The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination (IFCI) presents the exhibition Pittsburgh’s Avant-Garde featuring over 60 artists, in tandem with the upcoming release of the book Pittsburgh’s Avant-Garde: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene, compiled and edited by Sheila Ali. The exhibition opens December 6th, 2024 and runs through March 7th, 2025. The work featured includes both well-known and lesser known artists as well as legendary musicians and musical acts such as Erin Synder, ATS, and Standing Wave. Pittsburgh’s Avant-Garde, the book, and the exhibitionfeature works in all media that explore a variety of subjects, themes, and processes. A selection of the artists in the book are in the exhibition, which is perhaps the most exciting show of Pittsburgh artists ever! These are heavy hitters! So invite your friends and colleagues! Bring your buyers! Alert the press! Hold the phone! This is Big!
This historic exhibition brings together a community of notable and celebrated artists, collectives, and collectors. We have here: Doug Cooper, Robert Qualters, Thad Mosley, Samir Elsabee, vanessa german, Mr. Imagination, Rick Bach, Ellen Chides Neuberg, Irma Freeman, Tim Kaulen, Tom Sarver, James Shipman, Richard Schnap, James Simon, Larry Rippel, Ron Donoughe, Spaz, Sue Abramson, Emory Biko, Karen Antonelli, Chrisitne Bethea, Mike Bonello, Rob Long, Chuck Barr, Abira Ali, Kenneth Batista, etta cetera, Dennis Childers, Katy DeMent, Ruth Klawansky, Ryder Henry, Laura Jean McLaughlin, Ed Parrish Jr., Jim Brindle, Joan Brindle, Cheryl Capezzuti, Scott Turri, Jim Dugas, Sarah Zeffiro, Ruth Bedeian, subRosa, Bob Ziller, Bekezela Mguni, David Bernabo, Cara Gaetano, Brady Lewis, Pat McArdle, Steve Mendleson, Elizabeth Murray Finkelstein, Laverne Kemp, Evan Knauer, Michael FiG Mangiafico, Jana Conn, Bill Karaffa, Joelle Levitt Killebrew, Hong Zhao, Edgar Um Bucholtz, Teresa Martuccio, and Eric Calfo.
This exhibition was made possible with the enormous support of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Allegheny Arts Revival Grant, Emily Fenton, Brett Boye, Jack Ball, Tom Sarver, Ed Parrish Jr., Elizabeth Murray Finkelstein, Katy DeMent, Angela Jane Fountas, and ConceptArt Gallery—and of course, the participating artists, almost all of whom have exhibited at the IFCI previously, and many who have had their own exhibitions or curated exhibitions here. Thank you! Stay tuned for the release of the book in February and a list of events. A portion of sales from the exhibition will go to the Avant-Garde book fund, a grassroots project. Please explore and enjoy this special, once in a lifetime exhibition!
* Exhibition Opening Reception December 6th 6 - 9 pm. Featuring classical Music by Erin Snyder & Doug Lischner 7:30 p.m.
* Gallery Hours: Tuesdays 3-5 pm, Saturdays 2-5 pm & Sundays 4-6 pm
* Artist Talk & Tour December 7th 3-5 pm
* Holiday Collage Workshop & Irma’s Birthday Party! December 14th 3-5 pm with Paper Lady Katy DeMent
* Artist Reception February 7th 6-9 pm. Music by Mike Bonello & Sam Pace + Band 8:30 pm
* Art Panel Discussion February 9th 3 pm. Vicky Clark, Sheila Ali, Christina Springer, Edgar Um Bucholtz, Scott Turri& Tim Kaulen
* Card Making February 8th 3 pm. Print your own Valentine with Sheila Ali
* Miniatures Workshop February 15th 3 pm with artist Ryder Henry
* Pittsburgh’s Avant-Garde Book Release Dance Party TBA. Featuring The ATS/Knauer Bros Dance Band with Isaac Winograd on drums, Mike Marcinko on bass, Steve Seel + Evan Knauer on guitar, Melissa Knauer vocals and Steve Browne on trumpet.
* Exhibition Closing Reception
Paige Tibbe explores “a truth that cannot form into words, using color to suggest infinite feeling and form to encapsulate the experience.”
Gallery hours Saturdays 2- 5 pm during this exhibition or by appointment!
