Shows at Pittsburgh Filmmakers and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

The second floor of the PF/PCA offers several diverse shows of wide-ranging interest. The small galleries succeed in isolating works which, if presented side by side might otherwise tend to compete for attention.

MEMBER SHOW

The PF/PCA Memeber Show exemplifies this "artistic coexistence." By dividing the show among three rooms, installations, photographs and fiber arts can fill their space without infringing on their neighbors. The show was selected by Rob Long in collaboration with Laura Domencic (PCA) and George Davis (FM) and strives to stimulate dialogue and build upon Pittsburgh's vibrant cultural network.
Sure to stimulate controversy is Wendy Osher's installation of hand-knit wool and cotton tapestries. Subjects explored in this multi-piece offering include scientific knowledge, evolution and the war in Iraq. The individual forms are deceivingly simple
(as in "Slim Evidence" which examines the range of measureable reality in the universe) but open a world of inquiry and debate.
Cheryl Capezzuti is a well-known puppet maker whose work has been featured on "Good Morning America" and "First Night Pittsburgh." The dust mop puppets featured in the Members Show are reminiscent of the Wayang Golek of Indonesia. Even the faces, which are constructed of dryer lint, have the stylized look of the Javanese rod puppets. The individual puppets are outfitted in cleaning supplies (latex gloves, dish towels) and hit us with the double-ecological whammy of recycling and cleaning up.
Also not to be missed in the show are the gelatin silver prints of Charlotte Toal and the wearable art of Leslie Golomb. The latter will be among those presenting an artist talk on January 17 at 6 pm.

A TRYST WITH GLASS

As Pittsburgh's "Year of Glass" winds down, the Craftsmen's Guild offers "A Tryst With Glass." This exhibit features the interpretation of glass in its many forms by both independent and collaborative artists working to meld glass with other mediums and disciplines. Ken Beer and Terri Perpich combine efforts to produce several monotype prints on fiberglass. Joanne Baxter's whimsical sea creatures unite "papier mache" and glass. And Elizabeth Asche Douglas incorporates lighting in her "Wippen Works I & II." Reflections and shadows combine with wood and glass to create a stunning effect.


A VARIATION OF UNKNOWN MEDICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Sandy Kessler Kaminski's solo show stems from the diagnosis of her daughter's heart ailment and the limitation of medical science. Using medical documents and family snapshots she has integrated the experiences of anxious medical tests and uncertain diagnosis with the happy, wonder-filled world of a small child. Kaminski has created powerful images and speak about her work on December 6 at 7pm.
All three shows continue through January 27 at PF/PCA.