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!
"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.
"VENICE BEACH"
Don presented his photographic exploration of the ambience of Venice Beach interwoven with Joan's poetical exploration.
"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.
"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)
"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)
"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 3"
Opening night for the third edition of the popular community art exhibit at the Shaler North Hills Library. (Sony ⍺7ii)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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.
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.
"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
"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
"A LIFE IN THE ARTS - PART II"
Another inspiring night as we explored the roots of creativity and inspiration with a true master.
"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!
"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!
"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
"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''
"OMG"
Dennis Keyes joined us and provided an in-depth exploration of his work "OMG" recently exhibited at the Maridon Museum in Butler PA.
"KICKSTARTER"
Jenn shared her paintings and introduced us to the kickstarter for her new album!
"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.
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.
"MEDITATION FOR CREATIVE MINDS"
Madhu Bazaz Wangu, author and the founder of 'Mindful Writer's Group', presented "Meditation for Creative Minds; Sensations, Feelings, Thoughts."
"CRANKIES"
We hosted Ellen Gozion with her folk songs and fascinating collection of crankies.
"BLOODLINES"
Two generations of published poets joined us for an outstanding evening of challenging poetry. (Leica D109)
"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 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.
"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!
"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.
"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)