Samantha Box, Transplant Family Portrait. Courtesy of Silver Eye Center for Photography.
Brittany Reilly, executive director of The Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, suggests three galleries where Pittsburghers could look to extend, or start, their art collections.
This gallery focuses on contemporary photography, and along with allowing patrons to purchase the works from their revolving exhibitions, Silver Eye offers workshops and classes for artists of all skill levels.
Trent Bozeman, ‘Waiting for an Echo.’ Courtesy of Silver Eye Center for Photography.
Nestled in the Mexican War Streets just a stone’s throw away from the Mattress Factory and Randyland, Lexi Bishop’s recently opened here Gallery features a rotating cast of contemporary exhibitions from local and national artists alike.
Ester Petukhova, ‘Evidence of Survival: Slovyansk, Ukraine.’ (‘A Portrait of My Uncle Who is Alive and Free’), acrylic on wood panel, 2022. Courtesy of here Gallery.
Founded in 2013 by Penn State grads who felt their work didn’t fit into Pittsburgh’s conventional art world, Bunker Projects doubles as an experimental gallery and nonprofit artist residency for up-and-coming artists, allowing them to grow in an intimate, eccentric environment.
Recommendations by Brittany Reilly / Story by Jordan Snowden
Photo credit Joey Kenny; courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Dynamic and unusual techniques mark the current works of prolific Pittsburgh-based artist and arts educator Jo-Anne Bates. By folding prints to create a look that is more sculptural than flat, and utilizing ink in bold color combinations before topping it all with a shredded junk mail mixture, Bates’s artwork goes beyond traditional printmaking and veers into an entirely new medium.
These creations are best encountered in person: pictures viewed on paper and online do not even scratch the surface of Bates’s depth and impact. The textures allow for movement in the work that changes depending on the closeness and angle of the viewer. Nestled text draws the eye even further.
Photo credit Joey Kenny; courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Bates cites a visit to South Africa’s Rainbow Country, a landscape providing vivid colors and texture, as the inspiration for her latest creations. The text stems from her experience as a woman, mother, grandmother, and art teacher.
“This perspective has allowed me as an artist to explore new and different ways of using text, representing that people see, say, and hear,” Bates says in her artist statement. “This is especially true of verbal injustices often directed at young African Americans. My work has often been referred to as philosophical road maps and with these works, I continue in that direction.”
Maxo Vanka, Prudence, 1941. Photo by Rob Long/Clear Story.
City of Asylum Co-Founder Diane Samuels loves finding art in unexpected places. “Walking down Sampsonia Way and finding an anthology of Chinese poetry calligraphed on the face of a house or looking inside a house in Troy Hill and finding it filled with a lighthouse or entering a church in Millvale and finding murals including a nun in a gas mask,” are delights she shares here with TABLE readers.
City of Asylum 408 Sampsonia Way
House Poem was created by Huang Xiang, the first exiled writer in the City of Asylum residency program. Because the writer’s work had been totally banned in China, he created this “house publication” to celebrate his arrival in Pittsburgh and his freedom to publish without persecution.
City of Asylum 308 Sampsonia Way
Tuhin Das came to Pittsburgh to escape death threats in his native Bangladesh. In 2019, after seeing drawings that he had made in manuscripts of his writing, City of Asylum invited him to create what is now Comma House, which was completed in 2021. For this project, Tuhin began to experiment with “concrete poetry,” writing poems in shapes related to the subject of the poem. The central poem on Tuhin’s house publication is written in the shape of a giant comma. The comma represents multiple themes related to the passage of time and the connecting of people.
24 Maryland Avenue, Millvale
A few thousand people come to Millvale annually to see the murals of Croatian-born artist, Maxo Vanka. His approximately 30 works at St. Nicholas combine Catholic imagery, Croatian heritage, and Vanka’s own observations on social justice, the horrors of war, and the dignity of immigrants. Perfectly positioned at the intersection of history and art, these striking works offer a fuller understanding of the rise and role of Pittsburgh and its people in American history.
ALCOA Building Entrance by Nicholas Traub, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Brittany Reilly, founder and chair of Pittsburgh Modern Committee, recommends a look at some underknown (but creatively rich) spaces and places in Pittsburgh.
100 43rd Street Opened in early 2020, the deRoy Gruber Foundation houses its art collection, archives, and gallery tucked within the historic Ice House Studios building in Lawrenceville. Focused on the creative legacy of Pittsburgh artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber (1918-2011), the space is open by appointment for visitors wishing to explore her abstract paintings, kinetic sculptures, and vibrant screen prints created between the 1950s and ‘80s, along with historic print material related to her process and to Pittsburgh’s modern art history.
1815 Metropolitan Street The gallery at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is a special venue within the organization’s building designed by Pittsburgh architect Tasso Katselas, itself chock-full of a remarkable design and art collection, including George Nakashima and Carl Richard “Dingbat” Smith. Hosting exhibitions by students, faculty, and esteemed regional artists, it’s worth keeping an eye on the MCG program. A memorable 2022 exhibit showcased the recent work of Japanese-American sculptor-woodworker, Tadao Arimoto, and Pennsylvania-based ceramist Willi Singleton.
Public Art
Various Locations Public art throughout Pittsburgh, commissioned during the 20th to 21st centuries, and its relationship to surrounding settings and architecture is something you can go seek out or simply enjoy when you happen upon it. A few of my favorites include Sol LeWitt’s Thirteen Geometric Figures, a 1984 large-scale slate and marble composition within the Wood Street T Station; Mary Callery’s aluminum sculpture, Three Birds in Flight,suspended within the atrium of the ALCOA building completed in the early 1950s by architects Harrison & Abramovitz; or Thaddeus Mosley’s carved wood or cast-bronze monumental outdoor and indoor works, from the Hill District to East Liberty to CMU’s campus.
With strawberry season in full swing from late may through early june, now’s the perfect time to indulge in some sweet and juicy strawberry recipes. From cake to cocktails and healthy salads, the delicious possibilities are endless. So, get ready to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your savory palate, and impress your taste buds, with these mouth-watering strawberry recipes.
Have your pie and drink it too! This Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cocktail uses a homemade strawberry syrup along with rhubarb bitters to introduce you to a whole dessert in a glass.
Homemade biscuit dough meets a sugary strawberry jam glaze. These individual biscuit pinwheels made into a large sweet treat are perfect for your summer picnics.
Using Girl Scout Trefoils (though you can use any shortbread cookies), build an ice cream pie that’ll blow Dairy Queen’s cakes away. All you have to do is blend vanilla ice cream, strawberry shortcake pops, and fresh strawberries for an undeniable filling.
It may be past Saint Patrick’s Day but we’re not letting go of these boozy smoothies any time soon. Fresh fruit and Baileys Irish Cream come together in a blender for an easy and sweet cocktail.
One of the most traditional strawberry cocktails the Strawberry Daiquiri is a frozen beverage that brings the tropical vibes. This recipe breaks it down into two easy steps.
Strawberries and rhubarb are on two completely opposite ends of the flavor spectrum but this might be why they work so well together. This tart combines chunks of both with a bit of sugar and a homemade buttery crust.
ALCOA Building Entrance by Nicholas Traub, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Brittany Reilly, founder and chair of Pittsburgh Modern Committee, recommends a look at some underknown (but creatively rich) spaces and places in Pittsburgh.
100 43rd Street Opened in early 2020, the deRoy Gruber Foundation houses its art collection, archives, and gallery tucked within the historic Ice House Studios building in Lawrenceville. Focused on the creative legacy of Pittsburgh artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber (1918-2011), the space is open by appointment for visitors wishing to explore her abstract paintings, kinetic sculptures, and vibrant screen prints created between the 1950s and ‘80s, along with historic print material related to her process and to Pittsburgh’s modern art history.
1815 Metropolitan Street The gallery at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is a special venue within the organization’s building designed by Pittsburgh architect Tasso Katselas, itself chock-full of a remarkable design and art collection, including George Nakashima and Carl Richard “Dingbat” Smith. Hosting exhibitions by students, faculty, and esteemed regional artists, it’s worth keeping an eye on the MCG program. A memorable 2022 exhibit showcased the recent work of Japanese-American sculptor-woodworker, Tadao Arimoto, and Pennsylvania-based ceramist Willi Singleton.
Public Art
Various Locations Public art throughout Pittsburgh, commissioned during the 20th to 21st centuries, and its relationship to surrounding settings and architecture is something you can go seek out or simply enjoy when you happen upon it. A few of my favorites include Sol LeWitt’s Thirteen Geometric Figures, a 1984 large-scale slate and marble composition within the Wood Street T Station; Mary Callery’s aluminum sculpture, Three Birds in Flight,suspended within the atrium of the ALCOA building completed in the early 1950s by architects Harrison & Abramovitz; or Thaddeus Mosley’s carved wood or cast-bronze monumental outdoor and indoor works, from the Hill District to East Liberty to CMU’s campus.
Kale is everywhere these days since it’s valued for its dense nutritional values and its flavor. You can vary this recipe for Strawberry Kale Salad with the seasons by swapping in roasted squash, mandarin oranges and roasted beets, walnuts and figs, summer peaches, and corn. In the version below, the sweet strawberries are enhanced by the homemade, vinegary dressing. Massaging the kale with the dressing, and the warmth of the chickpeas, make the kale tender and delicious!
Can I Substitute Chickpeas For a Different Protein in This Strawberry Kale Salad?
Absolutely! For our vegetarian and vegan friends we suggest using chickpeas for their dense nutrient content as well as their ability to soak up flavors. Though we do understand that chickpeas are not for everyone. So, instead, you can replace with a protein of your choice such as chicken, steak, or even turkey. In case you are vegan or vegetarian though, other meatless proteins you can use include tofu, edamame, or even lentils. Maybe you’ll even choose to leave this element out altogether and instead let the strawberries, kale, avocado, almonds, and homemade dressing relieve your cravings.
Check out some more California Fusion Recipes here!
Summer flavors come alive in our Strawberry Fields cocktail, a savory-sweet, strawberry-studded concoction. A balsamic reduction may not sound like it belongs in a cocktail at first but we promise after one sip of this recipe your opinion will change. The sweet, tangy acidity of a strawberry balsamic reduction matches the richness of Bulleit Rye Whiskey and floral notes of St. Elder liqueur. You may never go back to sipping on sickeningly sweet cocktails again.
When is Strawberry Season?
We recommend using fresh strawberries from a local farm to make your Strawberry Fields Cocktail as delicious as it can be. In order to get the ripest container possible, shop during strawberry season. Strawberry season typically hits its peak in late May into June. While you might find strawberries in grocery stores earlier in the spring or later in the summer due to transportation from warmer regions, locally grown berries achieve their optimal sweetness and flavor during this late spring to early summer window. You can even head out for the opportunity to pick-your-own strawberries during this time at select farms in your area.
Recipe by Dan Ball Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce
During strawberry season, we can expect an avalanche of ripe, juicy, red berries. Surely four or five can find their way into the cocktail shaker to create our Strawberry Farm Cocktail!
When is Strawberry Season?
Strawberry season takes place in the first half of the year, typically from February to July. It peaks in May and June. Check the peak date for your region of the country, as it varies. In the Northeast, the peak is June. This Strawberry Farm cocktail originally came to fruition during the peak of the pandemic, sipped on long afternoons in a beautiful garden. Enjoy it now to reminisce about times past or toast to the beauty of the summer!
This cocktail tastes just like biting into a fresh strawberry.
Ingredients
Scale
4 oz vodka
Equal parts fresh lime and lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup
5 strawberries
3 sprigs of basil
Instructions
Juice approximately 3 limes and 2 lemons. Use a sharp knife to remove strips of zest with as little white pith as possible. Adjust measurements for how many cocktails you would like to make.
Make the simple syrup by bringing one cup water and one cup sugar to a boil. Toss in 3 strips of lemon zest and 3 strips of lime zest. Stir for a minute and remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle three strawberries and 1 sprig of basil. Add vodka, fresh juice, and simple syrup. Shake.
Pour over ice in a low glass, and garnish with basil, berries, and citrus.
Strawberry desserts make for a beautiful presentation such as this Strawberry Honey Galette. The ripened, bright red berries are not only a vision of summer, but they are also sweet and delicious and smell quite delightful. Impress your guests with this lovely dessert from TABLE contributor Anna Franklin. But watch carefully after that first cut. This dessert seems to hold a magical quality, and it will disappear before your very eyes.
What is a Galette?
The rustic, free-form of a galette pastry give it its recognizable look. Rather than the perfect shape of a pie, a galette thrives on imperfection. You’ll find it in round shapes, square and rectangle shapes, and even at times in a heart shape. It’s rolled out and then slathered in your favorite toppings like strawberries and honey in this recipe. After, you gently roll the edges and let it bake. It’s simple, approachable, and is able to hold just about any filling your mind can imagine, even if it’s a savory one.
Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin Story by Star Laliberte Photography by Dave Bryce
