7 Reasons Why I Am Supporting Pittsburgh Art Car 2015

mwfa-art-car-tourIt is an honor to support the IndieGoGo campaign for Pittsburgh Art Car 2015.  Jason and Nina Sauer are two incredible Pittsburghers who run the art gallery Most Wanted Fine Art in Garfield.  They have just launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise $7000 to take a group of Pittsburgh artists on a tour of the US this spring.

Here are 7 reasons why I am happy to support the Pittsburgh Art Car project…

1. USA, Meet Seven Pittsburgh Artists

A Great Project that takes some of the best of Pittsburgh to the rest of the USA. You can watch the video to learn more about the details.

2. Most Wanted Fine Art Really Saved Christmas

Jason and Nina Sauer are AWESOME, inspiring Pittsburghers who make this city a better place.  Remember back in December how we helped with an emergency toy drive? All of that was started by Jason and Nina.  As soon as they heard about the toy shortage, they graciously offered up Most Wanted Fine Art as a spot to collect toys. What started as a small toy drive, snowballed into a massive effort that literally took over the gallery for four days before Christmas.  Prior to the #PghSavesXmas Toy Drive, I had only stopped into the gallery a few times during the monthly art walk.  The day we started the toy drive, I met Nina at the gallery and I was truely inspired by her spirit and willingness to do whatever it took to make sure every kid in Pittsburgh had a toy for Christmas.

3.  Mozelle Thompson, Shaft and Most Wanted Fine Art

Flyer for the Mozelle Thompson retrospective held at Most Wanted Fine Art in November 2014

Flyer for the Mozelle Thompson retrospective held at Most Wanted Fine Art in November 2014

Most Wanted Fine Art is a great gallery.  The last art show I saw there was The Album Art of Mozelle Thompson in November 2014.  This exhibit was curated by J. Malls who is an icredible Pittsburgh DJ and very knowledgeable about records.  Not only was this exhibit visually interesting, but a fascinating lesson in Pittsburgh history.  Mozelle Thompson was an illustrator who was born in Pittsburgh and designed over 100 album, magazine and book covers. Including the cover to the first edition of the detective novel Shaft, by Ernest Tidyman. Take a few moments to learn more about Mozelle Thompson here, here, here and here.

4. Help Put More Pittsburgh Stories on the Road

In 2013, thanks to the generosity of the readers of this blog, I was a “passenger” on the Millennial Trains Project.  MTP is a 10-day, cross country train trip of young leaders, movers, shakers and innovators.  One of my biggest takeaways from the experience is that Pittsburgh MUST do a better job of going out and taking the Pittsburgh story to the people.  I am happy to support projects like this that make it possible to take Pittsburgh to people outside of Pittsburgh.  Read more about what I brought back from my train trip here.

5. Travel Brings Inspiring Ideas Back to Pittsburgh

There are cities all across this country that are struggling with some of the same issues that Pittsburgh is trying to figure out…

  • How do we make better neighborhoods?
  • How do we make streets safer for pedestrians?
  • What does it take to make great street tacos?
  • What do protected bike lanes really look like?
  • Can we really have a great public market?
  • What makes a great local coffee shop?

From serious community issues, to not-so-serious-unless-you-are-a-foodie issues the more Pittsburghers that go out and see how other cities are tackling these problems, the more ideas for solutions we can bring to Pittsburgh.

Last week, the Atlantic published For a More Creative Brain, Travel.  While this article focuses on international travel, I think that many of these same ideas can apply to travel around the US.

6. More than Art, General Contracting & Job Training

Last spring, inspired by my participation in the Millennial Trains Project, I attended the StartingBloc fellowship in Los Angeles, CA.  One of the speakers during the 5 day program was Kabira Stokes, founder of Isidore Recycling.  Isidore is a business that recycles e-wastes and hires people who were previously incarcerated.  After the fellowship program, I went to take a tour of the Isidore Recycling warehouse.  Located just around the corned from Isisdore, is Homeboy Industries, another Los Angeles organization that works to help provide job training and opportunities to those who were previously incarcerated.  Visiting Isidore Recycling and Homeboy Industries was an eye opening experience for me into just how difficult it is to get a job if you have spent time in jail.

What does my trip to Los Angeles have to do with Most Wanted Fine Art? In addition to running an art gallery, Most Wanted Fine Art runs a contracting business that provides job training to young men who were previously incarcerated.  If you are in need of a general contractor, please consider Most Wanted Fine Art Contracting.

7. Art Cars & Demolition Derby

Last, but certainly not least on this list of reasons to support the MWFA IndieGoGo campaign… who doesn’t love a project that involves a demolition derby.  I think I first read about “art cars” many years ago in the Pittsburgh City Paper or Pittsburgh’s other alt-weekly at the time Pulp. I believe there was a woman in Pittsburgh who had glued objects all over her car.  A few years ago, Pittsburgh Art Car popped up and I have been following online and on the street.  Since 1995, Jason Sauer has been painting art on a car, takes the art car to the Great Stonesboro Fair and then creates art out of the demolished car.

Bonus: Super Cool Perks

From beer koozies & t-shirts to souvenirs from the road.  The MWFA crew has put together some impressive perks to say thank you for your contribution to their trip.

Check out Pittsburgh Blogger Sue Kerr’s Huffington Post article about MWFA’s IndieGoGo campaing, Community Art and Demolition Derby.

Follow: @PghArtCar and @MostWantedArt for updates

Pitt-Starter is our occasional series on local Kickstarter and Crowdfunding campaigns that support Pittsburgh organizations and businesses.  Check out our past Pitt-Starter posts here. Have a crowdfunding campaign that you would like to share?  Tell us about it on Twitter with the #Pittstarter

Steelers Announce that Mac & Cheese will Replace Fries on Primanti Brothers Sandwiches at Heinz Field

With the merger of Heinz and Kraft comes a little change to a Pittsburgh favorite.  Starting in the fall, all Primanti Brother’s Sandwiches sold at Heinz Field will be topped with Kraft Mac & Cheese instead of the traditional french fries.

Say hello to the  Pri-Mac-ti Brothers Sandwich… bread, meat, cheese coleslaw and mac & cheese make up the new sandwich that will be server at all Steelers home games this fall.

Pri-Mac-Ti Brother Sandwich

Kraft Mac & Cheese will replace french fries on the Primanti Brothers sandwiches at Heinz Field

 

via #Steelers: Primanti sandwiches sold @HeinzField will be topped w/Kraft Mac & Cheese. #macNat

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While fans have been assured that the stadium will continue to be named Heinz Field, some subtle changes will be made to the menu this fall that reflect the recently announced merger of Heinz and Kraft foods.  “We feel that the Pri-Mac-ti Brothers sandwich is a great way to begin to combine Kraft foods with the Pittsburgh market,” said a Heinz Field spokesperson.

The new Pri-Mac-ti Sandwich has its own hashtag – #macNat 

Heinz field is asking fans to share their thoughts on the new sandwhich with the #macNat.

What do you think about the new Pri-Mac-Ti sandwich?

Pittsburgh sports fans (and food lovers)? How do you feel about the new food merger? Would you try one of these sandwiches? What other ways would you combine Kraft foods with Pittsburgh favorites? How about a mac & cheese pierogi? (We hope that one won’t replace Jalapeño Hannah in the pierogi race at PNC park.)

How do you feel about the new Pri-Mac-ti Brothers sandwich? Share your thoughts with #macNat

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Have You Been to TechShop Yet? A Few Ways to Meet Pittsburgh’s Maker Space.

techshop-pgh-logo-gearOne of my favorite places in Pittsburgh, that I am surprised that more people don’t know about, is TechShop Pittsburgh.  Hack Pittsburgh created Pittsburgh’s first maker space back in 2009, and continues to offer programming and events for Pittsburgh makers today.  When TechShop Pittsburgh opened two years ago, it provided more opportunities for Pittsburghers to collaborate and innovate.

TechShop is community makerspace.  TechShop is kind of like a gym, but for making things instead of working out.  For a monthly fee, members can come to the shop and use any of the equipment.  TechShop has a woodshop, metal shop, 3d printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, conference rooms and much more that is available to members.

President Obama at TechShop Pittsburgh. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

President Obama at TechShop Pittsburgh. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

The TechShop community and the maker community has continued to grow here in Pittsburgh and beyond.  Last summer President Obama hosted an event on manufacturing and innovation at TechShop Pittsburgh.  You can read more about the event and watch the president’s remarks on the White House blog here.

Before TechShop opened in 2013, I wrote this post about why it is a big deal that TechShop opened in Pittsburgh.  Since TechShop opened, I have worked there, taken classes, participated in events and I occasionally help TechShop Pittsburgh with social media.  TechShop has provided a home, meeting space and launch pad for some incredibly innovative ideas.  If you haven’t been over to Bakery Square yet to check out the shop, take a class or attend an event, here are a few good reasons to check out what TechShop is all about…

TechShop Turns 2! Anniversary Open House  on Sunday 3/29

TechShop-Pittsburgh-2nd-AnniversaryHelp TechShop Pittsburgh celebrate their 2nd birthday with a free afternoon of family friendly events.  The open house is free to attend and will feature demos, hands on activities and birthday cake.  Tickets are free, please RSVP here.

  • TechShop Pittsburgh Anniversary Open House
  • Sunday, March 29, 2015
  • 1-4pm

 

Support Matt’s Millennial Trains Project Trip and Get a Month of Membership to TechShop Pittsburgh

Matt Verlinich is the general manager of TechShop Pittsburgh (he is also the guy on the left in the photo with President Obama above) and he is raising funds to participate in the next Millennial Trains project trip this spring.

I hope you will consider supporting Matt’s MTP Project and he has put together some great perks for your support including a discounted month of membership to TechShop Pittsburgh, a VIP tour of the shop and even an entire day of help from Matt at the shop.

Check out Matt’s application for the 2015 Millennial Trains Project here.  Thanks to the generosity of  many of the IheartPGH readers I was able to be a passenger on the first Millennial Trains Project trip in 2013. One of my takeaways from participating in Millennial Trains Project trip is that we need more Pittsburghers to go out and talk about this city with other young leaders from around the country. You can read more about my Millennial Trains Project experience here.  I hope you will consider supporting Matt’s MTP project and help to send another Pittsburgher out to tell others about all of the great things that are happening in our fine city.

Upcoming MeetUps at TechShop Pittsburgh

Another great way to check out the shop and meet some fellow makers is to attend one of the many monthly meet ups that take place at TechShop Pittsburgh.

Connect to TechShop Pittsburgh

Recent Press about TechShop

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TEDxPittsburgh

TEDxPittsburgh is looking for speakers!

Got an idea worth spreading or know someone who does? Then TEDxPittsburgh is looking for you!

TEDxPittsburgh

TEDxPittsburgh Call for Speakers 2015

The 2015 theme is something that should resonate with all Pittsburghers– Bridges: Ideas that Connect the Region. TEDxPittsburgh is looking for speakers to nominate either themselves or someone they know who has big ideas that reflect just this thought.

The theme is purposely left open to interpretation so let your creativity fly! Submissions are open through this Monday, March 30– apply now.

Need help? From the website:

We’re looking for speakers with big ideas. Ideas worth spreading. Ideas that:

– Make either a tangible or intangible connection with people, places, and things within the Pittsburgh region. How does this speaker’s topic affect the city, region, world?

– Are surprising, new, and actionable. Have we heard this before? Is there something the audience can do after learning this idea?

– Evidence-based. Is there new research or findings or anecdotes to support this idea?

– Can change thinking or behavior. Will we think differently about a topic, or ourselves after hearing this speaker?

Don’t be intimidated by the video requirement either: a quick smartphone video will do, but here are some helpful tips to make the most of your video shoot. Just remember that your idea and your delivery are what matter the most!

What is TED and TEDx?

You’ve probably seen a fun, inspirational, or motivational TED talk video before. TED is a nonprofit focused on sharing the “Ideas Worth Spreading” in technology, entertainment, and design, culminating in the hosting of an annual conference of talks (which are probably the source of the TED videos you’ve seen).

TEDx events are a local community’s opportunity to bring the power of TED to their cities and regions. As independently organized, community-focused events, they all tie back to promoting the central TED value: ideas worth spreading.

Background on TEDxPittsburgh

Previously known as TEDxGrandviewAve, the region’s largest TEDx event underwent a rebranding to become TEDxPittsburgh and fully represent the great ideas and innovations that come from the Steel City. The event will be held on May 23 at the historic Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh, with tickets going on sale April 23.

Sign up for the TEDxPGH newsletter to be the first to know of news, updates, and discounts, including ticket sales for the event and the after party.

TEDxPittsburgh
Bridges: Ideas that Connect the Region
May 23, 2015

Byham Theater
101 6th St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Stay in touch
Website: http://www.tedxpittsburgh.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEDxPittsburgh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TEDxPittsburgh
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tedxpittsburgh

 

 

Iconography Class with Immanuel Icons Studio Starts February 7

Simeon Larivonovoff at Artisan (Photo Credit - Artisan's Facebook Page)

Simeon Larivonovoff at Artisan (Photo Credit – Artisan’s Facebook page)

I have been meaning to write about these iconography classes ever since I met the artist last year at the PULSE Alternative Gift Market.  There was also a recent gallery display of incredible iconography during the last First Fridays on Penn avenue.  Artisan hosted a show of works by the Russian Icon painter Simeon Larivonovoff.  I’ve included a short documentary about Simeon Larivonovoff below. I really enjoyed seeing these icons and reading more about the process.  Even if you don’t have an oOrthodox background, it is fascinating to see the time and effort that goes into creating these works of art.

Today seems like a most appropriate day to post about iconography.  Merry Christmas to everyone who is celebrating Orthodox Christmas today.  I will be spending this weekend making and eating pierogi with my father and his cousins who all grew up celebrating Orthodox Christmas.

Pittsburgh Iconography Classes with Immanuel Icons

The spring session for the Immanuel Icons class starts in February in Highland Park.  Details and registration information is available online here.

Saturday Spring Iconography Class:  approximately every other Saturday morning for 8 sessions, 9:30-12:30, $200
February 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 25, May 2, 16, and 30

Students will work on a simple bust of a saint or angel.  To prepare their own board and drawing for the saint of their choice, they may take the two Fall Workshops listed below (optional).  Otherwise, a choice of two saints will be presented on the first day of class and students will use the teacher’s drawing and a purchased board.  $75 materials fee, for first-time students.

If you are interested – Immanuel Icons will be offering a summer iconography intensive from August 3-9, 2015.

Classes are taught by Randi Maria Sider-Rose who has been writing icons for over 15 years and has studied iconography around the globe.

You can follow Immanuel Icons on Facebook here.

Read more about local Pittsburgh iconography in this Post-Gazette article – Orthodox icons are seen as ‘theology in color’ (April 4, 2010)

a little icon of Saint Veronica (Photo credit - Immanuel Icons Facebook page)

a little icon of Saint Veronica (Photo credit – Immanuel Icons Facebook page)

Documentary: The Russian Icon Painter

Pittsburgh filmmaker Julie Sokolow made this documentary about  Simeon Larivonovoff, this film was a finalist for the Life In A Day documentary film project.