Paintings and Works on Paper by Maxo Vanka, Pgh Center For The Arts

PF/PCA Announces September Exhibit:
Paintings and Works on Paper by Maxo Vanka

(Pittsburgh, PA ) - Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (PF/PCA) announces Paintings and Works on Paper, Maxo Vanka.

Paintings and Works on Paper, by Maxo Vanka curated by Laura Domencic presents a selection of works that have not been previously exhibited, some of which pertain to the artist’s famous Millvale murals. In association with the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka, this exhibit reveals Vanka’s observations of the human condition in New York’s Bowery during the depression era as well as cityscapes of Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh during his travels. By special arrangement these works are on loan from the Brasko family collection. Paintings by Marissa Halderman, who received her BA from Lafayette College and is Vanka’s great-granddaughter, are presented as responses to his work.

It will be on view from September 10 through November 7, 2010.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, September 10 from 5:30 to 8:00pm. It is open to the public; a $5 donation is requested; free to members.

For more information about Marissa Halderman - marissahalderman.com

About Vanka
Born in Croatia, Vanka (1889 - 1963) is best known for his murals located inside Millvale's St. Nicholas Church – the first Croatian Catholic parish in the country. Painted in two sessions, one in 1937 and another in 1941, the murals offer a social commentary on immigration, labor, war, and incorporate religious figures such as the Virgin Mary and Christ. The spectacular images, covering 11,000 square feet, are part of the Social Realist movement.

Visit the St. Nicholas Church murals website for an in-depth look at these art treasures.

Upcoming Discussion
"Political Expression through Art," is presented as part of the ongoing Dialogue series. It will be held on Thursday, October 14. Dialogue is a series of talks and events to encourage discourse about art. Cash bar opens at 5:00pm, discussion begins at 6:00pm; free. For more information about the Dialogue series visit our Dialogue webpage.

Vanka-inspired classes at the school this semester
PCA is also offering three adult classes related to the Vanka exhibit: Egg Tempera Painting, Basic Fresco Painting, and Mural Painting. These all involve a tour of Vanka’s murals at St. Nicholas Church. For more information about these classes call 412-361-0455.

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.

the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh artist advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.