ART and INSPIRATION INTERNATIONAL is a non-profit organization founded by William Rock for the purpose of promoting the arts, cross-cultural collaboration, and creative expression.
I was fortunate to be the house photographer (when I wasn’t wandering around somewhere else on the planet).
The Art and Inspiration International executive board is developing plans and ideas for the 2024 season, so please enjoy these past events, while anticipating the seasons yet to come!
Scott Davidson (February 2020) "OUT WEST"
Scott returned to share with us his latest project - a journey through the American west exploring the changes he's seen since his first explorations there.
Joan Bauer & Don Starika (November 2019) "VENICE BEACH"
Don presented his photographic exploration of the ambience of Venice Beach interwoven with Joan's poetical exploration.
The Art and Inspiration International Salon (October 2019) "MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY"
We were fortunate to host a salon with the inspirational Lonnie Graham. Thoughts and ideas were shared, friendships were made and strengthened, and we left ready to do our part to make the world a better place.
Deena November and Kayla Sargeson (October 2019) "PUNK POETRY"
Deena November and Kayla Sargeson shared some of their latest works with us. They also brought some of their students to share their work as well. As always - a good time was had by all! (Leica D109)
Henry Roll (October 2019) "ZOMBIES AND THE ART OF THE SPECIAL EFFECT"
Local artist Henry Roll was the artist responsible for the graphics for Pittsburgh's own "Chiller Theater". Working in the film industry, he was tapped by George B. Romero to work as a zombie in the seminal "Night of the Living Dead" (Sony ⍺6300)
Scott Bryte (September 2019) "PUPPETS AND PAINTING"
We've had many wonderful guests, but no one has brought more joy with him than Scott Bryte. Pastor, ventriloquist, painter, puppet maker and master entertainer, more than one person was brought to tears this evening. You can see more of Scott's work at: www.bryteart.com (Sony ⍺6300)
Honoring Creative Spirit (September 2019) "HONORING CREATIVE SPIRIT 3"
Opening night for the third edition of the popular community art exhibit at the Shaler North Hills Library. (Sony ⍺7ii)
Scott Davidson (August 2019) "PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION TO PARIS"
Scott Davidson shared his wonderful images from a journey to Paris, based on his expertise in Infrared photography. While he was working with the light, your photographer was struggling with the fact that since we turned the lights out, there was NO light... As you can see, a great time was had by all viewing this wonderful body of work. (Sony ⍺6300)
Angelo Ciotti (May 2019) "ENVIRONMENTAL RECLAMATION"
Angelo provided us an interesting discussion about his projects and his vision as an environmental reclamation engineer. You can see his work and projects at www.angelociotti.com. (Sony ⍺6300)
David Oresick (April 2019) "PHOTOGRAPHY AS ART"
David Oresick, Director of the Silver Eye Center for Photography (silvereye.org) gave us an intriguing look at photography as art through the eyes of a curator. (Sony ⍺6300)
Gail Langstroth (March 2019) "TOR-ROT"
Gail Langstroth - poet, eurythmist, visual artist - returned with her latest film TOR-ROT - a eurythmic celebration of the City of Culture in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. You can find more of her work at www.wordmoves.com (Sony ⍺6300)
Tom Kurlander (February 2019) "A LIFE IN THE PERFOMANCE ARTS"
Tom Kurlander returned for a very enjoyable evening sharing his insights and experiences in the performance world with us. (Sony ⍺6300)
Gary Jurysta (February 2019) "NEVER STOP GROWING"
Well known Pittsburgh artist Gary Jurysta joined us for an inspirational evening talking about his career, projects, and innovative techniques. You can learn more about him at www.GaryJurystaArt.com (Sony ⍺6300)
Tom Mosser (September 2018) "LIFE AND TIMES AS A SPORTS ARTIST"
Tom Mosser spent an evening with us talking about his career, ranging from his start as the Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot to his work today as a painter.
Honoring Creative Spirit (June 2018) We were fortunate to have local gallerist Coleen Rush coordinate our first annual exhibit at the Shaler North Hills Library. Opening night was a chance for all of our accomplished artists to enjoy sharing their work with the local community.
R Aaron Raymond (May 2018) "GREAT COMPOSITION - CREATING BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS"
Aaron Raymond, photographer and teacher, brought us a presentation on elements of composition, as well as his work for National Geographic / Lindblad. Although focused on photography, there was plenty of fascinating content for artists of all disciplines. You can learn more about him at https://raaronraymond.com
Tom Kurlander (April 2018) "FILMMAKER/ACTOR/MUSICIAN"
The amazingly talented Tom Kurlander shared his music and his story with us. He also introduced his new project, '21 Voices' which can be seen at 21voices.org
Chuck Olson (March 2018) "A LIFE IN THE ARTS - PART II"
Another inspiring night as we explored the roots of creativity and inspiration with a true master.
Laura Tabakman (March 2018) "CREATIONS IN POLYMER CLAY"
Laura shared her amazing work with polymer clay, including the recent 'Into The Woods' exhibit. A great time was had by all!
Poetry Workshop (March 2018) "ART AND INSPIRATION INTERNATIONAL POETRY WORKSHOP WITH ALYSSA SINENI"
It was a dark and stormy night as an intimate group turned out for the inaugural workshop. Alyssa is a nationally published poet and well known within the Pittsburgh creative community. We are looking forward to many more of these, the first Thursday of each month, and hope you will join us!
Gail Langstroth (November 2017) "WORDMOVES"
Gail Langstroth - poet, eurythmist, visual artist - spent an evening introducing us to the concept of eurythmy. We also enjoyed a screening of her latest film. You can find her at www.wordmoves.com
Joan Bauer & Don Staricka (November 2017) "POETRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY OF PLACE"
Joan Bauer is a poet and one of the hosts of Hemingway's Poetry Series in Pittsburgh.(www.hemingwayspoetryseries.blogspot.com). Don Staricka is a photographer and provides photos for the blog. Joan read some of her recent works, and Don presented his photo essay "Phone Booths of the American West''
Dennis Keyes (October 2017) "OMG"
Dennis Keyes joined us and provided an in-depth exploration of his work "OMG" recently exhibited at the Maridon Museum in Butler PA.
Jenn Wertz (October 2017) "KICKSTARTER"
Jenn shared her paintings and introduced us to the kickstarter for her new album!
Sister Marian Senish (September 2017) "WALKING THE LABYRINTH"
Sister Marian, of the Sisters of Divine Providence, brought a portable labyrinth and coached us in the right mind set to use when walking the labyrinth.
Rochelle Blumenfeld & Claire Hardy (August 2017) We were privileged to enjoy an evening with legendary artists Rochelle Blumenfeld and Claire Hardy along with several special guests from the artist community. Colleen Rush hosted the evening along with William Rock.
Madhu Wangu (August 2017) "MEDITATION FOR CREATIVE MINDS"
Madhu Bazaz Wangu, author and the founder of 'Mindful Writer's Group', presented "Meditation for Creative Minds; Sensations, Feelings, Thoughts."
Ellen Gozion (July 2017) "CRANKIES"
We hosted Ellen Gozion with her folk songs and fascinating collection of crankies.
Carole Sineni Towers (June 2017) "BLOODLINES"
Two generations of published poets joined us for an outstanding evening of challenging poetry. (Leica D109)
Huang Xiang (April 2017) "WILD BEAST POET"
Huang Xiang, Nobel nominated Chinese poet, whose poetry inspired the Tiananmen Square protests, joined us for a dynamic evening of poetry. (Leica D109)
Christine Fréchard (March 2017) "CHRISTINE FRÉCHARD GALLERIES"
Christine Fréchard joined us for an evening's discussion about the gallery world. After the event, she kindly reviewed many member's art works.
Chuck Olson (February 2017) "A LIFE IN THE ARTS - PART I"
Chuck Olson shared his life and works with us. We're eagerly anticipating his return in March 2018!
Johanna Chastek and Elizabeth Wheeler (November 2016) "DUET: TWO VIOLINS"
Johanna Chastek and Elizabeth Wheeler treated us to a wonderful evening of music. We are so fortunate to have musicians of this caliber in Pittsburgh, and are grateful they are willing to share their talents with our community.
Jennifer Nagle Myers (March 2015) "ARTIST IN RESIDENCE"
Jennifer Nagle Myers spent several weeks as the Shaler Library Artist in Residence. We were fortunate to do several joint events with her. (Sony ⍺6000)