Insert Blog Eightq: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Dean Cercone LP Release and Visual Art Exhibit, Garfield Artworks

Update: Click for images from his 2010 exhibit at Garfield Artworks here.

Dean Cercone has an art exhibit and music LP release at Garfield Artworks 7-10 pm.

September 3, 2010 Garfield Artworks, 4931 Penn Ave

Unblurred Schedule

Dean Cercone at the Pgh Artist Registry

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

Harish Saluja at Mendelson Gallery

from Mendelson Gallery:

Harish is one of our favorite and best painters. His work must be seen in person to appreciate the strength and beauty of his expressive style. Please join us on this first friday on Ellsworth, along with Galerie Chiz and Morgan Glass, to celebrate the beautiful Fall season.

Opening 7-9 pm Friday September 3, 2010

Show runs through October 2, 2010

Mendelson Gallery 5874 Ellsworth Avenue 15232
Gallery Hours Wed-Sat 12-5 pm or by appointment at 412-361-8664

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

SCC: DIY: A Revolution in Handicrafts

As fall approaches, SCC anticipates the opening of DIY: A Revolution
in Handicrafts in our main galleries September 10, 2010 through March
26, 2011. The opening reception will take place on Friday, September
10 from 5:30 to 8 pm. One of the only exhibitions of it's kind to be
featured in a major fine art venue, DIY will explore issues relating
to environmentalism, social responsibility, politics, community, and
an appreciation for all things handmade. The show will be an
organization-wide feature highlighting works created by 15 artists
from diverse geographic locations across the US as well as Canada and
England in the main galleries, Stuffed Full - a meaty exhibition
related to food production in our alternative gallery space, EAT: An
Art Space About Food, works that address current producer/consumer
relationships in The Store and a range of innovative hands on
workshops in The Studio.

SCC is also pleased to offer Shelter from October 1 through November
28, 2010. This exhibition, on display at SCC's satellite gallery in
downtown Pittsburgh, is a juried exhibition, co-hosted by the
Pittsburgh Society of Artists and SCC. Shelter features 16 artists
from the Pittsburgh area. SCC's Satellite gallery is open daily
through midnight.

more info.

Society For Contemporary Craft Main Gallery

Presenting contemporary art in craft media by international, national and regional artists since 1971, the Society for Contemporary Craft offers cutting edge exhibitions focused on multicultural diversity and non-mainstream art, as well as a range of classes, community outreach programs and a fantastic retail store. Exhibitions and family friendly hands-on art activities in a drop-in studio are always free to the public.

SCC is located at 2100 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh, PA’s Strip District.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

Michael Walter: Man & Nature, Panza Gallery

Panza Gallery Presents:

Michael Walter

Man & Nature

Opening reception: September 11; 6-9pm

Artist Talk: September 25; 1-3pm

Show runs: September 11 - 30, 2010

Figurative imagery in a mural style coupled with plein air landscapes; exploring color and form.

www.panzagallery.com

for more info:

Contact:

Mark Panza

412.821.0959

email: panzagallery@mac.com

Panza Gallery

115 Sedgwick Street

Millvale Pa 15209

gallery hours:

wed.thur.fri 10-5

& sat 10-3

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

Artists Sam Thorp and Eric Luden at Most Wanted Fine Art Gallery

MOST WANTED: THE BRIDE OF NINE GUITAR SOLOS

Pittsburgh, PA Sept. 3, 2010- Eric Luden & Sam Thorp featured at Most Wanted Fine Art Gallery.

Announcing a new painting exhibition by artists Sam Thorp and Eric Luden. This show celebrates the subtle and not-so-subtle beauty, eroticism and passion of being human with just a hint of comic books, hot-rods, and the rock- n –roll lifestyle.
Refreshments and music by Grand Snafu will fill out the evening.

Exhibition runs from: Friday September 3rd to September 26th.

Gallery Opening: Friday 3rd of September 6pm- to 11pm

Most Wanted Fine Art
5015 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
http://www.most-wantedfineart.com
most-wanted@yahoo.com

~ Sam Thorp

www.graphicanatomy.com

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

flickr photo of the day : beach ball.

"Summertime" by new.brighton.

collections : unique objects.

Today I am in the mood for not-so-everyday objects. I sometimes dream of having our home full of them...

1. best wishes. green ($12), 2. Wing ($160), 3. Vintage European Medals ($150), 4. Filigree Skull Money Box ($275), 5. Black Magic Drapes ($25), 6. One Day Princess Tiara ($30), 7. 1929 HMV Gramophone Model 101 in Black (£875), and 8. Cutting Board - Stage ($32)

Call to aRtists: Construction Junction 100 Bottles

As we all know, Construction Junction is holding our annual fundraiser, the Steel City Big Pour, on Saturday, September 11, 2010, and we need you for our "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" idea!

Our goal is to put 100 artist-adapted bottles of beer on display. Any bottle will do, or create your own 3D representation of a bottle. Any accepted bottle that is turned in will receive a $10 coupon for your next purchase at Construction Junction! We'll also have a People's Choice Award for the most popular bottle. The winner will take home the top prize of $150 and be granted lifetime bragging rights.

So you want to be involved? Ok... do this:

Send your name, address and phone number to Jen at 100bottles@flyspaceproductions.com to register and get more details.

May you have the fairest bottle on the wall!

Call to Pittsburgh Artists, Child in Need, Bedroom Murals of Zelda and Star Wars

This is a repost for an appeal to Pittsburgh area artists who can paint bedroom murals for a child with serious medical problems. I'll cover the painting supplies if we can find a qualified artist. Email jamieholmes05(AT)comcast.net your name, some portfolio work (preferably an online link like a website or the pgh artist registry which is free) and your phone number.

Thank you for your help in spreading this info. The clock is ticking.

Rick Byerly

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A few weeks ago I was contacted for help in finding Pittsburgh area artists who would be willing and able to donate their services to help 9 year old Zachary Mulvey achieve a higher quality of life. Jamie's Dream Team is run by 23 year old Jamie Holmes and they are looking for area artists who can paint murals on his bedroom walls of interest to Zachary like Star Wars and the Legend of Zelda. I hope anyone reading this will forward this along, post on blogs not only to get the attention of area artists but also to anyone willing to donate to this amazing cause (Jamie's Dream Team is a registered 501 c 3 non-profit).

To Pittsburgh area artists who think they may be a good fit contact Jamie Holmes either by phone (412) 302-1500 )or email ( jamieholmes05(AT)comcast.net )

Jamie's Dream Team also has a website here. The donation link can be found here.

Jamie's letter below has the full story which speaks for itself...

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Rick Byerly, Uniquetake Photography, Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Mr. Byerly:

My name is Jamie Holmes, I am twenty-three (23) years old, and I am the founder of Jamie’s Dream Team. I am writing as a follow-up to the telephone conversation that you had on August 3, 2010 with my Mother, Kim Shidel, who is the First Vice-President of Jamie’s Dream Team. Jamie’s Dream Team is a nonprofit corporation that has been granted a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. A copy of the 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service for Jamie’s Dream Team is enclosed. The mission of Jamie’s Dream Team is to lift the spirits of those suffering from, and ease the burden caused by serious illness, injury, disability or trauma by granting assistance and/or “dreams” to those individuals. Jamie’s Dream Team’s purpose as a public charity is to provide assistance and/or make distributions to or on behalf of qualifying individuals who are handicapped, disabled, terminally ill, severely injured or suffering from a serious medical condition, disease or trauma. I was born with a rare disorder known as V.A.T.E.R. Syndrome. Children born with V.A.T.E.R. Syndrome can have congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae, anus, trachea, esophagus and kidneys. I was born with abnormalities in all of those areas. I have had at least twenty-five (25) surgeries and/or medical procedures since my birth, including surgeries to reconstruct my esophagus, trachea, and anus, and to fuse several vertebrae in my spine. One (1) of my kidneys disintegrated and my remaining kidney does not fully function. I, however, have been fortunate throughout my numerous hospitalizations and surgeries to have had the support and love of my family, friends, doctors and nurses. Throughout my life so far I have received so much from so many, and I have dreamed for several years of being able to help others in need. Despite the pain and suffering that I have, and will continue to endure, my heart has always been with others who are suffering. As such, I started Jamie’s Dream Team to fulfill my dream of helping others who are suffering as I have suffered at times throughout my life.

Jamie’s Dream Team has fulfilled over one hundred (100) “dreams” since its inception in November 2005. These “dreams” have been granted to qualifying children and adults and have included princess parties, carnivals, helicopter rides, airplane rides, golf outings, baseball games, motorized scooters, go-carts, computers, furniture, horse and carriage rides, amusement and water park outings, camping trips, NASCAR racing, concerts, Christmas presents and meet and greets.

I am presently working on fulfilling a “dream” for a boy who has truly touched my heart in every way possible. He is Zachary Mulvey. Zachary is only nine (9) years old and he has already received two (2) heart transplants. He received the first at the age of ten (10) months, and he received the second most recently on June 19, 2010 in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Zachary’s need for the first transplant at the age of ten (10) months was due to dialated cardiomyopathy. He recovered from that transplant very well and was on his way to living a normal life when he was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) approximately two (2) years ago. It is my understanding that PTLD is a form of cancer that transplant patients can get and the treatment for PTLD includes the cessation of the anti-rejection medications. As a result of the PTLD, Zachary could no longer take his anti-rejection medications for his heart transplant. On May 10, 2010, Zachary went into cardiac arrest while he was getting ready for school. CPR was performed on Zachary for anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. As a last resort, Zachary was placed on an ECMO machine which is similar to a heart-lung machine. The following day Zachary’s Mother, Crystal Mulvey, was told that Zachary was not expected to have any brain function. As Zachary’s family was preparing for the worst, a miracle truly happened. Zachary woke up and was responsive to his medical team! Zachary was then placed on a ventricular assist device (VAD), which is like an artificial heart, while he waited for a new heart. Five (5) weeks later on June 19, 2010, a heart became available for Zachary. Zachary was discharged from Children’s Hospital with his transplanted heart on July 7, 2010. Zachary is doing well but he still cannot take the anti-rejection medications due to the PTLD. As such, Crystal Mulvey has informed me that a day will come when Zachary’s body will likely reject his new heart and she is fearful that Zachary will not be as lucky the next time.

Unlike other little boys his age, Zachary is unable to play sports, ride a bike or travel. As a result, Zachary has occupied his time and entertained himself by playing video games. He is truly a video game aficionado! His favorite video games include the various Legend of Zelda games. The “dream” that I am working on for Zachary includes a makeover for his bedroom. I would like to include as part of the makeover, a painted mural of video game characters on Zachary’s bedroom walls. I am writing to inquire whether you, or any other artists that you know, would be willing to donate your services to paint such a mural for Zachary.

Like me, Zachary has a dream to help others like himself who are suffering from a serious medical condition. The Community Coed Softball League (CCSC) in the Port Vue/Liberty Borough area has been fundraising for Zachary. On August 8, 2010, at the conclusion of its season, CCSC will be presenting a check to Zachary for the proceeds from its fundraising. Zachary, however, intends to, in turn, donate those proceeds to Jamie’s Dream Team to be used to help those who are sick like him. Zachary is truly an amazing and inspirational child! Please contact me to let me know if you, or anyone you know, can assist Jamie’s Dream Team in fulfilling this “dream” for Zachary Mulvey. I can be reached by email at jamieholmes05@comcast.net and by cell phone at (412) 302-1500. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Jamie Holmes

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.

Monday, August 30, 2010

thought of the day : greatness.

"others are great but you can be greater," a pen/bunting window display by Scottish artist Jen Collins.

isn't it romantic?...

This dress, that is. I would say so and I am yearning to wear it to a cocktail party or autumn soirée. (£49)

ten images of inspiration : for a friend.

Today one of my dearest friends in the world moved from Portland to Minneapolis and I am quite heartbroken about it. So here are some images that remind me of her/our friendship in one way or another. Angie, this one's for you- you're gonna be missed.

Sources (from top to bottom): Vintage Vogue, Fifi Lapin, Ganelina Natasha, Jassy-50, Hello Bettie!, Brian Ferry, Launce Philomene Olivier, Amy Nieto, Mary Robinson, and James Dean Lives.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Istanbul Fashion Week: Day 5 Koton Beachwear

I wasn't familiar with the brand Koton until last year when I attended their fashion show which showcased their collaboration with Hakan Yildirim. I' found out that they have many stores outside of Turkey as well and are comparable to H&M or Mango with their ability to catch on quick to trends.

This time around I was invited to see their beachwear collection. It created a huge buzz beforehand because Victoria's Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio was announced to be on the catwalk. In fact she opened and closed the show and finished thereby the last show of the fashion week.

There were lots of bikinis with interesting straps, one-pieces with original shoulder details and flowy, long cover-ups.

Istanbul Fashion Week: Day 5 Özlem Süer

Özlem Süer’s show was held at a beautiful location in the early evening that suited very much the collection we were presented. On the Maiden’s Tower, which is located in the Marmara Sea between Europe and Asia, a very decadent atmosphere awaited us.

Before the catwalk show we had a chance to see all the models together, who wore creations that would have pleased Marie Antoinette very much. But not just her, even I, who normallywouldn’t be attracted to such girly attire and rococo inspired setting, was mesmerized by the sight of them!

I'm sure this dress would have enchanted my soon-to-be-bride friend Leyla as well!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Istanbul Fashion Week: Day 4 Bahar Korcan

Listen

I took a step without knowing the name
Can’t see.
Broken lenses got mixed with the sand
Too much light, too little existence
Stop!
Turn to yourself
Open your soul to the universe
Listen!
Listen to every speck around you, every soul on a leaving journey
Close your eyes, listen!
Listen to the air
Listen to the soil
Listen to the time
Listen to the game
Discover the end

I rarely get a seat that good so I tried to take as many pictures as I could focusing on details. Bahar Korcan's show was quite different to the ones I attended so far beacuse it also involved a light show and a performance by the rapper Fuat.

I don't see myself as qualified enough to make profound statements about fashion and it's deeper meaning so you take from it whatever you want to. A couple of days earlier though I attended a panel at which the designer herself said that she had a rather critical approach to fast fashion and consumerism and wanted to remind people to slow down, "turn to themselves"and only surround themselves with things they really love as opposed to being insatiable. Even if I didn't like the creations that much (the details were intriguing though) I liked the theatrical touch of this show.

weekend.

Wow, the weekend really snuck up on me this time. It has been a very long, hectic day, which means it's been rather quiet here, but I wanted to wish you all a fantastic weekend. Here's to mild days, good friends, and relaxation!

(above illustration by Design is Mine sponsor Julianna Swaney)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Jewelry shopping in Istanbul

I often get asked where I buy jewelry in Istanbul, mostly by people who are soon about to make a trip there and want some information about it. Well first of all, I'm not a local and my taste might not be yours but when I'm here I tend to look for "exotic" pieces, be it rings, necklaces or whatever.

The variety here is truly amazing: you can find everything ranging from historic Ottoman designs to traditional yellow gold, diamonds or other precious stones to contemporary pieces in silver. For a quick jewelry fix I mostly reach out to silver or gold-pleated ones but to be honest, mostly mine are just metal. If you take them off when washing your hands and don't spray perfume on your necklace you can keep them for quite some time.

So where should you go? The one place with the largest variety is probably the Grand Bazaar, which by the way is the world’s oldest shopping mall, having been established in 1453. Since it's a touristic hot-spot the prices are higher than somewhere else. The bazaar is so large that you probably won't be able to enter every street of it but once you get out of it the street east of the bazaar on the way to Sultanahmet is also lined with jewelry shops.

The Egyptian (Spice) Market also has several jewelry stores but I mostly buy mine in the streets surrounding the Spice market. But be aware that there are also many stores who only do wholesale. If all that fails, you probably end up at one time or other on Beyoglu's Istiklal street anyway so you might as well shop there...