Art enthusiasts might want to brave the cold this season for Unblurred, an art crawl that takes place between the 4800 and 5500 blocks of the Penn Avenue Arts District. On the first Friday of every month, galleries within walking distance of each other open their doors to the public at 6 p.m., with some events going on until 2 a.m. Most exhibitions and presentations are free and come with complimentary food and drink.
Participating art venues showcase a variety of artwork and performances from a number of local and non-local artists. The offerings range from glass, sculpture, clothing and paintings to dance and spoken word, with many interactive activities for both adults and children.
During the next Unblurred on Friday, December 2, visitors should check out the opening reception for Winter in Frames: Juried Exhibition and Artist Bazaar at ModernFormations Art Gallery and Performance Space on 4919 Penn Avenue. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors can vote for their favorite pieces in the exhibit, which includes work in photography, painting, printmaking and drawing. The top three voted artists will receive an opportunity to exhibit together at the gallery in August 2012. Winter in Frames will run until January 14.
Gallery crawlers can do more than just look. Get a leg up on holiday shopping and support local talent at the Pittsburgh Glass Center’s Holiday Glass Sale at 5472 Penn Avenue. Regional glass artists will display and sell some of their own unique, handmade vessels, sculptures and jewelry. Visitors can also see glass blowing demonstrations in the state-of the-art glass studios and view the Ten More Years on Penn exhibit in the center’s Hodge Gallery.
Unblurred attendees should expect these events and more at the many different venues located on the Penn Avenue Arts District.