Crawl Through the Cultural District This Friday
By Layla Joseph
Pittsburgh Cultural Arts is hosting its seasonal Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District July 28, lending an open house invite to all Pittsburghers who are interested in browsing the diverse art showcased at various galleries around the district.
Admission is free and there is no registration. Galleries will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and live band karaoke will be held at the Trust Arts Education Center after the galleries close until midnight.
In addition to different art exhibits, activities and shopping opportunities will be presented to attendees. Those who attend can experience the vibrant nightlife and high energy atmosphere of the cultural district while viewing public art on their journey.
Activities:
Learn and listen at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center for “Memories and Inspiration.” At 6 p.m. Kimberly Jacobs, the exhibitions manager and assistant curator will lead a narrated gallery tour. Following the tour will be poetry readings from local Pittsburgh writers and lyricist Orlando Watson.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. guests are welcomed to join Randal Miller as he teaches the four fundamentals of break dancing at the Trust Arts Education Center.
Get down and up again with the Double Dutch Swing Squad at Garrison Place. Learn how to jump like the pros while enjoying lively music and sidewalk chalk to speak the creative energy.
Enjoy live music at Katz Plaza from various bands and musical talent around the area or expand your knowledge by having a conversation about community with Dr. Jonathan White at 820 Liberty Ave.
White, an associate teaching professor at Penn State McKeesport, will be leading a conversation from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., utilizing virtual reality for community members to receive a better understanding of “traveling while black.”
Acquire a deeper understanding of poverty and how to eradicate it within the community at Neighborhood Legal Services. From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy refreshments and learn about social attitudes and the history of impoverished communities.
Arcade Comedy Theatre will be hosting improv comedy acts every half hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing the audiences to enjoy and participate in laughs and great performances.
Meet with local artists and enjoy art to browse and buy at Radiant Hall Studios from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This pop-up exhibit labeled “Radiant Works” will feature art from over 30 local makers in addition to installations and activities.
Visual Art:
Gather to gander at creations from artists around the region and listen to music from DJ Pvkvsv at SPACE Gallery during the Juried Visual Art Exhibition. See how these artists are “taking up space” with contemporary art.
At 707 Gallery and exhibition titled “Seen & Heard” will be displaying art that represents Black artists and their stories. Throughout history certain voices have been silenced, but the art on display allows for underrepresented voices to be seen and heard.
Explore “Art of Earth” at Quesen Art Studio to see art inspired by the elements. Scott Cornish is passionate about the outdoors and sustainability; the ceramics he handcrafts are wood-fired, a different technique than the modernly used kiln. In addition to Cornish’s work with fire, Conrad Quesen will showcase realistic paintings of nature, specifically works including water.
Wood Street Galleries illustrates “Vantage Points” with installations that utilize technology to expand your perspective. This two story installation is based in London but for a limited time can be found in your backyard.
Shopping:
If you’re interested in the gratification that comes with buying, enjoy the pop-up shops and Market Square Night Market that’s located in the Cultural District.
The Night Market showcases independent artists and makers as they sell anything from food and drinks to accessories and decor. Grab a new necklace or a succulent to boost your mood or stop at various other pop-up shops around the cultural district Friday.
Love, Pittsburgh will be hosting “Dream Team Group Show” outside of their Downtown location. With items for show and for sale, this Pittsburgh themed shop will host an abundance of art that has been put together by the leaders at Love, Pittsburgh.
Fresh Nostalgia Boutique will be hosting a pop-up shop that showcases handmade jewelry created by Barbara Driscoll, a veteran with an eye for fashion.
Alumni will join students at Urban Pathways Charter School to share their encouragement to one another and sell home-made goods. Receive a henna design from talented artists or pick up jewelry and self-care products from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
