Pittsburgh has always been a city where people make things. Throughout the 19th century, we led the country in glass production. Steel took over in the 20th century, cementing Pittsburgh’s status as one of America’s great centers of industry. And though we produce little glass or steel these days, Pittsburgh still brims with makers of all kinds. Nowhere is that more evident than in Pittsburgh’s vibrant art scene.
“We are tremendously lucky to have a thriving community of artists working and living here in Pittsburgh,” explains Fred Blauth. Blauth is the Assistant Director at Gallerie Chiz, which he calls a “funky insider/outsider art gallery in Shadyside.” For our guide, Blauth curated a selection of works by a range of Pittsburgh artists.
Some names, such as Adam Milner, are well-known in the community. Blauth calls Milner “a multidisciplinary artist whose work always seems to be longing for somebody.” Milner’s latest work, Remains, is on display at The Andy Warhol Museum until January 15th.
Blauth also selected exciting newcomers, like Lesla. Blauth first encountered Lesla at Bloomfield’s Brillobox, where the artist’s work hung next to a ten-foot shark. Lesla hails from Venezuela, and Blauth praises paintings that “blur the lines between gender and sexuality, with sharp references to American pop art and religious iconography.”
In order to ensure that these artists and many more continue to thrive, we cannot be passive observers. “If we want to really support those individuals and establishments that make this city so great, it is critical that we put our money where our mouth is,” urges Blauth. “Otherwise, that free glass of wine you’re drinking at the opening reception will disappear—along with the artists who work too hard to just to be your Friday night plans.”
So this year, set some local art under your tree.
1) Kevin Clancy
I ask not for a lighter burden but for broader shoulders
graphite on paper
price on request, anenvyclick.com
2) Seth Clark
Collapse XIV
collage on panel
$2,200, sethsclark.com , boxheartgallery.com
3) Jamie Earnest
Pacific Arc
acrylic on canvas
$400, jamieearnest.com
4) Kara Skylling
Blocking III
woodcut letterpress print (Printed with Brandon Boan at tiptype in Wilkinsburg)
$300, karaskylling.com
5) Mia Tarducci
Floor Details #3
oil and galkyd on linen
price on request, miatarduccihenry.com
6) Adam Milner
Touch
enamel on magazine paper in artist’s frame
price on request, adammilner.com, davidbsmithgallery.com
7) Dyer Fieldsa
Guar
mixed media on canvas
$480, dfieldsa1.wix.com/home, galleriechiz.com
8) Liz Rudnick
Screen Memory
acrylic, latex, gouache on canvas
$1400, lizrudnick.com
9) Mary Dorfner Hay
Someone Else’s Turn I
collage
price on request, marydorfnerhay.com
10) Alex Lukas
Untitled
ink, acrylic, gouache, watercolor and screen print on paper
price on request, alexlukas.com
11.-13 Joshua Hogan
oil on panel
- We Can Fly Away, $325
- Only One, $200
- The Guide, $275
joshuahogan.com / boxheartgallery.com
14) Lizzee Solomon
Ginkgo Screen
laser cut plywood and acrylic
$275, lizzeesolomon.com
15) Lesla
Girl Seated
acrylic
$666, email lesla.dix@gmail.com
16) Tony Landolina
Sonata
encaustic on panel
$215, tonylandolina.com , galleriechiz.com
17) Lenka Clayton
Moon
ink on typewriter paper made with a 1957 Smith-Corona Skyriter typewriter
price on request, lenkaclayton.com