artist is ASVP, as seen in NY, Chicago and other major cities. Anyone out there know who this is?

The Adventures of Tadly Waldorfington!

2010-05-04T07:30:00.003-04:00

Local animator/illustrator extroadinaire Scott Benson is working on an ongoing project with his wife, plush and craft extroadinaire Cleo Dee (Bethany Hockenberry) on The Adventures of Tadly Boots Waldorfington! The above video will show you what an exciting series this is going to be - well thought out and making us curious to see the rest. The rad use of lighting, textures, and that old-time-film-look in Scott's unique animation style really makes the overall piece so appealing artistically, added with the great storyline makes us itching to see the next episode. Cleo says:

There are several varieties of Tadly available on etsy and you can see them in person at Wholly Craft in Columbus, Ohio with some other stores to follow. If you're in the Brooklyn area on June 6th and 7th you can stop by to see Tadly, the squids and also us! The squids will still be around and in greater number variety than ever before, they now just have some acquaintances. Throughout the year Tadly will be showing up in a more transformations and more episodes so please add Cleo Dee and Tadly on Facebook or follow my journal or Twitter to keep abreast of all the wonders to come.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my hands on one of those plush. Since you guys are traveling to craft shows out of state, how do we get these in Pittsburgh??

Link to Vimeo

Toonseum Recognized in Today's NY Times!

2010-03-18T09:23:00.006-04:00

Today, Joe Wos and his Toonseum was notably featured in the NY Times! The article is overall about how art museums today are lacking funds to continue, but references the Toonseum as one of the great examples for their use of the website Kickstarter to raise enough funds to run. It's a great word for Pittsburgh, and an overall interesting read!

Link

Extreme Skiing in the Snowstorm of 2010

2010-02-26T13:06:00.002-05:00

Here is a video that has been garnering a lot of local and national attention lately - a great video shot and edited by YouTube user ColinSander (or checkout his portfolio site here). Equipped with a camera, he and some friends took full advantage of the snowstorm while visiting family back here.

Colin is a native of Pittsburgh, although is currently residing in LA while studying film at Chapman University. Awesome dude!