1. art and entertainment

2015 EXHIBITION CATALOG
On the cover
Artwork by Saul Bezner, MCG Youth & Arts student and junior at Pittsburgh Obama 6-12.
2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
For more than 25 years, the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild has been a champion for youth, art and education
in Pittsburgh. The second annual MCG Invitational continues the tradition of serving Pittsburgh area high-school
students.
The MCG Invitational seeks to recognize excellence and extol achievement demonstrated by youth in urban and
economically disadvantaged communities. Once again we are proud to include students from Pittsburgh Public
Schools, Pittsburgh’s charter schools, as well as schools in Penn Hills, Braddock, West Mifflin, Duquesne, Wilkinsburg, Homestead and McKeesport.
By providing this opportunity, the MCG Invitational highlights talent, rewards achievement, and encourages
hope among those who might otherwise be overlooked. This exhibition will reward meritorious students with cash
awards, prizes and post-secondary education scholarships.
Paulo Nzambi
COO, National Center for Arts and Technology
MCG Invitational
David Deily
Vice President, MCG Youth & Arts
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2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
6
Acknowledgements8
Awards & Scholarships
10
Student Artists 14
City Charter High School
12
East Allegheny High School
15
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
17
Pittsburgh Allderdice High School
22
Pittsburgh Brashear High School
22
Pittsburgh CAPA 6 - 12
23
Pittsburgh Carrick High School
27
Pittsburgh Obama 6-12
28
Pittsburgh Science & Technology
28
Propel Andrew Street High School
29
Propel Braddock Hills High School
30
Neighborhood Academy
31
West Mifflin Area High School
31
Reception Agenda
5:00 – 6:30
Friedberg Benefit Preview Pre-registration Required
6:00 – 7:00
Public Reception and Exhibition Viewing
7:00 – 8:30
Awards Presentation in MCG Concert Hall
8:30
Friedberg Benefit Silent Auction Bids Are Closed and Announced
8:30 - 9:00
Informal Exhibition Viewing and Art Sales
Our band for the evening
Antone DeFade Trio
Anton DeFade – Bass
George Heid III – Drums
Anthony Ambroso - Guitar
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MCG Invitational
UPMC Health Plan is proud to support
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and the
MCG Invitational Arts Exhibition
and Awards Ceremony.
2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
About Manchester
Craftsmen’s Guild
For over 40 years, Manchester Craftsmen’s
Guild (MCG) has been a unique haven—a
multi-disciplined arts and learning center
that fosters a sense of belonging, interconnections, and hope within the urban
community.
Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, MCG
houses visual arts, design, digital, ceramics
and photography studios, an auditorium/
concert hall and an art gallery—all designed
to showcase the roles of creativity and craftsmanship in learning. Handmade objects,
uniquely designed furniture, photographs,
and paintings that adorn public and private
spaces create a model environment for education, exhibitions, performances, and social
and professional gatherings.
About MCG Youth & Arts
Founded in 1968, MCG Youth & Arts is a center
for arts and learning. Students may participate in
programs including, but not limited to: courses in
ceramics, photography, design and digital arts; career and college exposure activities; and exhibits
by internationally renowned artists who also conduct workshops with MCG students. Additionally,
MCG Youth & Arts hosts a number of educational
opportunities for principals, teachers, and the community, and offers public access to its art gallery
at no cost. All of MCG Youth & Arts’ programs are
implemented by professional working artists, and
maintain an 8:1 student:teacher ratio in order to
provide students the attention they need to succeed.
After
School
Events &
Exhibitions
Summer
Studios
School
Day
Adult
Courses
Art Sales
For all art sales inquiries, please contact Rose Mary Gubser: 412-322-1773 x302 rmgubser@mcg-btc.org
7% sales tax will be charged on total sales.
Frames are not included in the sale price.
Purchased works will be available for pick-up after May 9, 2014. Please call to schedule a pick up time.
Pieces marked NFS are not available for purchase.
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MCG Invitational
2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
Our Studios
All four of our art-making studios are designed to provide students with a real-world, professional experience.
Ceramics
Design Arts
Photography
Digital Arts
Our ceramics studio is equipped with a slab roller,
18 potter’s wheels, a myriad of hand-building tools,
3 electric kilns and 4 gas kilns including raku. Our
well-equipped raw materials lab allows our students
to create an endless variety of glazes in pursuit of
their creative vision.
Our photography studio is equipped to teach traditional film-based photography – including darkroom
techniques – as well as digital imaging. Additionally,
we have computer workstations with industry-standard
software for image correction and large format photo
printing. Our professional-grade portrait studio completes the mix.
Our design arts studio is equipped to teach a variety
of artistic processes. We have sewing and embroidery
machines, easels, all the equipment for screen and traditional printmaking as well as up-to-date computer
workstations. Whether your interest is quilt-making or
sculpture, our staff strives to help you release your creative genius in the medium of your choice.
Our digital arts studio is divided into a PC and a Mac
lab. To facilitate our students’ exploration of print,
web, and video arts, all our computers are loaded
with industry-standard software such as Adobe’s Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Adobe
Premiere Pro, Sony Acid Music and Garageband.
Our green screen room allows students to place
themselves in new, exciting and even virtual learning
environments.
MCG Invitational
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2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
MBC Board of Directors
Scott M. Lammie, Chair
Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Vice Chair
Vincent V. Sands, CFA, Treasurer
M. Elise Hyland, Secretary
Brian D. Aiello
Amy Atkinson
Scott G. Brown, Esquire
Lauren Craig, CPA
Chereé Johnson
Gregory B. Jordan
Todd A. Kalis
Jeffrey A. McDaniel
David L. Motley
Mark A. Nordenberg
Robert N. Peirce Jr., Esquire
Lisa Peters
Dorothy L. Raizman, Esquire
Susan Baker Shipley
R. Damian Soffer
William E. Strickland Jr.
Nicholas D. Varischetti, Esquire
Life Members
E. Peter Benzing
Nancy L. Bromall
Michael A. Bryson
Jack L. Burley, Sr.
George Fechter
Diana Jannetta
Don Alan Linzer
John Pelusi
Michael Schurko
John Unkovic
Doris Carson Williams
Emeritus
Livingston Biddle Deceased
Anthony L. Bucci
Carolyn Byham
Dorothy A. Davis, Esquire
K. Leroy Irvis Deceased
Claudette R. Lewis
Glenn R. Mahone, Esquire
Frank Mont Deceased
Theodore Roberts, Jr.
Clifford R. Rowe, Jr.
Tony Torres
Milton A. Washington
Alfred W. Wishart, Jr.
Ex Officio
Kevin L. Jenkins, L.S.W.
Paulo Nzambi
Jeffrey P. Teasdale
Massy Paul
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MCG Youth & Arts Staff
David Deily
Vice President
Justin Mazzei
Director
Rose Mary Gubser
Executive Assistant
Kat Gregor
Student Services
Keith Hershberger
Teaching Artist/Exhibition Coordinator
Jill Wiggins
Database Manager/Teaching Artist
Jeff Guerrero
Production Associate/Teaching Artist
Di-ay Battad
Teaching Artist
Richena Brockinson
Teaching Artist
Ben Pyles
Teaching Artist
K. Shabazz
Teaching Artist
Beyvan Schantz
Teaching Artist
Germaine Watkins
Teaching Artist
Jolie Valentine
Exhibitions Assistant
Special thanks
We would like to express our gratitude to Margie Law
for her generous donation of homemade desserts, to
the talented craftsman Tadao Arimoto for his efforts
in creating the Friedberg scholarship trophies, to the
talented staff of the Drew Mathieson Center for their
efforts in creating exquisite flower arrangements, and
to all of the dedicated teachers who have guided the
young artists represented in the MCG Invitational.
MCG Invitational
2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
Award DONORS
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild thanks the following donors
for their extraordinary generosity. Through their support, the
following scholarships and awards are being offered through
the 2012 MCG Invitational Arts Exhibition.
Eleanor Friedberg Art Scholarship Fund of the
Pittsburgh Foundation
jurorS
Eleanor Friedberg Art Scholarship Fund of the
Pittsburgh Foundation
Adrienne Heinrich
Kathleen Zimbicki
Allegheny City Society
Juliet Pusateri
Allegheny City Society
Betsy and Dale Huffman
Betsy and Dale Huffman
Betsy and Dale Huffman
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Jason Forck
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Society For Contemporary Craft Award
Jenny Sorracco
Society For Contemporary Craft Award
Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Center For The Arts
Cornelia Davis
Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Center For The Arts
Standard Ceramic
Jenna Vanden Brink
Standard Ceramic
Mattress Factory
Mattress Factory
Cynthia Blackwell
Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol Museum
Nicole Dezelon
The Art Institute Of Pittsburgh
The Art Institute Of Pittsburgh
Greg Butler
Pittsburgh Society of Artists
Pittsburgh Society of Artists
Carolyn Pierotti
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
Nicole Dezelon
Carlow University
Robert Morris University
Carlow University
Dale Huffman & Bill DeBernardi
Chatham University
Robert Morris University
Christine Holtz
Touchstone Center for Craft
Chatham University
Prajna Parasher
Union Project
Touchstone Center for Craft
Juliet Pusateri
West Virginia University
Union Project
Jenna Vanden Brink
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2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
Gifts & Classes
cash awards
Pittsburgh Glass Center Awards
Allegheny City Society Mary Cassatt Award
Pittsburgh Glass Center is one of the top glass art facilities in the
US dedicated to teaching, creating and promoting glass art. Pittsburgh Glass Center proudly recognizes one emerging student artist through a scholarship for the high school 10-week after school
glass program. This year, two outstanding graduating student artists also being recognized for their dedication to and achievement
in glass art.
Society For Contemporary Craft Award
Presenting contemporary art in craft media by international, national and regional artists since 1971, the Society for Contemporary Craft offers cutting edge exhibitions focused on multicultural
diversity and non-mainstream art, as well as a range of classes,
community outreach programs and a fantastic retail store. Exhibitions and family friendly hands-on art activities in a drop-in studio
are always free to the public.
Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Center For The Arts
PF/PCA is committed to the artist and the advancement of artistic
excellence in visual arts. Founded in 1945, Pittsburgh Center for
the Arts is a nonprofit organization that offers arts education and
contemporary art exhibitions, providing services and resources
for artists. Founded in 1971, Pittsburgh Filmmakers is a nonprofit
corporation offering courses in film, video, and photography designed to encourage the creation and understanding of media for
noncommercial artistic and literary purposes.
Mattress Factory Award
The Mattress Factory is a museum of contemporary art that presents art you can get into — room-sized environments, created by
in-residence artists. Located in the historic Mexican War Streets
of Pittsburgh’s North Side since 1977, the Mattress Factory is one
of few museums of its kind anywhere.
Union Project
Union Project makes space to connect, create, and celebrate
community. Union Project’s Arts Program creates connections and
opportunities for learning. Through community-based arts programming, we serve the diverse needs of our surrounding neighborhoods and encourage the making of beautiful things, both
hand-made objects and connections among people. The Union
Project Ceramics Award will give one talented young person the
opportunity to participate in a class, working alongside community members and learning from one of UP’s member teaching
artists.
Touchstone Center for Craft
Touchstone Center for Crafts is Pennsylvania’s only residential
craft school. The 150 acre campus, with its cluster of educational
and residential facilities, is located in Farmington, Pennsylvania,
amid the natural splendor of the Laurel Highlands. Touchstone offers workshops in traditional and emerging craft forms including
ceramics, blacksmithing, metalsmithing, fiber arts, mosaic arts,
and more. In addition to offering immersive workshops taught by
nationally renowned artisans, Touchstone provides underserved
audiences in the region, from senior citizens to public school students, craft-centered outreach programs.
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The Allegheny City Society works to perpetuate the historical and
social life of Pittsburgh’s North Side, a portion of the city known
prior to 1907 as Allegheny City.
Eleanor Friedberg Family Media Awards
The Eleanor Friedberg Family presents cash awards to three
artists selected in each media category:
• Sculpture
• Crafts including textiles and jewelry
• Painting
• Drawing & Printmaking
• Video, electronic, & mixed media
Dale and Betsy Huffman Award for Ceramics
In honor of their parents, Masha and Larry Epstein and Jim
and Jinny Huffman, who have encouraged them to pursue their
dreams, Dale and Betsy Huffman give these awards to foster the
development of young artists through ceramics. Students studying
ceramics in a comprehensive high school or Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild are eligible for selection.
Andy Warhol Museum Emerging Artist Award
The Warhol Young Artist Award recognizes an emerging talent
whose work and creative outlook emulates or reflects Warhol’s
spirit of experimentation and/or celebration of popular culture.
The winner is selected through a review of the entrant’s total body
of work.
Associated Artists Award
The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is the oldest, continuously-exhibiting, visual arts organization in the country. Founded in 1910,
AAP has spent over 100 years as a driving force in Pittsburgh’s
dynamic cultural life. Its mission today, as then, is to provide a
vital and challenging environment for artists to exhibit new work
in the widest possible range of media.
Standard Ceramic
Standard Ceramic Supply Company is a local manufacturer of
clay and glazes for potters, schools and artists and supplies tools,
glaze chemicals, ceramic materials and decorating supplies.
Pittsburgh Society of Artists Award
The Pittsburgh Society of Artists was founded in May 1965. With
nearly 300 members whose work represents all visual-arts media, the PSA is the largest guild of the Pittsburgh Center for the
Arts. For over forty years the PSA has been dedicated to providing its members with opportunities to exhibit their art, both in
the Pittsburgh area and beyond southwestern Pennsylvania. The
Pittsburgh Society of Artists Award was created to recognize the
achievement and commitment of a young artist studying art in a
comprehensive high school.
MCG Invitational
2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
Scholarships
All higher education scholarships require submission of a portfolio of four pieces of artwork as well as a completed application form and an artist’s statement. Students may submit the same
body of work for multiple scholarships.
Chatham University Award
Founded in 1869, Chatham University is a coeducational university with a women’s college at its historic heart. Chatham is
pleased to support the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Invitational
by providing a renewable scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Recipients of the MCG Visual Arts Scholarship must be admitted
Eleanor Friedberg Art Scholarship Fund of the
and enroll as an undergraduate student to Chatham University
Pittsburgh Foundation
and must major in visual arts. Providing that the recipient of this
Established in 1995 by the family and friends of the late Pittsburgh
scholarship maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 and
artist Eleanor Friedberg, these scholarships are paid directly to
full-time undergraduate enrollment at Chatham, the MCG Visual
the institution that the winning artist attends. Scholarships paid
Arts Scholarship is renewable annually for three years.
to the top three award winners are disbursed over a two year
period. Interested seniors submitting an entry for consideration
must plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or ca- MCG Youth & Arts
reer school to pursue study in the arts and complete a specific This summer, MCG is offering an exciting opportunity for the Pittsburgh area youth (grades 5-12) to create art in our world-class
application form.
facility. Use state of the art equipment and professional-grade
The top three winners of the Friedberg Scholarship will be fea- materials to create one of a kind works of art in our ceramics,
tured in an exhibition May 24 to June 27th at the Eastside Gal- photo, design and digital art studios. Three two-week sessions will
lery, 4240 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA. 15221 www.eastside- run June 30 – August 8.
gallery.com
West Virginia University
Robert Morris University
RMU awards outstanding students with a scholarship valued at
$4000 to be dispersed over four years of enrollment at the University. RMU’s Media Arts program comprises BA and BFA degrees in the areas of Graphic Design, Web Design, Photography,
and TV/Video Production.
Founded in 1867, West Virginia University is the state’s flagship
land-grant, research university. WVU opens opportunities to
scholars around the world. WVU has produced 24 Rhodes Scholars, and WVU’s campus has been ranked one of the safest in the
country. WVU will award one four-year full-scholarship (out of
state tuition) valued at $81,424.
The Art Institute Of Pittsburgh
AIP Tuition Scholarships
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (AIP) awards up to five tuition scholarships in the amounts ranging from $5000 - $25,000. Applicants
were evaluated based on their submitted total body of work, artist’s statement and interviews by representatives of AIP’s education leadership. Students submitting an entry for consideration
must meet the Art Institute of Pittsburgh’s admission requirements.
Scholarships are applicable to tuition in Associates or Bachelor’s
degree programs at AIP only, are activated by acceptance, and
will be applied evenly over the recipient’s term of enrollment. The
awards are not transferable and not redeemable for cash.
AIP School Awards
The AIP scholarship winners’ respective Pittsburgh Public High
Schools will receive the following cash awards issued to support
the district’s arts programs:
• 1st Place: School receives $1000
• 2nd Place: School receives $750
• 3rd Place: School receives $500
The school awards will be granted regardless of the student’s acceptance of the scholarship. Only one cash award per school is
granted.
Carlow University Arts Award
The Carlow University Arts Award, in conjunction with Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, was created for graduating high school
seniors interested in pursuing study in the arts at Carlow University. The top recipient receives a one-time non-renewable, nontransferable $3000 award which serves as a part of the student’s
financial aid package upon enrollment at Carlow.
MCG Invitational
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Student artists
City Charter High
Alison Branscum
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Let Amnesia Rest
Photoshop
$20
Gravity of Love AMV
Animation
$20
Forgive Moonfall
Photoshop
$20
Artist Statement
I have created these pieces out of emotion and interest in animals. Since I am
still practicing human anatomy, I have
decided to draw my own characters
instead. My greatest influence for these
pieces is an artist on DeviantART.com
who goes by NinjaKato, my idol in art.
Animation wise, it was the Lion King
and Wolves of the Mist, an animated
series in the works on YouTube. I have
used Photoshop to create these pieces,
Sony Vegas Pro 12 for animations. My
hopes are for someone to see me work
and see or create a story behind them.
Kailyn Chichilla
Teacher: James Kappernaros
of wild horses or deer are slow, relaxing
scenes to illustrate. Each moment in time
from any animal is a new work of art
and new picture to capture. These are
just some moments that give me inspiration to draw.
Another favorite of mine is combining
animals to create new creatures, or
remaking ones that are around. Mythological creatures have been around for
centuries, evolving just as real animals
adapted and change. Dragons are one
of the best examples because they can
be made from any animal and created
to accomplish any task. From slithering, compassionate water dragons to
stealthy midnight dragons picking off
sheep one by one. Some can be intelligent and capable of human interaction,
while others can be ferocious, bloodlusting demons who only live to destroy
and eat.
These varied instances are ways I
can catch and express my emotions
and feelings, no matter my mood. Art
through animals gives me an important
piece of my life that allows me to be
myself and do what I need.
Chasity Cook
Teacher: James Kappernaros
The Dress Designs
Scratch Board
$50
Watercolor
NFS
Artist Statement
My name is Izabelle Cook, I’m 15
years old and I’m currently a junior
at City Charter High School. I never
knew what I wanted to be when I grew
up; but one day I was drawing and
my teacher said I was really good.
After that day, I decided I want to be
a Graphic Designer when I grow up.
I took an intro to design class in tenth
grade and I’m currently taking a watercolor class. I love painting and drawing.
For this show I originally made a
standard deck of cards where each suit
was a different show I watched. I made
the clubs My Little Pony, diamonds are
Bakugan, spades are Pokémon, and my
favorite show Digimon are the hearts.
I took the four aces and redid them in
four different styles. I picked marker for
club, watercolor is for diamond, scratch
art I picked for the spade and colored
pencil I used for heart.
Mackensie Cross
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Let The Rain Fall
Digital Photography
$30
Artist Statement
To me photography isn’t just about
Wolf Head Painting
capturing memories or making art, it’s
Acrylic
something deeper. Photography is a
Artist
Statement
NFS
new way to see life. You see life through
I created a scratch art piece consisting
your eyes while I see it through a lens.
of two designs: a dress and an outfit.
Jaguar Scratch Art
What draws me to a subject is someThis was an inspiration of my thoughts
Scratch art
thing that is unique, never seen before,
of making clothes for people. I like
$100
something that will probably never be
how I designed the two outfits, very
Dragon Drawing
seen again. Images that are once in a
contrasted yet extremely textured with
Colored Pencil
life time shots are something that apthe shine, with the gold being opposite
NFS
peals to me. I rarely attempt to alter my
of the black paper. I think that there
photographs; I want everyone to see
is a lot of effort within these designs. I
Artist Statement
what I was seeing at that exact moment,
first started off with a design of a girl
Animals provide the world with beauty; with hair and had too much basic or
I don’t want to alter that moment in time.
the way they move, hunt, mate, and so
outlined. I wanted to do something more I thrive for challenges and uniqueness;
many other actions can show a beauty
advanced, more graphic. So that’s what things that aren’t done often.
not seen in humans. From the glossy fur led to my final design. Therefore, I think
and razor sharp claws of a jaguar to
The subjects in my best works are natuthat this design is good for the showthe long, vibrant feathers of a peacock, case and I aspire to be an designer but ral. Nature is one of my favorite things
or the shiny, slippery scales of fish to the am more of an illustrator.
to photograph. There’s a lot you can
smooth, muscular body of a dolphin.
do with texture and color, everything
Coordinated pack hunts from wolves
has uniqueness to it. Taking photos of
Izabelle Cook
and the single, calculated strike of a
musicians performing is another favorite
Teacher: James Kappernaros
snake are fast, exciting moments, while
simply because it’s challenging. To get
Ace of Diamond
the leisurely grazing periods in a herd
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MCG Invitational
STuDENT ARTISTS
the perfect shot you have to work with
your surroundings, which makes it all
the more fun. Taking pictures outdoors is
amazing, the lighting and the way it hits
your subject just right to make it look
like it belongs, like it’s real.
Melanie Fetsko
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Frog in Splatter Land
Watercolor
NFS
ums: Printmaking and Sculpture. My
printmaking work features the printmaking techniques linocut and woodcut,
which involve the carving away from
linoleum and wood surfaces to create
two dimensional images that are printed
with ink onto paper to create image
reliefs. The decorative mask features
additive sculpture in that it is the sum
of materials that I combined together
to make a three dimensional image;
tiger
Printmaking
$50
Yin and Yang
Printmaking
$30
Artist Statement
This past year in my Studio Art Classes
we focused on two different art medi-
Sleep
Photoshop
NFS
Summer
Studios
Artist Statement
I’m Melanie Fetsko, and I am a senior
at City Charter High School. I’ve taken
art classes at the Carnegie Museum for
9 years and as well as at school, further
building my interest in art. I have been
attending art club at my school for 4
years as well as doing a graduation
project on art programs in communities.
I hope to continue my love for art in
college.
erica Greer
Teacher: Mr. Henzler
dallann Jackson
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Daytime arts & crafts programs for youth!
Float Away
Watercolor
NFS
Currently, I do a lot of watercolors
paintings and drawings with pen or
pencil, but am hoping to explore more
multimedia work. I also do other forms
of art such as crocheting, sewing, and
occasionally sculpture. Although I tend
to like realistic drawings, I’ve gotten into
more abstract and surreal artwork over
the past few years. I like being able to
place something that is recognizable
in a world or with elements that are unrealistic, as the combination of objects
is something that intrigues me. Nature,
media such as movies, other artists, and
an interest in expressing my thoughts all
are influences to my artwork.
sculpted from cardboard, paper, glue,
tape, wire, finished with acrylic paints,
rhinestones, and mounted onto cork
board.
2015
Program
Offerings
Middle School
SUMMER
STUDIO
2015
Three two-week sessions for students 10-13
years old, Monday-Friday 9am – 4pm.
Students will work in three of our four
studios every day, creating a variety of
projects. $480.00 per session.
High School
Three two-week sessions for students 14-18
years old, Monday-Friday 1pm – 4pm. Each
P
session is focused in one studio, with
students spending three hours in digital,
design or ceramics. $250 per session.
Questions?
To Register
Contact Student Services:
Visit our website, or contact:
Kat Gregor
Rose Mary Gubser
E-MAIL: kgregor@mcg-btc.org
E-MAIL: rmgubser@mcg-btc.org
PHONE: 412-322-1773 Ext. 196
PHONE: 412-322-1773 Ext. 302
www.mcgyouthandarts.org
FAX: 412-321-2120
MCG INVITATIONAL
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Student artists
Artist Statement
First things first, my name is Dallann.
You say it like Allan but with a D in front
of it. Please don’t mess it up. This is
awkward for me because I don’t really
consider myself that great of an artist
(My art teacher encouraged me to participate in this show). However, I love to
make art in any way that I can, because
I’ve found that it’s a great way for me to
deal with depression, as well as express
myself, as I’m not too good with words,
and sometimes it feels weird to pester
others with my issues. One of the works
I did in pencil, another in pen, and the
other two were done in photoshop using
a Wacom tablet. They’re all inspired
by a mood or feeling, be that creativity,
depression, body positivity, or pride.
Courtney Kohnen
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Liara t’soni
Photoshop
$20
sports – mainly. I can’t fully describe my
art and the way I go about designing it,
but I can say that I take pride in it.
Artist Statement
My art showcases different stylistic digital designs. I draw inspiration from pop
culture like video games and movies
such as Mass Effect and Alice in Wonderland. I specialize in digital art and
these pieces showcase my wide range
of styles and color techniques. While
I aspire to be an interior designer, my
true passion is digital and traditional
drawing.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Since I could remember I
had an obsession with two geographical regions; the west coast (California,
Arizona, Seattle, Oregon) and Canada
(specifically Toronto). Through some of
my art, you can see where I am coming from. I’ve done a lot of work that
involves Jose Bautista of the Toronto
Blue Jays. I’ve done work that relates to
Aubrey “Drake” Graham whom is also
a native of Toronto, ON. In comparison
to some of those artworks, I’ve done
numerous projects that included Jimi
Hendrix, whom was born in Seattle
as I mentioned above to be one of my
admired cities.
Catrina Luttinger
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Reflection
Digital Photography
$25
Artist Statement
My name is Catrina Luttinger, and I
go to City Charter High School. This
year I decided to submit a photograph.
This piece was kind of an accident. I
Drawing of Frances Cobain
was trying to take a good photo for
Pencil
this event, and none of the ones that I
NFS
took (with my Pro Camera app) were
Artist Statement
to enough of my liking to be submitArt is a hobby I have done for many
ted. I took this one for fun to send to
years now. As I’ve gotten older, I’m
my friend and, I wasn’t expecting it
more into art and drawing. When I
to look vibrant, and good enough for
got into high school, I always wanted
the Manchester Art Show. I was very
to take art classes. I did get into my illus- focused, even in a zen state of mind. I
tration and design classes. I like to use
was determined to get a good enough
my creativity and creating something
picture for this show that evening, and
that is my own and that I worked hard
here it is.
on. For a drawing or piece of art, I like
Bryndon Minniefield
to challenge myself and try to improve
my art skills. I do use my art occasional- Teacher: James Kappernaros
ly to express myself or what I am going
1968
through. I hope to have and use many
Photoshop
forms of art in my future.
$30
Katelyn Ley
Artist Statement
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Inspired by my city; the buildings and
the reflections from all of the lights just
Star Eyed Girl
seem to interest me. I am a lonely perPhotoshop
son. My art is portrayed through a dark
$20
and very questionable lens. My favorite
The Red Queen
color is orange; however I love black. I
Photoshop
feel as though black is the foundation of
$20
all colors. It is deep and it talks to you.
I do not like the spotlight, I don’t like
Gazelle
standing out. My art speaks for me. I
Photoshop
mainly design images in Adobe Photo$20
shop. My art is inspired by music and
Fireworks in the Sky
Digital Photography
$25
14
MCG Invitational
I enjoy taking cool pictures from unorthodox angles. I truly enjoy the feeling
that I get when I create my art. My own
masterpiece. It is just a great feeling. Art
makes me happy. I enjoy it. It takes my
mind off of things. It removes me from
society and puts me in a place where
it is only myself and my art. There is
nothing better than that. I look at my art
as a poem for open interpretation. As
the viewer, you can guess my motives
all you want, but I know the real motive
for all of it. It is hard to explain. But it is
there.
Alexandra Wade
Teacher: James Kappernaros
Nina Bonita
Digital Photography
$20
Artist Statement
I’m an artist because I really enjoy
capturing moments with my camera. The
pictures I like the most are the ones people are never ready for or when they
don’t even know it’s happening. When
the emotions and actions are natural.
I also like using my pictures to show
people what I see. These photographs
are from when I went to Costa Rica, so
hopefully people get insight on what I
was able to see while I was there.
Student artists
East Allegheny
Sarah Cornell
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Ballerinas
Acrylic
NFS
Pascal
Clay
NFS
Artist Statement
A scholarship from the Manchester
Craftsman’s Guild would be beneficial
for my goal to be an animator. The
Manchester Craftsman’s Guild scholarship would allow me to go to a school
that could teach me how to use my
skills as an artist to design unique
characters and to create an entertaining
animation movie, which will be useful
in an animating career. I am looking
for a college that teaches a thorough
explanation of animating, and how to
add little touches to make my creations
detailed and unique. The Manchester
Craftsman’s Guild scholarship will help
me apply to a school that will have
exactly what I was looking for. They
will also prepare me for the challenges
in becoming an animator. After going
to a college, I will be ready for my goal
to be an animator at Disney or Pixar. A
scholarship from the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild will help me pay for an
education to make my dream of becoming an animator a reality, which would
be impossible for me otherwise.
Mylisa Fisher
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Deep Creek Lake
Watercolor
NFS
Art has made me realize that life is
filled in colors, shadows, and light.
With that thought process, every single
object and existing thing is beautiful
and an inspiration for art. Lately I have
been really thinking about what is artistic in every sight I see. I sketch, paint,
and even photograph a lot of striking
things that interest me. There is nothing I love more than admiring nature,
animals, people and fairytales. I dream
of one day becoming an art teacher so
that I can inspire other people to live
their lives full of art as well.
Erin Kendall
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Artist Statement
Art is capturing the beauty in everyday
life and remaking it to show the world
the little marvelous things that sometimes
go unnoticed. Ever since I have started
getting involved in art I have had a
very different outlook on life and the
way things are seen. When I was little
I thought art was drawing something
on paper. Now I feel that art is adding
lights and darks and detail to a page.
Tatoo City
Pencil
$60
Where Will We Go
Acrylic
$55
Artist Statement
When I start to draw or paint something
I always have some type of emotion in
my head. It always finds a way to come
Member of FINRA and SIPC
Sponsorship made possible
through the generosity of the
Clark Hunter Foundation
Without
“Art”
the earth
is just
“Eh”
Proud to sponsor the MCG Invitational Arts Exhibition
MCG Invitational
15
Student artists
out in my picture, most of the time it has
a darker aspect to it. Then there’s the
part where I have the flow of music and
just feeling coming out right onto the
paper with every mark I make. I never
really know what I’m going to draw
when I start; sometimes it just starts out
with a simple line or circle. Then there’s
the feeling I get when I pick up the paint
brush or the tool I’m using for sculpting
or something as simple as a pencil I get
this feeling of making myself just a little
bit happier. Throughout my drawings
and paintings I try to learn different
ways to go about doing things and making myself a better artist. I listen to how
other people do there’s and I apply it
to what I’m trying to do to make myself
better.
Kasey Neiderlander
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Flying Free
Feathers and Fabric
NFS
Ocean Wind
Watercolor
NFS
Artist Statement
Art has inspired me to make my life my
masterpiece. Art is my escape and my
chance to express who I really am. I
hope to have a career as an artist so
that one day my art can inspire others
just as it has inspired me.
Shannon Nelis
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Atoms
Watercolor
$40
Double Exposure
Pencil
NFS
Artist Statement
I have always looked at art as a convenient reverie. It has been a very calming hobby that I have enjoyed for the
vast majority of my life. In time, I hope
to teach others with my art, as well as
share personal experiences and stories
from what I have gone through, and the
people I have known.
16
I have always loved story-telling and
educating others on topics I am fairly
knowledgeable on, whether by word of
mouth, through writing, and especially
visual art. I love discussing events and
talking about people that have helped
me grow and my current work reflects
that. I have managed to find comfortable mediums for myself, usually ink
and watercolors; my style tends to have
a cartoon-like feel which usually contrasts with what or who it is depicting.
I am finally starting to come in to my
own in terms of my art. I have set goals
for myself and I am starting to reach
them. I am doing what I set out to do:
tell stories of the wonderful people,
places, and ideas that have helped me
become who I am today.
Victoria Parker
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
You Are Above Me
Pencil
NFS
Mr. Mushroom
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
My art is a reflection of myself. For
some time I have seen myself gravitating
towards fine arts. My real love is drawing. Working with pencil is amazing.
Being able to work with the different values is really exciting for me to see what
I can actually create. Recently I have
been working with clay and sculpting.
The new experiences help me see new
aspects of art. My art is about reaching
new heights with myself to see what I
am capable of, also while enjoying the
project.
Mark Robinson
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Light in the Abyss
Ceramic
$55
Artist Statement
My art starts when I relate to something
and it opens my mind to a bigger picture. With this flow of connecting ideas
in my head, I create drawings or paint-
MCG Invitational
ings, sculptures, music, stories or poetry.
It’s an ongoing process of releasing
tension and stress from the headache
caused by life. The outcome is now a reminder of a story or emotion I once felt
and endured. I tend to see little purpose
in saving minor sketches or sculptures,
due to the fact that all I wanted was that
“quick fix” I get from creating them. It’s
a quick way of me stabilizing myself
mentally in that moment.
Maria Sanchez
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Nutela
Acrylic
$75
Tribal Talisman
Ceramic
$100
Alexis Schwer
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Stellar Being
Watercolor
NFS
Fraction Fusion
Glass
NFS
Artist Statement
My name is Alexis “Lexi” Schwer. I
create art to show people beauty in
the most abstract of things. I create
pieces so that people will understand
my concept and my definition of beauty.
Before I create something new I think
about obscure things and thoughts that
people seem to forget about. I then take
those thoughts and ideas and make
them into something bright and shinning, something you can’t ignore. I try
to incorporate a little part of me when
making something new, whether it be
with layered textures, or bright colors I
always try to include it.
My current works are a look into my
thoughts of what can be beautiful. Society has a set definition for what beautiful can be, but I hope to change that.
I hope to make people feel differently
about what they once thought could and
couldn’t be beautiful. Because I believe
that beauty can be obscure and quirky
among with many other things; beauty
Student artists
is trial and error, not perfection.
Cheyanne Skinner
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Beauty and Strength
Ceramic
NFS
Talking Machine
Telephone
$125
Artist Statement
I find it hard to fake my emotions. Many
of my pieces are very different and
range from disturbing to carefree and
fun. My artwork is a direct look into my
soul at that precise moment. I enjoy art
history, so I try to infuse it into my work.
Art should speak, it should come alive.
When I create, I want whoever the
viewer is to feel something.
Sarah Stiffey
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Neverland
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
During the past two years of taking
ceramics classes, I found myself doing
more fantasy work such as fictional
characters and animation. Although the
work I do can be frustrating at times,
I still push through and try to create
something amazing. Working with clay
is something I really enjoy. There are
many techniques and skills one can
learn by working with clay. I love to experiment with different glazes, because
I enjoy working with various colors.
Lastly, I enjoy the fact that clay and
glaze is always so unpredictable. Even
though the work may not have come out
the way I wanted it to at first, I could still
have it turn into something magnificent
in the end.
Brooke Taylor
Teacher: Cheryl Lane
Hall Passes
Wood
NFS
Slip Trail Pot
Ceramic
$25
Artist Statement
Growing up as the daughter of a designer for Pittsburgh CLO has exposed
me to art all my life. Just recently I have
been finding myself through variations
of art. A lot of my artwork resembles
the renaissance, and nature. I find that
time period is absolutely beautiful; so
much legendary art has come from
that time. My favorite material to use is
clay. The feel of the clay makes me feel
relaxed, and it keeps me peaceful. I
also enjoy working with paint. At times
I get frustrated with things when it does
not work the way I want it to, but I love
finding new ways to fix and alter things
to make them work better. My artwork
is very natural and realistic, the realistic
the art, the better it becomes. There are
many things that inspire me to make art;
such as, my teachers, friends, and family. They all motivate me to challenge
and push myself to new levels.
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Saul Bezner
Teacher: Keith Hershberger and Beyvan
Schantz
Anna
Enamel Paint
NFS
Hey You
Enamel Paint
NFS
Waves
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
I painted “Sophia” on top of a linen
sheet in my garage. At first, it was just
a painting: I had enamel, a wooden
board, and a sunny afternoon. But the
longer it sat in my room, the more it reminded me of something or someone. I
haven’t seen Sophia in a long time and
when I think of her, my memory blurs
and creates an image like the painting.
My sister, Anna lives in Oregon so we
don’t see each other often. For most of
my life, she has been my role model
and greatest source of inspiration. The
day I painted “Anna”, we were texting
MCG Invitational
about her next trip home. The painting,
“Hey You” was influenced by the Pink
Floyd songs “Hey You” and “Wish You
Were Here” which I painted during a
time of shame and self-reflection. My
last piece, “Waves” was thrown in the
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild ceramic
studio. Over the past year, wheel throwing has become a release for me. I can
only describe this feeling of release as
a steady current in water, pushing me
onward.
Teddy Caplan
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Dining
Film Photography
$35
Artist Statement
Dining was created during Manchester
Craftsmen’s Guild course Darkroom
Mania with photography instructor Germaine Watkins. During this course, we
learned various printing techniques like
selective developing which was used for
this piece.
Sophia Carlin
Teacher: Beyvan Schantz
Orange Bowl
Ceramic
NFS
Destiny Colaizzi
Teacher: Keith Hershberger and Beyvan
Schantz
Doh Tea Pot
Ceramic
$25
Artist Statement
My statement on the art would be that
I believe this is a great start to a art
career if I choose that path. If I don’t
choose to be an artist in life my work
will still get me far in earning some
extra money or enjoy my free time. I
know my work will only get better if I
keep trying my best like I do now with
my artwork.
Jakob Denham
Teacher: Richena Brockinson
February
Digital Photography
$45
17
Student artists
Emily Head
Teacher: Ben Pyles
Peer Into My Soul
Acrylic
NFS
Melancholy
Photoshop
$20
Artist Statement
In each piece of art I try to convey emotions that I could never put into words. I
want my work to touch it’s audience on
a deeper level as well as portray different forms of beauty I see everyday.
Jymier Johnson
Teacher: Jill Wiggins
Graffiti Artist
Digital Illustration
$40
Artist Statement
This piece was inspired by my love of
grafitti art.
Vivian Jou
Teacher: Keith Hershberger
Untitled
Ceramic
NFS
Trevor Justice
Teacher: Beyvan Schantz
Oil Lamp Man
Ceramic
NFS
Nicolette Kier
Teacher: Keith Hershberger
Movement
Ceramic
NFS
The Mugs
Ceramic
NFS
Unicorns are Cool
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
This year I started telling people, “I’m
not an artist anymore.” At first it pained
me, and then I got used to it. Soon I
18
said it passively, so sure it was true, so
sure my number had been up because
I’d found something else I loved. I
thought that to be good at something
meant to be devoutly devoted to it, and
this year I was devoted to my research.
This year I was, “a scientist,” and
no longer, “an artist.” Then I started
wondering what an artist was at all.
Who has the right to call themselves
that? What does the word even mean? I
wanted so desperately to know what an
artist was, how they lived and whether
I was or wasn’t one of them. Now I’m
trying to figure out what art even is. But
at least that got me back in the studio.
Nelly Kowalewski
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Dried Rose in the Snow
Film Photography
$30
Skiing
Film Photography
$30
Artist Statement
Among the complexity and chaos of the
world surrounding us, I strive to capture the simple and essential natures of
objects.
Cassandra Marks
Teacher: Beyvan Schantz
Platter
Ceramic
NFS
Hidden Hands
Ceramic
NFS
Green Wiggle
Ceramic
$20
Artist Statement
In my art I like to embody vast creativity
without letting go of the feeling of nature. The key to having a beautiful piece
is that you think it’s beautiful. As long
as you like it there’s nothing wrong. I
don’t like to make a fuss over the things
I make, it may not be what I envisioned
but it is what my hands decided to
have take shape. There is no end to the
amount of art that I want to create.
MCG Invitational
Destiny Marshall
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Depth Perception
Digital Photography
$50
Fence
Digital Photography
$50
Artist Statement
Photographing the ordinary can turn
into something extraordinary! “Take
time to smell the roses”, is a commonly
heard phrase. With these images
you’re reminded not to over look the
ordinary.
Myra Morrow
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
The Tour
Digital Photography
$100
Over-seer
Digital Photography
$100
Artist Statement
Photography is interesting to me because there are times when things are
rough, but when I have the camera in
my hand, I stop thinking about those
problems. I love exploring different
places, meeting new people, it’s a big
fascination to me doing those things.
Photography is a great experiance for
me at my age right now, but I believe
photography will always work along
with me.
Alex Pelletier
Teacher: Keith Hershberger
Fox
Ceramic
NFS
Orla Pierce
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Still Life
Film Photography
$30
Artist Statement
This piece was created during Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild photography
class “Darkroom Mania” with Germaine
Student artists
Watkins. The image was made using
the darkroom technique sepia toning.
Dereka Posey
Teacher: Jeff Guerrero
Brianna Pleasant
Teacher: Germane Watkins
Breaking Apart
Photoshop
$20
Hidden Beauty
Digital Photography
$40
Unexpected
Digital Photography
$40
Artist Statement
Freedom of expression is why I take
pictures. A lot of times people find themselves looking for words to describe
their emotions, thoughts, and ideas. For
me photography does just that it has no
limits. A picture that means nothing to
you can mean a million and one great
and amazing things to me. It is a way
to free myself from the ‘shackles’ of
language.
Artist Statement
When I draw, I do it because it makes
me happy to create something with my
own two hands. I started drawing just
to have something to do in class, but
then over the years I got so much better.
Making art feels great when there’s
others who love the same things I do.
It’s awesome to get feedback from others about my art. But as far as goals, I
just want to become the best I can be.
I want my art to be as inspirational to
others as it is to me. My process is very
simple, before I start drawing I just read
manga, watch cartoons, or even look
at other artists work, just to get some
inspiration to get my creative juices
flowing. As far as materials I just grab
a pencil and my sketchbook. After so
many years of just drawing just to do
it, I now want to express myself through
my art. I want to show my feeling or
show parts of me in my art, no matter
the feeling whether it be happy or sad.
The challenges of changing my art style
so many times from then to now, makes
me want to explore more things within
and outside my own art.
Hazel Rouse
Teacher: Richena Brockinson
Rouse
Digital Photography
$45
Ivy Ryan
Teacher: Di-ay Battad
Cycle
Printmaking
NFS
Earth and Water
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
As an artist, I am highly influenced
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THE 2015 MCG INVITATIONAL
ARTS EXHIBITION!
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Invitational Youth Arts students
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wealth management advisors
Don A. Linzer
dlinzer@schneiderdowns.com
(412) 697-5222
Nancy L. Skeans
nskeans@schneiderdowns.com
(412) 697-5376
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19
Student artists
by nature and the environment. In the
majority of pieces, elements of nature
can be found through the color, design,
or the actual image. When in nature,
I feel a sense of relief, tranquility and
happiness. I find beauty in the natural
occurrences in trees, water and animals,
and translate elements of what I see in
real life into my art. I choose specific
colors in my art that are cool and not
too harsh, like light blues, greens and
browns, and I want these elements to
have a calm and relaxing effect on
the audience. Art is a way to express
your feelings and influence others, and
through my art I try to convey ideas of
peace and serenity. When I am making
art I try not to rush, because I see it as
a way to unwind, and when others see
my art, I want them to feel the same
way. I want the audience to look at my
art and see it as a sort of escape from
the non-stop world we live in today.
Kylie Scheidlmeier
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Shadows
Film Photography
$25
Artist Statement
Taking photos allows me to capture a
single moment in one second. I have
one chance to get everything right:
the exposure, the angle, the aperture.
Every picture I take represents a part
of me that I cannot express in words. I
can show people not only what I saw,
but how that moment made me feel.
Black and white photos show as much
emotion as color photos; they show
emotions in their simplest form. I see
shadows, sunshine, blacks, whites, and
grays like I’ve never seen them before.
Taking photos helps me realize the
smallest details: the way a person’s hair
lays across her shoulders or the way the
shadows of leaves hit the trunk of a tree
and the petals of a flower. Photography
gives me power to show the world in
black and white.
Eamon Sheehan
Teacher: Keith Hershberger, Justin
Mazzei
Mug and Cup Pair
Ceramic
NFS
20
Paper Study
Oil
NFS
House in Motion
Oil
NFS
Artist Statement
Movement is visually captivating to me
as an artist and it is what I try to keep
in mind when making a piece. I enjoy
working in oil and ceramic most, as
they are able to portray motion in a
very essential way. During the process
of making a 2D piece I will set out
trying to make a realistic depiction but
get distracted by certain elements of
the subject which seem more dynamic
than their surroundings. I enjoy using
the pallet knife to bring out or suggest
gesture and movement. The other side
of my fascination with motion is in
ceramics. My ceramic work centers on
the functional aspects of movement. The
entire production process for ceramics translates motion into a form. My
forms are mostly utilitarian and creating
them is a more subdued and deliberate
approach. However my goal is still to
produce works which gain their appeal
from making different elements move.
Tara Szramowski
Teacher: Justin Mazzei
Always Children
Charcoal
NFS
Reflect
Pen and Ink
$200
Artist Statement
Modern Transformation into Surrealism
Surrealism welcomes spontaneous, inexplicable emotion. My works go beyond
a common reality to display a distorted
vision and provide a doorway to another visual dimension. The viewer is
able to interpret deeper meanings and
have an individually unique relationship
with the piece.
A plain object in a surrealist work
becomes something greater. It reaches
for something deeper than reality. How
one views and interprets a work is never
wrong. This the beauty of surrealism.
MCG Invitational
There is a radical approach one must
take to achieve this artwork. They alter
our sense of reality. Each piece applies
to a changing, dynamic world; they are
windows with an ever changing view.
Experimentation and risk taking are
apparent in many of my works, as the
closer you get to the image you begin
realize the amount of line and space
that is present. In addition other technical skills that I demonstrate are the use
of rhythm, form, balance, texture, and
movement. I demonstrate originality
and imagination by the way I execute
my pieces. These works demonstrate
my overall accomplishments using my
technical skills as well as showing who I
am as an artist.
Mindy Unger
Teacher: Keith Hershberger
Orange and White
Ceramic
$20
Artist Statement
To be honest, most of my work is purely
accidental, experimental, or both. I run
into the happy circumstances of things
turning out pretty, strange, or just unexpectedly breathtaking. This impulsive
and chaotic way of doing pottery is so
different from my writing style, which is
meticulous and admittedly obsessive. I
like the change.
The pieces that I chose are, to me, the
most representative of my passion in the
ceramics studio. They show detail and
delicacy, wide-open color and a hidden
boldness, and an overall love of playing
with the effects of glazes. They let me
toy with impulsiveness and experimentation and see what it will produce. It
fascinates me.
Hannah Wahlberg
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Ghost Cars
Film Photography
$25
Pretty Unequal
Digital Photography
$30
Artist Statement
I am submitting a mixture of digital and
STuDENT ARTISTS
film photographs because I enjoy doing
both. These pictures are excellent examples of my skills as a photographer.
As I go through these classes and take
these photos, I grow as an artist and
prepare myself for my future.
Jacquan West
Teacher: Keith Hershberger
Gerald Watkins
Teacher: Germaine Watkins
Pearl of hue
Ceramic
NFS
Steel city
Digital Photography
$40
Mater eden
Ceramic
NFS
Warp control
Ceramic
NFS
Swish
Digital Photography
$50
Banjo Playing Bob
Digital Photography
$40
Artist Statement
I love love love photography. Taking
pictures is one of my favorite things to
do. I love the multiple tricks you can do
just to get the perfect shot. I have been
taking pictures ever since I can remember and going to continue taking them
every chance I get.
Artist Statement
An artist statement is to reflect on “the
hows,” “the whys,” as well as “the
ins and outs.” To give an idea of how
to give form to the shapeless... So as
the artist I feel it’s my duty to inform
you what you see, what you feel, are
what give my art any real value past
sentimental. With every piece I create my morals and beliefs are always
present. In my heart, I honestly believe
the beauty is the eternity of the flaws. I
don’t believe there is any true perfection
past what it became. We, as humans,
vary like the day from dusk, the twilight
from the sunrise. We are naturally im-
perfect, and find fondness in a multitude
of things. Yet we all somehow attracted
to the foreign “World of Nature” and
the familiar “Feats Of Man.” Nature is
flawless due to the idea that no flower is
like the next. No vine as thick or strong
as the next. And none of these things
will last as long as the one admiring
them. They’re incomparable, priceless,
desirable. As for “The Feats Of Man,”
everyone who walks through cities
admire the layout, the building, etc.
The linear shape and controlled forms
that bring the scenes we are most used
to back into our minds. Nature takes
a backseat to modern day life. When
you gaze at it, usually it’s due to the
winter gale. The time flowers have long
wilted, yet unchanged are the creations
of man. Seeming eternal, eroding still.
I create my art to “give.” I was blessed
with common-sense; knowledge was
bestowed upon me. Never before did I
think I could create, be labeled as anything other the loud nuisance, sloppy.
until I became aware of individualism
and diversity. How no one is truly the
same nothing will ever be. My art reflects the passions I have; my faith and
the lessons I’ve been taught.
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Invitational_color.indd 1
MCG INVITATIONAL
5/3/12 4:01 PM
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Student artists
Pittsburgh
Allderdice
Iman Bey
Teacher: Ferocron
Leo Marly
Acrylic
NFS
Artist Statement
I describe my art in a colorful unique
way. I challenge my self to express my
different styles of art and things that
I like. Each piece I have showed is a
reflection of my inner self. My first piece
expresses my love for reggae. My second piece expresses my love for ...well
Zombies! My third piece expresses my
love for the Aztec history and my final
piece expresses my love for my personality.
Julia Moore
Teacher: Eleanor Voyvodich
Kida
Mixed Media
NFS
Artist Statement
For this project, the requirements we
were to create a charm bracelet that
reflected our personalities uniquely. By
making this charm bracelet, my goal
was to create a piece that connected
happiness from the past and my hopes
for a happy future. To make this bracelet, I used nickel for my charms, jump
rings, s-hook, and the hoops connecting everything. Connected to each
end of the hoops was a string of blue
and white beads. In the beginning of
the project, finding inspiration for my
charms was difficult, but the more I
thought about the things that meant a lot
to me it became very clear. The Greenie
with the stamped initials represents my
dog that has passed away, the Virgo
symbol simply represents me, and the
fan represents my aspirations to move to
Japan in the future. If I were any other
person, I wouldn’t see how these things
could have a deeper meaning, but to
me these are some of the few things that
have kept me moving forward. I feel as
if I could have done a better job on this
project, but I am happy how it turned
out. This project represents me.
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Jude Richardson
Teacher: Eleanor Voyvodich
Amari Honick
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Charm Bracelet
Mixed Media
NFS
Electric Flight
Digital Photography
$95
Artist Statement
The goal of this project was the create
a charm bracelet with at least three
charms that symbolized me in some
way. Throughout the making of the
bracelet, I kept in mind that the final
product should reflect me. My bracelet consists of leather and nickel. The
charms, clamps, S-hook, and jump rings
were all made of nickel and attached
to a black, braided rope/bracelets. The
elements and principles that I focused
on were space, balance, and unity.
Evenly spacing the charms created
space and balance. Also, focusing on
one type of metal balanced the bracelet
and created unity. I believe that I was
successful in creating a charm bracelet
that represented me. Even though I was
frustrated while making my bracelet, I
am very proud of my final product and
all of the work that went into making it.
Bunnaphin
Ceramic
$80
Pittsburgh Brashear
Kelly Flaherty
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Laced Up
Ceramic
$25
AztecK
Ceramic
$25
Artist Statement
When I create art, I feel more confident,
more relaxed, more satisfied. It is the
outlet for all troubles in life. My inspiration comes from everything. Any emotion both positive and negative. Any
people both uplifting and dejecting.
Even the most negative of situations can
be transformed into a beautiful work of
art. I threw the piece titled Catawampus on the potter’s wheel by accident.
The clay would not cooperate with my
hands so it turned into a crooked pot
which was beautifully off center, it gives
movement to the piece. The piece titled
Bunnaphin is a sculptural cross between
a bunny and a dolphin. This juxtaposition provides a unifying perspective on
land and sea creatures, that they are all
one being. The photograph titled Lonely
Wind was created using a film camera
in which I double exposed to create an
eerie mood to the photo. The setting
looks like it is moving but this being is
stuck in time spectating life around her,
wishing she could join in. The photo
titled Electric Flight is two separate photos that accompany each other. The first
is the inverted original and the second
is a matrix of that original.
Carly Long
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Artist Statement
The world creates an abundance of
stress among one individual person’s
mind, body, and soul. Art is a way
to express yourself through colors and
shapes without the worry of being
judged personally. The peaceful mood
that is felt as the creativity flows, takes
away the stress of the outside world.
You are free. I use a variety of colors
within my work to reveal the significant
amount of emotions felt in one single
day. Working on my projects helps release the negative emotions and creates
a sense of balance. Be free.
MCG Invitational
Strangely Familiar
Ceramic
$65
Gatsby in Print
Mixed Media
$60
Athena’s Sign
Ceramic
$55
Artist Statement
Self expression is one’s own personality,
feelings, or ideas through art or speech.
I use my self expression in my ceramic
Student artists
work to express the darker side of art
that intrigues me. Most of my ceramic
work is inspired by facial expressions
and how the face moves. Where as my
other pieces are usually inspired by my
literary influences such as, Gatsby In
Print. One of my largest influences is not
represented as I am heavily involved
with theater arts and the construction of
sets and prop pieces. I favor the form
of art that makes you think about what
you are seeing. My artwork is made up
of thought provoking pieces that express
my interests and influences. I plan to
further my love for art as a incoming
freshman at Point Park University while
pursing a degree in the Conservatory of
Performing Arts with a technical theater
degree.
Hawa Mganga
Teacher: Jennie Canning
Love
Fabric, Dye, Wax
$100
Artist Statement
I created my batik and called it “Love.”
It is a design that describes the love
and piece I have experienced around
the world. I put my feelings into my
work because it helps me stay positive
and loved like looking at spring flowers
glowing with the wind. Coming up with
a drawing of a heart and hands around
it gave me a way to look at something
abstract like love and gave me the
words to describe it. First, I drew out
a picture of my artwork on paper and
then transferred it to fabric. The batik
process is very complicated and mixing
the dye and the wax didn’t always do
what I expected but I love what it made.
Nimo Noor
Teacher: Jennie Canning
Let It Shine
Fabric, Dye, Wax
$100
Artist Statement
“Let It Shine” is a batik that contains the
symbolism of my inspiration which is my
religion. My batik has the symbol of
Islam and the major concept of the faith,
“Allah.” Most people have misconceptions of my inspiration and guidance
in this world. I see it different without
judging. It is the light that shines inside
me and makes me who I am.
Dakota Rethage
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Tiki Tower
Ceramic
$110
Artist Statement
Ceramics, being my only elective class
among my rigorous, AP consumed
schedule, is my only escape from the terrors and stress of high school. Creating
beautiful pieces and expressing myself
through art has always been an extremely significant part of my life. While
brainstorming on what I should create, I
decided to try something I’d never done
before. I’ve always preferred just diving
right in and sculpting, but I decided
using the slab method was the way to
go. I did a lot of pre-planning and really
took my time to squeeze in as many details as possible into my piece. It took a
substantial amount of effort and numerous class periods to finally complete, but
it was worth every last second.
Stephen Schwartz
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Beauty
Ceramic
$85
Artist Statement
When a person sees a rose they may
think of passion or love. My rose is
connected to the beauty of women. The
colors I chose represent love and the
vine and thorns wrapped around the
rose expresses the pain and distress that
can come with it to contrast the rose.
This piece is a decorative sculpture
and should be displayed in an outdoor
garden as a centerpiece. My artwork
contains true emotion paired with the
action of my hands and body, guided
by those true emotions.
Angela Stoehr
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Midnight
Ceramic
$40
Beautiful Tragedy
Ceramic
MCG Invitational
$30
Meredith Warren
Teacher: Shannon Yon
Timber Tea Cup
Ceramic
$50
Artist Statement
High school is one of the most stressful
times in one’s life. It feels like it contain
only listening and learning. It is a difficult time to express yourself especially
in typical classes. I have found an outlet
from the tension of school and a chance
to convey my feelings through artwork.
My favorite mediums of art have become ceramics and photography. Each
of my pieces focuses on the natural
world around me, it’s simplistic yet at
the same time complex beauty. No matter what the piece is the work that goes
into it leaves me with a calm feeling,
while also helping me develop other
skills like focus and attention to detail.
Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12
Nell Hendricks
Teacher: Heather White
Untitled
Printmaking
$40
Best Friends
Pen and Ink
$30
Artist Statement
My main focus in art is on stylized illustration. I have always been interested in
comic art and illustration, which is often
not considered to be serious or impressive in the art world. In my experiences
with making art like this, I have never
been told that my art meets any standards that make art classically “good”.
My process is very directionless and
nonsensical, I start and then go in the
direction that feels appropriate. There is
zero meaning behind anything I do, the
main idea of my work is strictly visual.
I am good at what I do, and I think the
kind of art I create and am inspired by
is valuable and important, but underappreciated. Art can extend outside having “good” drawing skills, and being
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Student artists
extremely meaningful and conceptual,
despite what I have been told in art
school. My work may be meaningless
conceptually, but visually what I create
is extremely meaningful to me, even if
no one else gets it.
Blood
Glass
NFS
rate color, movement and harmonious
tones that evoke a feeling of joyful
expression.
Sweat and Tears
Glass
NFS
Margaret Booth
Teacher: Shannon Pultz
Maya Bingham
Teacher: Mr. Childers
Closed Pot, No Flame
Acrylic
NFS
Ivory Safiyya II
Digital Photography
NFS
Grandma’s Bowls (Stacked)
Acrylic
NFS
Ivory Safiyya III
Digital Photography
NFS
Liner
Acrylic
NFS
Ivory Safiyya
Video
NFS
Stitches Like Mine
Textile
NFS
Artist Statement
“Undercover Lizard Boss has a Morning
Routine” explores the use of aesthetic
and observant filmmaking, by displaying one subject’s morning routine.
Although the narrative is not particularly compelling, the items and colors
in the video were all carefully chosen,
as to create a conscious aesthetic. In
addition, the music chosen (“Dream a
Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald
and Louis Armstrong) romanticized
the process of getting ready especially
since the final outcome of the subject’s
dressing routine was not fully presented
at the end.
Artist Statement
I am stepping into an environment
not unlike my own. Film incorporates
aspects from all arts, detailed written
stories, dramatic performances, along
with sound and music. An artist there to
capture it all. Endless possibilities exist,
but in the end, only one story is told.
Films may seem set in stone though. It’s
particularly interesting how the entire
film would be different if some aspect
was changed. There are so many decisions that dictate what direction and
tone a moving picture will undertake.
I always looked over films and videos
and never felt a connection with them
until I made my own. Film allows you
to transport many viewers into your
world. You can run a chill through their
spine, or make them squirm at the edge
of their seat. Films have the ability to
elicit such an immediate reaction from
viewers, unlike other art. My journey is
just at the beginning. I have only begun
to unravel all the aspects necessary to
create a beautiful work of art.
Isaiah Baynes
Teacher: Denise Suska Green
Steven Bledsoe
Teacher: Tenanche Golden
Dancing with Emotion
Mixed Media
$215
Le Cirque
Watercolor
$60
Into the Wild / Cycle of Life
Printmaking
$125
Artist Statement
This piece is inspired by a digital artist
who I admire very much. In the piece
my intention is to express and incorpo-
Artist Statement
I have spent a lot of time researching
the ideology, tactics, goals, methods,
and artists involved in what was known
as the Feminist Art Movement of the
70s. My body of work has been heavily
influenced by this research as I sought
to understand feminism in terms of my
own life experiences as well as the
experiences of many of the women
in my family who have come before
me. My work aims to reclaim objects
symbolizing domesticity, (in the Western
world), forcing people to see them in
a new, beautiful, light. In my pieces,
I aim to transform the objects associated with household work, into works
that are almost portrait-like, taking on
a presence reminiscent of a women,
herself. The embroidered fabric collage
self-portrait is my way of reclaiming
what has been historically deemed “a
woman’s job,” turning it into something
different. These pieces by no means
are meant to say that we as women are
bound to the traditional roles set before
us. Especially in the clothesline painting,
the message speaks to the act of taking
those preconceptions of a woman’s role
and “hanging them out to dry.” Also,
this body of work simply touches on my
own limited interpretation feminism, as
there are many different feminisms for
different women and situations globally.
Kelly Herman
Teacher: Dennis Childers
Poof
Video
$25
Artist Statement
The art that I create encompasses many
mediums and tries to convey many
different messages but I found that in
making this video there was not any
boundaries of what was acceptable or
any rules to follow as an artist. This let
my video flow and added to the drama
and mix of emotions coming through the
film.
Hannah Wells
Teacher: Dennis Childers
Undercover Lizard Boss has a
Morning Routine
Video
$25
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MCG Invitational
Monica Brown
Teacher: Tinache Golden
Student artists
I’m Here
Conte Crayon
NFS
Speak
Conte Crayon
NFS
Artist Statement
As an artist, I strive to capture what
inspires me, and I am inspired by my
friends; they’re people that I made the
cautious decision to spend my time with,
and for good reason. I learn from them
through art and life; I feed off of their
perspectives and words and reflect on
it through my drawings. Their internal
beauty shines from within and enhances
their eternal beauty, which I try to
capture through my art for the world to
see. Too often, we try to look for beauty
through nature, and to me it seems that
we have forgotten about mother nature’s
most beautiful creation: people.
Benjamin Finnstrom
Teacher: Shannon Pultz
Self Portrait
Pencil
NFS
Spring Tapestry
Textile
NFS
Artist Statement
The collection of work I have chosen
to enter in this year’s MCG Invitational
represents some of my ventures as an
artistically interested youth in my junior
year of high school. I created each of
the four pieces I have submitted this
year without the experience of doing
similar projects, but I learned about
each type of work through the process
of creation. My linoleum block print,
Smilodon Approaching, is the result
of my first time carving a large scale
linoleum block with a monochromatic
final print. For my self-portrait, I focused
on a realistic approach for a personal
rendition as opposed to the majority of
impressionistic attempts I have done previously. My woven piece, Spring Tapestry, was the result of my first time on the
loom. Without any previous experience,
I learned how to research patterns and
operate the machinery while trying to
attempt the completion of a textile piece
in its entirety. Industrial Cerebrum was
my first attempt at juxtaposing surrealism with political and environmental
messages within my ceramic work. I
learned to mimic the textures of alternate material surfaces while attempting
to compose a composition that lent itself
to reflection on the state of the industrial
world.
William Grimm
Teacher: Shannon Pultz
Tea for One: Experimental
Neriage
Ceramic
NFS
Teddy Bear Skin Rug
Textile
NFS
4 Place 3 Piece
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
I have discovered that being an artist takes more than technical ability. It
takes a willingness to experiment and
break the very boundaries that define
technical ability. From slip casting to
pattern making, I have pushed myself
to experiment with every piece. All four
revolve around new ideas, techniques,
and processes that work together to
create art that is not only conceptual but
contains personal significance.
Sarah Hudson
Teacher: Jacques Baynes
Gandhi Boys
Acrylic
$120
Sea Cups
Glass
$60 each
LaTaya Johnson
Teacher: Mrs. Green, Sharon
Massey,Beyvan Schantz and keith
Koi
Ceramic
NFS
Koy
Metal
NFS
MCG Invitational
Artist Statement
Most of the work I currently make
doesn’t have much to say. People always tell me “There has to be some kind
of meaning behind your artwork, there’s
a meaning to everything.’’ I don’t put
meanings or stories behind my work;
there isn’t some place of hidden emotions or stories that these pieces come
from. I make them simply because they
make me happy, and that I want people
to come up with their own meaning for
the pieces I make, the emotions that are
coursing through them as they look at
something I made. I don’t want them to
feel a certain type of way when they
see my art because I tell them to. I want
them to dwell on their own emotions
and thoughts when they see something
I made.
Sagar Kamath
Teacher: Heather White
Lion with Grapes
Printmaking
$100
Artist Statement
For this piece I wanted to create an image with a lot of texture to highlight the
use of the linoleum. Drawing from previous experience using relief, I was able
to plan out a design that was complex
and interesting using just one color.
Aleksei Kaminski
Teacher: Shannon Pultz
Madds and Jacob in a Dream
Pen and Ink
NFS
Artist Statement
As an artist, I illustrate and document
from my imagination and observations.
I specifically focus on the movement of
people in the world, and facial expression. I’m profoundly interested by the
structure of the face and how we can
change our facial expressions simultaneously. I also base much of my artwork
by focusing on the composition of my
own observations, whether if I’m in a
market, in a public square, or even in
a secluded area. I relish drawing and
documenting busy layouts that are yet
distinguishable. For most of my work,
I use mediums such as acrylic or oil
paint, pen and ink, and film or digital
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Student artists
photography. Furthermore, I hope
for viewers to examine my work and
recognize the minuscule details that
bring each of my works into one unified
piece.
paintings that represent me and the
person I am becoming as an artist.
Emma Kennedy
Teacher: Jacques Baynes
Celtic Lily
Pencil
NFS
Harley Quinn
Pencil
$100
Untitled
Charcoal
$200
Graffiti Bus Rider
Colored Pencil
$200
Artist Statement
All four of these pieces involve human
subjects, some realistic and some surrealistic. I focus on the human form
because it is one of the most versatile
expressers of emotion. To draw a human being is to freeze an emotion in
place for all to see.
Andrew Lowery
Teacher: Mary Barr
Woven
Acrylic
$525
Self
Acrylic
$350
Dreads
Pencil
$225
Artist Statement
Studying the human form and observing
nature are two of my favorite things to
do when I make art. I decided to take
images from nature and pictures of different people and blend them together
to create intriguing juxtapositions that
convey how similar raw human nature
and the environment around us actually are. I paint odd compositions with
unusual colors that add interest to my
pieces. I think that it has also allowed
me to view things in a different light and
to appreciate details in life that others
may not normally notice. With these
ideas I have started a series of unique
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LaShawn Parks
Teacher: Shannon Pultz
Artist Statement
My art work means so much to me, it’s
a little insane. Both of the sketches were
done on my free time, not part of a
curriculum. I feel they interpret my style
in a unique way because I wasn’t trying
to force my creativity out on a sheet of
paper. Those sketches show how in the
right environment, anything can happen. For me, painting is just the most
free art form you can do, while it also
being very disciplined. Knowing when
and where to place the paint on the
canvas. Honestly making mistakes are
the best part because they can be so
beautiful in the end. Its so hard to stop
any project I work on once I start.
Ali Pirl
Teacher: Jacques Baynes
Dead Bird
Acrylic
NFS
Fortune Teller
Pen and Ink
NFS
Artist Statement
This piece is an intricately detailed portrait of a mysterious woman gazing into
a crystal ball. The tarot cards arranged
in front of the fortune teller reveal a
message of optimism and overcoming
obstacles, a sign of psychic good will.
The piece is meant to convey a sense of
mysticism and fantasy. The crystal ball
is a symbol of light and hope for the
future.
Ralph Pistorius
Teacher: Mary Barr
White
Mixed Media
$420
Self Portrait
Oil Pastel
$1000
MCG Invitational
Dead Bird
Acrylic
NFS
Artist Statement
All of this work is based on my appreciation and inspiration derived from
studying the work of Cy Twomly, Jean
Dubuffet and the processes and philosophies that they employed. I was also
influenced by early German expressionists when working on the painting of
the Inuit man skinning a baby whale,
and my self portrait, in the gestural
mark making techniques. The process
for my experimental pieces was based
on the notion of concrete art, and the
work created through Dubuffet’s ‘art
brut’ movement. That is, art, stripped
of it’s responsibility to convey reality
accurately, or to portray it as beautiful and graceful. I was also influenced
by the work of Cy Twomly during this
process, as much of his work is based
on automatic writing and stream of
consciousness. In order to get myself in
that headspace, I was reading Naked
Lunch by William Burroughs and listening to Pulse Demon by Merzbow, as I
feel these accurately match the aesthetic
ideals of noise and the vileness inherent
in human existence. I feel as though, in
that respect, the painting titled “White”
is most representative of this idea, since
even in a painting that is completely
white, filth surfaces.
Jameelah Platt
Teacher: Mary Barr
Sit In
Acrylic
NSF
The Ladder
Acrylic
NFS
Cactus Soup
Acrylic
$325
Untitled
Acrylic
$375
Artist Statement
My pieces celebrate the juxtaposition
of movement and free flowing figures.
Emphasis is giving to chiaroscuro
lighting, traditional and nontraditional
Student artists
colors. It’s very important that my work
conveys energy, and exhibits sound
tone and a since of life. It’s fundamental
that technique and form help define
and drive the viewers emotionally.
Nothing is more valuable than capturing the audience’s attention. This year I
have practiced multiple approaches to
painting techniques; defining my own
painting style. Maturing as an artist and
growing as a painter, I hope to explore
painting with more vivid compositions
and expressive methods.
Deaven Spruiel
Teacher: Denise Suska Green
Centaur
Mixed Media
$75
Wolf Pack
Acrylic
$50
Artist Statement
What made me make the centaur was
that I wanted this piece to discribe me in
some way. Since my zodiac sign is Sagittarius, I thought a centaur would be
the best thing. I incorporated the bow
and arrow because Sagittarius like to
get straight to the point. I also made the
world holder because during that time I
had a lot of problems going through my
life. When I painted “Wolf Pack,” it was
during a time when I felt alone. I tried to
capture my emotion in this piece.
Breanna Stanton
Teacher: Mary Barr, Jaques Baynes
Jacob
Acrylic
NFS
Wes
Acrylic
NFS
Andrew
Acrylic
NFS
Artist Statement
These pieces are part of an untitled and
unfinished series. It started with a theme
centered around ethnicity in regards
to skin color. While the pieces illustrate figures of different races, a lot of
similar tones are used, representing our
interconnection. However, these pieces
are not to be considered with a themed
lens, but with an open mind and an appreciation for color and form.
Charles Tyler
Teacher: Heather White
Untitled
Printmaking
$100
Artist Statement
I am very interested in perspective. In
these piece, I created a fantasy world
with several vanishing points. Using
several different line widths and styles,
I tried to use the medium to use the contrast of lights and darks to make depth.
Icarus
Pen and Ink
NFS
Materialization
Ceramic
NFS
Self Portrait
Pencil
NFS
Artist Statement
I enjoy doing art because it allows
me to express some of my ideas in a
way that would be quite difficult to do
otherwise. My medium of choice is usually graphite or pen but I sometimes use
other mediums such as paint and clay.
These are some of my more realistic
pieces of work, though much of what I
do are also more akin to the ink drawing in this portfolio in that they are more
fantasy based. Most of the time, I generate ideas though thumbnail drawings to
explore various ideas and compositions
before committing to the final piece. I
tend to used perspective drawing techniques and photo references when I’m
not doing life drawings/studies to make
the my art more convincing and to give
them a sense of depth.
Eva Vislisel
Teacher: Ms.T
Lida and the Swans
Textile
$900
Deer in Headlights
MCG Invitational
Printmaking
$750
Artist Statement
These are my favorite pieces I did my
junior year of high school. Each piece
involved a process I was trying for
the first time. These pieces all mean
something to me and one was even a
collaboration with my friend Gretta that
I will never forget.
Rosalea Williams
Teacher: Tenanche Golden
Le Cirque
Acrylic, Pen and Ink
$60
Artist Statement
For this piece, I began by looking at images of circus posters from the 1920’s.
I was able to draw inspiration from the
compositions and subject matter of the
posters, as well as the illustrative work
of artist Devue Darcy. I originally drew
this piece using pen and ink with India
ink overlays, but made the decision to
screen print copies of it as well. The
screen printed posters made it possible for me to ensure that the colors
remained uniform, and the reproduction
of it emulated the intended use of circus
posters. Using strong areas of contrast
and distorting the proportions of the
figures in this piece were techniques
that I tried to use in order to add visual
interest.
Pittsburgh Carrick
Kiera Manus
Teacher: Ruth Hendricks
Baby Bouquet
Digital Photography
$25
Anti-Social
Digital Photography
$25
Artist Statement
I take photos to express my outlook on
my environment. I try to capture every
moment of my life in a frame. I want
my peers to see my outlook on different
things. Photography has been a great
outlet for my creative expression.
27
Student artists
Taryn McDonough
Teacher: Michael Dean
Brass Bracelet
Metal
NFS
Artist Statement
I chose to make this bracelet because I
felt like it fit me. It looked interesting and
more of a challenge to make. It was the
first project of the year and I wanted to
do something new that I would actually
wear. It took time and effort cutting all
the jump rings and forming it into this
particular design, but it was worth it
because I really enjoyed the process.
Cody Monfredi
Teacher: Elizabeth Huffman
The Grimm Reaper
Ceramic
NFS
Shelly Scott
Teacher: Ruth Hendricks
Angel from Above
Digital Photography
$25
Madison Stepanovich
Teacher: Ruth Hendricks
Distorted View
Digital Photography
$25
Janairis Vazquez
Teacher: Michael Dean
Iguaca
Metal
NFS
Artist Statement
My piece represents my mother and my
home. Parrots are a symbol for someone that has beauty, guide for wisdom,
communication and thinking before
speaking; all these traits describe my
mother. This Totem also represents my
home, Puerto Rico, because our Puerto
Rican Amazon Parrot, also known as
the Iguaca, is close to extinction.
28
Pittsburgh Obama
6-12
Allahna Brown Smith
Teacher: Donna Hetrick
Most Wanted: Laziness
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
I made these self-portraits in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Museum.
They are related to the Most Wanted
Men posters that Warhol made for the
1964 World’s Fair. I used underglazes
and a screen print to produce these
colorful mug shots.
Rhonna Ly
Teacher: Donna Hetrick
Sinking Reverie
Ceramic
$25
Elena Matos
Teacher: Richena Brockinson
Strict Models
Digital Photography
$40
American Porch
Digital Photography
$40
Artist Statement
I strive to see the little things in life that
others might not notice. I strive to be
observant of everything, and find the
hidden things that nobody sees.
Avi Rudich
Teacher: Donna Hetrick
Winnie the Pooh Pot
Ceramic
NFS
R2D2
3D Print
NFS
Artist Statement
Two hats were on a hat rack. A person
came by and picked one up. It said
to the other: “You stay here; I’ll go on
ahead.”
MCG Invitational
Ashley Williams
Teacher: Donna Hetrick
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Ceramic
NFS
Artist Statement
This handbuilt ceramic work is a
depiction of one of my favorite nursery
rhymes. I tried to incorporate all the lyrics into one visual image.
Pittsburgh Science
and Technology
Senque Little-Poole
Teacher: Mr. Gouker
Snap
Video
NFS
Put the Pigs in the Pen
Textile
$25
Artist Statement
My art is an expression of myself and
my environment, taking a critical view
of social, political and cultural issues. I
don’t set out to produce art about one
particular subject. Often times as an
African American artist I’m expected
to produce work centered on African
American life. I find that while my art
does encompass this, it also extends
past this. My work tends to focus on
emotion, reactions, and environments.
I depict emotion through the deliberate
use or lack of color in my pieces. My
work with graphic design is my most
reactionary work. The subject matter
of these pieces is usually social commentary in reaction to current events,
or societal habits. What I want people
to understand about my art is that it is
an extension of my life. My influences
are first and foremost everything I, see,
feel and experience, but I love and
am inspired by music. I’ve never liked
to explain a certain piece of work - if
you’ve made a picture and that’s how
you wanted it to be, hopefully it can
speak for itself.
STuDENT ARTISTS
PrOPel andreWs st
Javier Arreola
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
Polychrome-child 3
Mixed Media
$60
Artist Statement
The art I chose to display represents
evolution. It’s the change over time,
the progress of life as an artist who
once was in their prime, fell back, and
then rose to create once again. The
pieces that are here are from different time periods. One is something I
created in eighth grade but edited to
be more refined for the now. Another
is from my freshman year, creating the
door of change from middle school to
high school. The next piece is actually
an artwork I submitted for last year’s
invitational but it was not chosen. Even
through trial and error, I still continue to
try. The last is a collection of artwork
that I transferred to clothing this year.
Most dress how they feel; what could be
stronger than wearing a drawn interpretation of the way you feel? I wanted
to express my feelings about approaching my last moments of high school by
reflecting on the four years and also
anticipating the coming years. I want all
my work not to be looked at individually
but view it as a whole--to be seen as an
evolution inspiring the change that is
within oneself.
devonte hill
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
thoughts of tomorrow
Mixed Media
$50
because I take my time, get creative and
put my feelings into it. I have been in art
class for almost three years and now I’m
realizing what it takes to do awesome
work. I give props to my teacher Mrs.
Ghubril because without her help, my
art would be very plain and boring. She
and I have both witnessed my development over the years; I have achieved a
lot in this art class. Oh by the way, Mrs.
Ghubril is the best art teacher.
Angelic hutchinson
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
Artist Statement
From an artist’s point of view, I would
say I like to do a variety of artwork. The
thing that motivates me is my creative
mind; when I see an image in my head,
I put it to paper. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the collage because
it was all me--all about me. That picture
was a real feeling that I had and wanted to express to everyone. I feel that
artwork can be used for two reasons: to
express yourself and/or feelings you’re
experiencing or just to be creative. I
believe my artwork turns out so nicely
Bad Light
Printmaking
$50
Artist Statement
My social issue is about misconception. I feel that people spend too much
time with their focus on the nice looking things and not what is right. It’s
really sad that people don’t want to
understand the meaning of something
and it’s value. My picture reflects on
this because on the bottom right corner
is supposed to be God. He isn’t very
appealing, but not everything has to
MCG JAZZ
2015-16 season
YELLOWJACKETS
october 3
MS. LISA FISCHER & GRAND BATON
october 9
AN EVENING WITH AL JARREAU
october 14
IGOR BUTMAN &
THE MOSCOW JAZZ ORCHESTRA
october 23
Pittsburgh’s Premier
Wholesale greenhouse
Locally grown Phalaenopsis Orchids, Hardy
Hydrangeas, Hardy Hibiscus, Poinsettias, hanging
baskets and other specialty plants!
DreW m athieson Center
for Horticultural and Agricultural Technolog y
An Affiliated Organization of Manchester Bidwell Corporation
1600 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 | 412-231-7200
www.facebook.com/drewmathiesoncenter
KEN PEPLOWSKI & GARY SMULYAN /
BILL O’CONNELL
LATIN JAZZ ALL-STARS
november 6
DAVID SANBORN
november 19
DAVID BENOIT CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE
TO CHARLIE BROWN
WITH GUEST JANE MONHEIT
december 4
PITTSBURGH JAZZ ORCHESTRA
HOLIDAY WITH GUEST
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
december 12
ARTURO O’FARRILL &
THE AFRO LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA
february 12
MACK AVENUE SUPER BAND
february 20
AN EVENING WITH
SAVION GLOVER & JACK DEJOHNETTE
february 26
MGP’S GOIN’ HOME TOUR
march 4 & 5
THE HOT SARDINES
march 11
SMITHSONIAN JAZZ MASTERWORKS
ORCHESTRA
march 18 & 19
PITTSBURGH JAZZ ORCHESTRA
WITH GUEST HUBERT LAWS
april 2
SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE
april 22
mcgjazz.org // 412.322.0800
MCG INVITATIONAL
29
Student artists
be about beauty. The phoenix with the
rainbow surrounding it is supposed to
be the devil. The devil was the most
beautiful angel, but he fell. Let’s take a
flower, for example. It is very beautiful
and it gives off a great scent, but it is
poisonous and will kill whatever tries to
eat or come near it.
Siobhan Robinson
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
Collage Self Portrait
Mixed Media
NFS
Artist Statement
In my collage, I wanted to show a fierce
look on my face because I was in a new
school. I heard high school was very different from middle school, so I wanted
to show how fierce I was. The red was
supposed to be like fire because I think
that fire is fierce. I wanted the red to
pop so I used blue and indigo as a
background. I found a quote by Kate
Forsyth that expressed exactly how I felt:
“May my heart be kind, my mind fierce,
and my spirit brave.”
Miasinque Smith
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
Puppet Master
Digital Photography
$40
Uprising
Sculpture
$60
Artist Statement
What inspired me to be an artist was
seeing my dad paint and draw every
day; it inspired me to find art in everyday life. Sometimes the way video
games are designed really brought out
a passion for art, as well. When I started going to Propel, I took art classes,
so I began doing more and more with
my interest in art. The projects I brought
home impressed my parents and they
encouraged me to continue pursuing
art. Before long, I had a portfolio of
sketches and pictures, including the
ones I am submitting now.
Ke’ira Williams
Teacher: Autumn Ghubril
Artist Statement
My art expresses the things in life and/
or images of what life could be. My
art is also unique. It’s unique because it
takes you to the setting of my art work.
What also makes it unique are the
patterns and things that you wouldn’t
imagine being put together. I’m doing
this because I love art and I love to explore different ways to make my art look
different/ unique. I’ve been drawing for
as long as I can remember. Also, when
I went to art museums I would always
push myself to try something new besides just drawing. It’s the fact that I love
art so much that pushes me to make it
look as best and as unique as I can. I
try to draw or paint things that people
would look at and actually feel they are
Please make all checks payable to:
30
Propel Braddock
Hills
Rikki White
Teacher: Ms. Dean
Mameha
Watercolor
$80
Seasons Changed
Pen and Ink
$35
Please help us continue our mission of educating
and inspiring urban youth through the arts. Make
a contribution to MCG Youth & Arts.
a part of. Art means a lot to me; I do it
as much as I can and I try to complete
as many works as I can. I draw whatever comes to mind or whatever I see
outside or on social media. The tools I
use are pencil, pen, sharpie, marker,
scanners, and colored pencils.
E
Melancholia
Watercolor
$120
Artist Statement
I chose to title my portfolio “A Prism of
Womanhood,” because it reflects how
I feel about femininity. I am celebrating
different aspects in each piece, because
being a woman comes with many different sides. I wanted to take the ideas
of beauty, emotions, motherhood, and
sexuality, which are commonly related
to women and not just represent them,
but rejoice in their presence. These
pieces are inspired by women in stories
or myth and loosely based off important
women in my life. These women all are
worthy of praise and differ greatly, yet
are united. It was important to me, as I
continue to grow into my own womanhood, that I immortalize those that I
aspire to live up to and are shaped by.
Eastside
Gallery
Manchester Bidwell Corporation
Attn: Development Department
1815 Metropolitan Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
The top three winners of the Friedberg Scholarship will be
featured in an exhibition May 24 to June 27th.
Make a secure donation online
Eastside Gallery, 4240 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA. 15221
www.mcgyouthandarts.org/contribute
www.eastside-gallery.com
MCG Invitational
Student artists
I have two mediums used in this portfolio; acrylic and watercolor. I traditionally use watercolor for the great layering
possibilities and clean color application.
This year was the first year I attempted
large pieces with acrylic, which was an
exciting challenge. Working with both
has really helped my gauge my growing skills and define my style.
The Neighborhood
Academy
Kamryn Randel
Teacher: Sandra Moore
Mountains 2
mosaic
$100
Artist Statement
I started out with a drawing and then
decided on a color scheme. I found the
tiles and adhered them to masonite.
After grouting there was a lot of cleaning to do.The piece was sealed with
a sealer. This project was fun and I
enjoyed the long process.
Brandy Taylor
Teacher: Sandra Moore
#2 Pencil
Oil
$40
Artist Statement
I have been using oil paints this year
for the first time. I like the fluidity of the
medium. I have been drawing pencils
for a few years, they are simple and it
allows you to see subtle changes in the
shadows and textures.
West Mifflin area
high school
Fallon Beaver
Teacher: Brian Mann
Bird Forshortening
Mixed Media
NFS
Pen and Ink Bird
Pen and Ink
NFS
Artist Statement
I am going to pursue art in college
because I have always had a strong interest in improving my skills and utilizing
them to help others. The artwork I am
submitting is a reflection of my work in
several art courses my senior year. I am
experienced with using different media;
I am presenting a mixed media piece-which includes chalk pastel, tempera
paint, oil pastel, and colored pencil, a
pen and ink piece, an oil pastel piece,
and a pencil piece. However, I also
work with ceramics and other media. I
am inspired by real life and therefore
focus on realism. I often get inspired by
birds, which is why two out of the four
pieces I am submitting depict different species of birds. I intend to keep
challenging myself to practice drawing
realistically so I can eventually get to
photorealism.
Kyra Kuzma
Teacher: Brian Mann
Coyfish
Colored Pencil
NFS
Released
Acrylic
NFS
Artist Statement
I enjoy doing art in many different
mediums, I choose to do color pencil,
pen and ink, and acrylic paint. I have
enjoyed having art for the past four
years, exploring many different themes
and ideas. I feel is art is a way to relax,
and express feelings and emotions. I
would like to continue creating art in
the future, although I’m not pursuing a
career in the arts.
Carly Fuga
Teacher: Brian Mann
Skull Butterfly
Charcoal
NFS
Artist Statement
All of the pieces I have included range
from my entire high school career in art
so far. I have a still life of perfume bottles done my freshman year completed
in only pencil. Second, I have a drawing of a cat’s face from my sophomore
year also completed in pencil. My other
two pieces, including the ant under a
magnifying glass and the skull butterfly,
are from my current junior year. The ant
drawing is done in a pencil medium
as well. However, the skull butterfly is
done in a charcoal medium. I use pencil
as the medium for most of the projects
I have done because I like the control
I have over it. I can layer the pencil
to better shade than I can with other
mediums. I also enjoy using charcoal
because I like the intense contrast of
dark and light it can give a drawing. I
like the choices I have made to submit
these drawings because it showcases
my whole art career up till now, and
really shows my improvement as an
artist. In the future I hope to grow in my
abilities and find a style to my artwork.
MCG Invitational
31
Thanks To Our Sponsors
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Hunter Foundation
NOVA Chemicals
MCG
Invitational Youth Arts students
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Dorothy L. Raizman, Esquire
© 2015 Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
www.mcgyouthandarts.org
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is an affiliate of the Manchester-Bidwell Corporation.