{"id":49058,"date":"2025-12-01T14:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/49058\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T14:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:26:10","slug":"pittsburgh-in-december-is-a-sprawling-winter-carnival-of-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/49058\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh in December is a sprawling winter carnival of art"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cNothing could exceed the brilliancy and gaiety of the scene by day. But it was at night that the carnival was at its merriest. For the frost continued unbroken; the nights were of perfect stillness; the moon and stars blazed with the hard fixity of diamonds, and to the fine music of flute and trumpet the courtiers danced.\u201d \u2014 The Great Frost from\u00a0\u201cOrlando\u201d\u00a0by Virginia Woolf<\/p>\n

All through December Pittsburgh\u2019s visual artists will transform the city into a sprawling winter carnival, starting with holiday markets and arcades and progressing to a profusion of gallery exhibits, Neapolitan nativity scenes, emergent realities, divine appointments and an epic art battle in Sharpsburg.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSharmistha Ray:\u00a0 Emergent Realities\u201d on view Dec. 12, 2025-July 5, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEmergent Realities\u201d<\/a> is a three-channel animation by Sharmistha Ray, assistant professor of Art at Carnegie Mellon University, that blends painting, cosmic imagery and original and found film footage into a layered visual odyssey spanning terrestrial, solar and cosmic realms. Grammy Award-winning composer Arooj Aftab adds a commissioned soundtrack (\u201cKinship\u201d) drawing from her background in jazz, Hindustani classical and indie pop.<\/p>\n

On Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wood Street Galleries partners with Visual AIDS for Day With(out) Art 2025 to present a program of six videos<\/a> by Camilo Tapia Flores, Camila Flores-Fern\u00e1ndez, Ho\u00e0ng Th\u00e1i Anh, Kenneth Idongesit Usoro, Jos\u00e9 Luis Cort\u00e9s and Gustavo Vinagre and Vinicius Couto exploring the experiences of drug users and harm reduction practices as they intersect with the ongoing world HIV crisis.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\u201cNeedling the Regime: Opinion\u201d and \u201cNeedling the Regime: Shut Up\u201d by Mary Mazziotti (BE Galleries). Photos by Mary Mazziotti.<\/p>\n

\u201cMary Mazziotti: Thank You for Your Attention to This Matter \u2013 Social & Political Observations of the Regime\u201d on view Dec. 6, 2025-Jan. 31, 2026, opening reception Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

Mary Mazziotti\u2019s expansive artistic output has embraced painting, murals, jewelry, installations, full-sized billboards and, most notably, a wave of fiercely satirical reimaginings of the medieval \u201cmemento mori\u201d genre with present-day advertising and consumer items, from Elvis pillowcases and Americana frontier quilts to newspaper photographs and portraits spanning centuries.<\/p>\n

Her be Galleries show<\/a> features recent textile pieces employing hand-embroidery and pigment on printed and recycled textiles to express trenchant and timely social commentary. The \u201cNeedling the Regime\u201d series combines 20th-century Fascist, Nazi and Soviet Communist propaganda images with current political statements by Donald Trump. \u201cNotwithstanding the seriousness of the subject,\u201d says Mazziotti, \u201cI try to infuse the message with more wit than morbidity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\u201cLook at Me\u201d by Lelaina Scott; \u201cEyes on the Capital\u201d by Lyra Hunt (Studio 4 Gallery). Photos courtesy of Offroute Art.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrisis of Empathy \/\/ Limit of Empathy\u201d on view Dec. 5-7, opening reception Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Offroute Art\u2019s Fall 2025 Fellowships debut new work<\/a> by eight artists ages 18-24 reflecting on the theme of transforming conflict into connection. Tyler Belizaire, Katrina Evankovich, Lyra Hunt, Amelia Lazzini, Tristan Mukherjee, James Richardson, Lalaina Scott and Logan Scott offer personal perspectives addressing social dimensions of personal empathy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"From left, new work by Andrea Savinda and Eric Shantz from \u201cWhispers of the Artful Traveler\u201d (The Manos Gallery). Photos courtesy of The Manos Gallery<\/p>\n

\u201cWhispers of the Artful Traveler\u201d on view Dec. 6-31, opening reception Dec. 6, noon-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The first Manos Gallery show held in the just-opened Aluminum City Arts center<\/a> in downtown New Kensington features new work by Sarah Emminger, Mandy Hobel, Mary Beth Hodil, David Howard, Sarah Hunter, Alexis Kovalovsky, Chloe Lysiak, Giuseppe Mammano, Monica Mathews, James Miller, Riley Pella, Rafi and Klee Perez, Amanda Preston, Katherine Salvi, Andrea Savinda, Debra Tobin, James Tobin, Francine Vandenberg, Lily VanDyk, Darieus Veltri and Bernie Wilke.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The center is taking shape in a well-preserved two-story brick building designed in 1915 by Beaux-Arts stylists Benno Janssen and Franklin Abbott, whose 12-year collaboration produced architectural landmarks like the William Penn Hotel, Mellon Institute, 40th Street Bridge and numerous private residences in Brookline, Schenley Farms Terrace, Oakland and Shadyside.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 20,000 square feet of available space let gallery owners Ernesto Camacho and Brian DeFelice envision Aluminum City Arts as a vibrant cultural hub serving the Alle-Kiski Valley with artist studios, theater and dance rooms, a bookstore and a wide range of arts education programming.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\u201cN Negley Ave & Margaretta St\u201d by Lewis V. Pell (Spinning Plate Gallery). Photo courtesy of artist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lew V Collection: A Real Heist\u201d on view Dec. 5-28, opening reception Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

New works<\/a> by painter Lewis V. Pell created en plein air and in studio provide commentary by a committed environmentalist on connections between climates and landscapes around the world.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Installation view of Neapolitan presepio (Carnegie Museum of Art). Photo by Zachary Riggleman.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Neapolitan Presepio\u201d on view to Jan. 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

A CMOA holiday tradition since 1957, Neapolitan presepio installation<\/a> is an elaborate nativity scene re-created with miniature figures arranged in a panorama of 18th-century life in Naples, Italy.\u00a0Handcrafted by artists in the Royal Court of Naples in the 1700s, the presepio celebrates a rare form of European folk art.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\u201cKayla, Alexi, and their dogs. Hopi Reservation, Second Mesa, AZ\u201d by Jacob Pesci (Tomayko Foundation). Photo by Jacob Pesci.<\/p>\n

\u201cJacob Pesci: Divine Appointments\u201d on view Dec. 5, 2025-Jan. 16, 2026, opening reception Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Photographer Jacob Pesci\u2019s latest exhibit<\/a> (accompanied by a musical score from fellow photographer Nathan Cephas) spotlights his recent 10,000-mile solo road trip across the U.S. that took him to small towns, Native American reservations, desert canyons, oil refineries, military bases and the El Paso border wall. It was a journey, says Pesci, that resulted in spiritually significant encounters he calls \u201cdivine appointments\u201d imbued with personal and political transformation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A limited edition hardcover photo book<\/a> of the exhibition is available and includes notes and meditations Pesci recorded on the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"From left: \u201cMr. Darwin\u2019s Finches Love Coffee\u201d by Stu Chandler, \u201cHanging Out With My Best Buds\u201d by Caedan Gordon, \u201cTiki-Java\u201d by Debra Tobin in \u201cCoffee Table Art Book.\u201d Photos courtesy of artists.<\/p>\n

More art book stocking stuffers:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 For those seeking inspiration via caffeination, Caf\u00e9 Culture Press offers \u201cCoffee Table Art Book\u201d<\/a> featuring 65 coffee-themed works by artists from around the world including three from Western Pennsylvania \u2013 Stu Chandler<\/a> (Valencia), Debra Tobin<\/a> (Ambridge), Caedan Gordon<\/a> (Evans City).<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 On Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m., Irma Freeman Center for Imagination celebrates what would have been the 122nd birthday of Pittsburgh artist Irma Freeman with a Holiday Soir\u00e9e & Book Signing Pop-Up showcasing the Center\u2019s \u201cPittsburgh\u2019s Avant-Garde: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene\u201d<\/a> book along with live music by Three Legged Dog. 5006 Penn Ave., Friendship.<\/p>\n

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

\u2022\u00a0 Art Battle Pittsburgh<\/a> returns to Atithi Studios Dec. 5, with doors 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. Already confirmed for the competition are Bernie Lukacs, Suzanne Werder, Bob Freyer, DRVLE, Christopher Patrick, Rae Ovesney, MacKayla Smirga with openings still available. 1020 N. Canal St., Sharpsburg.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Pittsburgh\u2019s longest-running visual art stroll, Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn Avenue<\/a>, returns Dec. 5, 4-10 p.m., with a lively evening of art openings, live performances, sidewalk markets and innumerable diverse food and beverage offerings along the 4800\u20135500 blocks of Penn Avenue in Bloomfield\/Garfield\/Friendship.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Frick Museum & Gardens flavors its \u201cScandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore\u201d exhibit with \u201cSaint Nicholas to Father Christmas to Santa Claus: The Artistic Evolution of a Christmas Icon,\u201d<\/a> a lecture by art historian Dr. Kahren Jones Arbitman (Dec. 7, 2-3:30 p.m.) and a Woven Holiday Ornaments Workshop<\/a> by artist Traycee Bosle (Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m.). 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze.<\/p>\n

More December openings:<\/p>\n

New Kensington Camera Club:\u00a0\u201cLight in the Darkness<\/a>\u201d (Dec. 5, Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society\/Heritage Museum)<\/p>\n

Octopus Art by Rachel Lange<\/a> (Dec. 5, Bantha Tea Bar)<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond What You See: Jonelle Summerfield, Jolene Joyner, Manjushree Roy<\/a>\u201d (Fr\u00e9chard Gallery, Dec. 5)<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Deasy Ceramics<\/a> (Springboard Design, Dec. 5)<\/p>\n

\u201cClearing Trees: Drawings by Sophia DiRenna<\/a>\u201d (Bottom Feeder Books, Dec. 6)<\/p>\n

Drip Art by Carolina Tapia-Urzua<\/a> (Tazza D\u2019Oro, Dec. 6)<\/p>\n

Estate of Toto Fisher + Modern Art, Photography, Western Art, Jewelry<\/a> (Concept Art Gallery, Dec. 6); includes noted Pittsburgh artists Ed Eberle, Mark Perrott, Bob Qualters, Tony Naponic, Anna Marie Schnur, Maggie Milano, George and Lila Hetzel.<\/p>\n

End of Year Exhibition<\/a> (Artists Image Resource, Dec. 12)<\/p>\n

Pop-Up Exhibition: SiO\u2082 Youth Glass Art Program<\/a> (Pittsburgh Glass Center, Dec. 17)<\/p>\n

Markets, arcades and pop-ups:<\/p>\n

The region\u2019s largest holiday market convenes Dec. 5-6 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh as Handmade Arcade<\/a> showcases the artisanry of nearly 300 makers. There\u2019s a special preview party<\/a> Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. that offers early bird shopping.<\/p>\n

Through Dec. 24, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market<\/a> features a European-style holiday market with over 40 local artists and crafters (plus seasonal food and drink) at Katz Plaza (Penn Avenue & Seventh Street), the Trust Oasis (139 Seventh St.) and the parking lot across from Benedum Center.<\/p>\n

Dec. 1-23:\u00a0 Italian Holiday Market<\/a>. Istituto Mondo Italiano, 7604 Charleston Ave., Regent Square.<\/p>\n

Dec. 2-31: Bottlebrush Gallery & Center for the Arts $100 Holiday Art Market<\/a>. ShuBrew, 205 S. Main St., Zelienople.<\/p>\n

Dec. 4-6: Holiday Mart at the Museum Shop<\/a>. Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg.<\/p>\n

Dec. 4-6: Phipps Gifts & Greens<\/a>. Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Ave., Shadyside.<\/p>\n

Dec. 4-23: Annual Holiday Artist Market<\/a>. Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe.<\/p>\n

Dec. 5: \u201cCollective Gestures\u201d Holiday Party<\/a>. Mark Rengers Gallery, 549 Beaver St., Sewickley.<\/p>\n

Dec. 5, 12, 19:\u00a0 Holiday Marketplace<\/a>. Steel Goat Marketplace, 200 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6: Wrap It Up!<\/a>. Steel City Craft Emporium, 826 Brookline Blvd., Brookline.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6: South Side Holiday Market<\/a>. Bedford Square & Esser Plaza, South Side.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6: Art Social<\/a>. ICON Fine Art Gallery, 101 N. Main St., Zelienople.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6: Community Cake Party<\/a>. Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, 5006 Penn Ave., Friendship.<\/p>\n

Dec. 6: Holiday Art Market<\/a>. KLVN Coffee Lab, 6600 Hamilton Ave., Larimer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dec. 6 & 20: Bloomfield Winter Market<\/a>. 5050 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield.<\/p>\n

Dec. 7: Bazaar Bazaar<\/a>. Spirit, 242 51st St., Lawrenceville.<\/p>\n

Dec. 11: Maker\u2019s Market<\/a>. Castle Consortia, 700 Seventh St., McKees Rocks.<\/p>\n

Dec. 11-12: Open House<\/a>. Johno\u2019s ART Studio, Maria\u2019s Ideas Art, Moon Heart Studios. 1705 Arlington Ave., South Side Slopes.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Under the Lights Night Market<\/a>. Armful of Flowers, 608 Virginia Ave., Mount Washington.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: I Made It! Merry & Bright Holiday Market<\/a>. SouthSide Works, 424 S. 27th St., South Side.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Radiant Hall Cookie Mall + Pop-Up Market<\/a>. Boys & Girls Club, 4600 Butler St., Lawrenceville.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Alternate Histories Crafts & Drafts<\/a>. East End Brewing, 147 Julius St., Larimer.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Winter Pottery Pop-Up<\/a>. Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave., Morningside.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Winter Artists\u2019 Market<\/a>. Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media, 1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Vintage Mart Holiday Special<\/a>. Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington St., Point Breeze.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13: Holiday Pup-Up<\/a>. Double Dog Studios, 317 Second Ave., Carnegie.<\/p>\n

Dec. 13-14: Lawrenceville Cookie Tour<\/a>. Butler Street from 35th Street to 57th Street, Lawrenceville.<\/p>\n

Dec. 14: Wilkinsburg Handmade Holiday Show<\/a>. Wilkinsburg Train Station, 901 Hay St. and WorkshopPGH, 321 Pennwood Ave., Wilkinsburg.<\/p>\n

Dec. 14: Cinder Bell Rock<\/a>. Cinderlands Warehouse, 2601 Smallman St., Strip District.<\/p>\n

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