{"id":179554,"date":"2026-04-29T19:58:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/179554\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:58:15","slug":"a-pittsburgh-pity-party-the-carnegie-international-and-more-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/179554\/","title":{"rendered":"A Pittsburgh “Pity Party,” the Carnegie International and more art"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each month NEXTpittsburgh features new openings and special art events in our series,\u00a0NEXT in the Gallery<\/a>. Keep us posted on what\u2019s new in your neighborhood and email lemccullough@mac.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As a prelude to June\u2019s Three Rivers Arts Festival, May holds its own with three festive art walks, visits by urban sketchers and Robin Hood, shoebox memories, the Mother of All Pottery Sales and the quadrennial convening of contemporary artists from around the world (including Pittsburgh): the 59th Carnegie International.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\u201cThis is not a composition, it\u2019s a place where things are, as on a table\u201d by R.J. Messineo (photo courtesy of the artist and CANADA), \u201cExsiccata Diaspora: Perilla, folio #8\u201d by Ginger Brooks Takahashi (photo by Zachary Riggleman), Joar Nango, \u201cGirjegumpi: The S\u00e1mi Architecture Library\u201d by Joar Nango (photo by Laurian Ghini\u021boiu).<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the word we\u201d \u2013 59th Carnegie International on view May 2, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027; opening reception May 1, 8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Organized every four years by Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie International<\/a> is the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America. This year\u2019s theme focuses on the variety of approaches, fusions and partnerships shaping contemporary art and creative practice today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the word we\u201d features new and existing works by 61 artists<\/a> representing the U.S. and 23 other countries, along with four new artist commissions<\/a> at the Mattress Factory, Kamin Science Center, Children\u2019s Museum of Pittsburgh and Thelma Lovette YMCA. Pittsburgh artist Ginger Brooks Takahashi<\/a> is among the U.S. artists featured.<\/p>\n

The exhibit opens to the public May 2, but kicks off with a May 1 opening night party<\/a> that includes exclusive early access to the exhibition along with beverages, desserts and music by HUNY XO and Las Flaquitas.<\/p>\n

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\t\tClockwise from top left: \u201cShimmer II\u201d by Adrian Deckbar, \u201cOn the edge of Killarney\u2019s lower lake\u201d by Sue Abramson, \u201cEntr\u2019acte ami\u201d by Gil Gorski, \u201cStiltgrass\u201d by Susan Danko (James Gallery). Photos courtesy of James Gallery.<\/p>\n

\u201cDown to Earth: Revealing the Natural World\u201d on view April 30-May 29; opening reception April 30, 5-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

\u201cDown to Earth: Revealing the Natural World\u201d<\/a> spotlights the work of 11 contemporary painters (Sue Abramson, Paul Chojnowski, Susan Danko, Fred Danziger, Adrian Deckbar, Gil Gorski, Catherine Kernan, Rick Landesberg, Tom McNickle, Chuck Olson and Melinda Rosenberg) exploring the natural world in uniquely vibrant and compelling ways.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cPity Party\u201d by Jody Shell (mossArchitects). Photo by artist.<\/p>\n

\u201cJody Shell: Shoebox Memories\u201d on view May 1-31, opening reception 6-9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Painter, potter, printmaker and pillow crafter Jody Shell uses pages from vintage children\u2019s books, ephemera and paint in her new exhibit<\/a> to explore the world of children and how they find imaginary or real escapes from the adult world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cSpirals of Ndu\u201d by Dominique Swift (Artists Image Resource). Photo by artist.<\/p>\n

\u201cUli Awakened: In Her Name \u2013 New Work by Dominique Swift\u201d on view May 22-June 28, opening reception May 22, 6-9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Inspired by the Nigerian Igbo art form of Uli, Dominique Swift blends painting, poetry, digital storytelling and multimedia art in her first solo exhibit<\/a> examining themes of identity, womanhood and cultural memory through narrative paintings.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\u201cSkills\u201d by Laura Jean McLaughlin, \u201cDogs Today\u201d by James Simon, \u201cOrangutan Dreams, 1999\u201d by Robert Qualters (Irma Freeman Center for Imagination). Photos courtesy of Irma Freeman Center for Imagination.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaura Jean McLaughlin, James Simon, Robert Qualters\u201d on view May 1-June 5, opening reception May 1, 6-9 p.m.<\/p>\n

This exhibit<\/a> by three iconic local artists provides a provocative new \u201cpoint of Pittsburgh\u201d where imagination and history meet in a multimedia confluence of ceramics, sculpture, mosaics, murals, collage and painting.<\/p>\n

Laura Jean McLaughlin\u2019s<\/a> handcrafted works number in the thousands, each infused with political, cultural and personal references tinged with whimsy and what she\u2019s termed \u201cautomatic sculpting.\u201d Thirty years of international apprenticeship guided James Simon<\/a> back to Pittsburgh at the turn of the millennium; since then he has enshrined that knowledge in artwork embedded in neighborhoods across the city. Acclaimed for vivid and expressive evocations of memory and place, 92-year-old Robert Qualters<\/a> continues to create art showcasing Western Pennsylvania\u2019s dynamic urban and riverfront life.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\u201cFilopodia\u201d by Eva Kwong, \u201cMother Lode II\u201d by Jane Powers, \u201cSpider Bite\u201d by Kathy Ruttenberg (International Sculpture Center). Photos by artists.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeramics as Sculpture\u201d on view May 22-Nov. 6.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeramics as Sculpture\u201d<\/a> is a radiant and riveting sampler of works from International Sculpture Center members and artists from around the world who have activated ceramics as an expressive medium of resistance, storytelling and experimentation. Featured are Helaine Blumenfeld OBE,\u00a0Deborah Bridges,\u00a0Susan Budge,\u00a0Louise Deroualle,\u00a0Helen Duncan,\u00a0Rachel Eng,\u00a0C.J. Escobar Rodgers,\u00a0Leslie Fry,\u00a0Qwist Joseph,\u00a0Trevor King,\u00a0Eva Kwong,\u00a0Asia Mathis,\u00a0Nnenna Okore,\u00a0Dina Perlasca,\u00a0Jane Powers,\u00a0Kathy Ruttenberg,\u00a0James Simon,\u00a0Ian F. Thomas and Lydia C. Thompson.<\/p>\n

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\t\tClockwise from left: \u201cCoffee,\u201d \u201cDall\u2019s Ram,\u201d \u201cGreetings\u201d by The Narfs (BoxHeart Gallery). Photos by artist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Narfs: I Want to Believe\u201d on view May 20-July 3, opening reception May 23, 5-7 p.m.<\/p>\n

The Narfs<\/a> (Jeremy Murray and Nicole Betters) draw inspiration from nature, cartoons, folk art and the Mon River cultural iconography that nurtured their first creative forays. It\u2019s a fusionary forager aesthetic blending sustainable materials, childhood memories, track side trash, yesterday\u2019s conversations and, inevitably, a harvest of plastic bags processed into PLARN (plastic yarn).\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\t\tClockwise from left: Lu Randall, Christopher B. Mitchell, Cassandra Wilcox, Kate Bower, (Spinning Plate Gallery). Photos by artists.<\/p>\n

\u201cUrban Sketchers Pittsburgh Group Show 2026\u201d on view May 2-31, opening reception May 2, 4-7 p.m., closing reception May 31, 12-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

The Urban Sketchers Pittsburgh exhibit<\/a> features on-site illustrations by 27 local artists taking a break from their studio confines to create impromptu works in public spaces, from parks and bars to street corners and warehouses.<\/p>\n

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\t\tMay\u2019s \u201cUnblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue\u201d features a Robin Hood exhibit at VaultArt Studios; from left: \u201cRobin Hood Hunting with his Merry Man in Sherwood Forest\u201d by Frank Principe, \u201cThe Merry Girls\u201d by Maggie Kambic, \u201cKnight in Shining Armor\u201d by Tafara Bundrige (VaultArt Studios). Photos courtesy of VaultArt Studios<\/p>\n

Check these art happenings, too:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 1, 6-10 p.m. Pittsburgh\u2019s longest-running visual art stroll, Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue<\/a>, returns with a lively evening of art openings, live performances, sidewalk markets and innumerable diverse food and beverage selections along the 4800\u20135500 blocks of Penn Avenue in Bloomfield\/Garfield\/Friendship.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 8, 6-9 p.m. On second Fridays May through October, the Carnegie Crawl<\/a> enlivens East and West Main Street with gallery openings, live music and food spotlighting the borough\u2019s growing artmaking community \u2014 Double Dog Studios<\/a>, Firebox Art Studios<\/a>, 3rd Street Gallery<\/a>, Pittsburgh Pottery<\/a>, Eccentricity Designs<\/a>, Matt Polk Photography<\/a> and Studio Forget-Me-Not<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Union Project\u2019s \u201cMother of All Pottery Sales\u201d<\/a> features more than 40 ceramic artists, unique ceramic artwork, clay demonstrations and hands-on activities. 801 N. Negley Ave., Morningside.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 11-15. Spring 2026 Plein Air<\/a> returns to Latrobe Art Center, with dozens of artists competing for awards, painting or drawing locations within the scenic environs of Latrobe. Register online<\/a> or by calling 724-537-7011. 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 21, 7 p.m. Art Battle Pittsburgh<\/a> returns to Atithi Studios, with doors open at 7 p.m., painting at 7:30 p.m. Founded in 2001 in New York City\u2019s Soho Arts District and now flourishing in 50 cities on five continents, Art Battle gives contestants 20 minutes to paint a masterpiece, with the audience voting on the winner. 1020 N. Canal St., Sharpsburg.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 May 29, 5:30-9 p.m. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust\u2019s spring Downtown Gallery Crawl<\/a> is a free, multi-venue open house showcasing Pittsburgh\u2019s dynamic art and entertainment scene featuring visual arts, live music, dance, spoken word and more.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\u201cCross Contamination\u201d by Jamie Ho, \u201cBread and roses on a smoky day, Oregon, 2019\u201d by Helen Jones, \u201c8\u00d725 44\u00ba7\u201932.29\u2019 N 124\u00ba7\u201932.69\u2019 W (Interrelation)\u201d by Conner Gordon (Silver Eye Center for Photography). Photos by the artists.<\/p>\n

More May openings:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Dual Intent:\u00a0 New Shapes by Jen Renk and Tim A. Green<\/a> (Christine Fr\u00e9chard Gallery, May 1-June 3)<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0This Ain\u2019t No Disco: Works on Paper by Patrick Schmidt<\/a> (Groove Gallery, May 1-31)<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0Kathleen Mulcahy: \u201cA Fine Intoxication: Gathering Glass\u201d<\/a> (Pittsburgh Glass Center, May 1-July 31)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Mayday! New Work by Abigail Franzen-Sheehan, Meryl Engler, Casey Connelly, Micalee Sullivan<\/a> (Pullproof Studio, May 1-31)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Things to Come: OUTLINES, 1941\u20131947<\/a> (ROMANCE, May 2-June 28)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Bodies Don\u2019t Lie<\/a> and The Wealth of Emerald<\/a> (Manos Gallery, May 2-31)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 \u201cMay the 4th Gallery Strikes Back\u201d<\/a> (Ketchup City Creative, May 2-4)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 On Liberty: A Summoning \u2013 A Site-Responsive Performance Exhibition by Marianne Vitale<\/a> (SPACE Gallery, May 1-Oct. 11)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Plot Pilot Drawings by Lucas Regazzi<\/a> (Bottom Feeder Books, May 2-30)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Claudia Mart\u00ednez Garay and Arturo Kameya<\/a> (Mattress Factory, May 2, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Topsoil:\u00a0Carnegie Mellon University School of Art 2026 Senior Exhibition<\/a> (Tomayko Foundation, May 2-8)<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh<\/a> (Ketchup City Creative, May 8-17)<\/p>\n

\u2022 Lies Up! \u2026 and read the signs \u2026 works by LIES Crew<\/a> (Two29 Gallery, May 8-31)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Illuminate: Group Exhibition<\/a> (Castle Consortia, May 9-July 30)<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0Audie Murray:\u00a0soul meets body<\/a> (april april, May 9-June 27)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Genius Loci and the Pathos of Perception<\/a> (StopWatch Gallery & Studio, May 9-June 13)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Fellowship 26:\u00a0Jamie Ho, Javier Griffey, Conner Gordon, Jacquelyn Johnson, Robert Contreras II, Helen Jones<\/a> (Silver Eye Center for Photography, May 21-Aug. 8)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Gavin Benjamin: Gilded Glamour Pop-Up Exhibition<\/a> (Westmoreland Museum of American Art, May 21\u201327, May 30\u201331)<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0overdraft: an immersive group exhibition<\/a>. (Radiant Hall Downtown, May 29)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 \u201cRevolutionary Care: Amber Doe, Bekezela Mguni, Alisha B. Wormsley<\/a>\u201d (Contemporary Craft, May 29-Sept. 5)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Juried Visual Arts Exhibition 2026<\/a> (820 Gallery, May 29-June 28)<\/p>\n

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