PRESENCE ALMANAC
by Elliott Desai28TH
Photo by Elliott Desai
FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE
The 28th Presence Almanac is about people who channel their time and attention into self-expression.
It’s also about 1) believing everything will work out, and 2) seeing how your life does in fact work out.
I realize that I care most about the Visual Artists showing new work, because having a full-time art career is no longer a mystery.
It begins with cultivating a healthy self-esteem and a personal practice of sitting down to do the work.
Every day.
Excluding the things you do for others, how many hours this week have you invested in your relationship with yourself?
Whenever I hear someone bemoan life’s situations, I’m curious to know if they choose distractions more often than they invest in their joy and basic needs.
When you wallow in self-pity, you create space for that conjured-up unhappiness to be affirmed.
When you believe your goals are unlikely or difficult to achieve, you’ve gone ahead and set the groundwork for an infinitely arduous path.
But if you enter each day with gratitude for where you’ve been and an intention to move forward one step at a time... that’s the reality you will live.
We are all the Universe experiencing itself in endless variety, and it flows through each of us to realize the visions we set in motion.
As a spiritual being - a spirit in rituals to be - you can change the activities that make up your day whenever you want. So quit questioning “if it will work out.”
“How do I enter this frame of mind?”
You’ve come to the right place.
It begins with PRESENCE.
I visited Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the month of March and explored a third of its 90 neighborhoods.
The next 100 pages feature Artists sharing new work in public places: evidence of what happens when people believe in their visions and don’t stop.
Life is impermanent, and we must quiet our minds to clear our minds to free our minds.
A life full of flourishing possibilities is possible, so please allow yourself to fully be in each moment.
By looking at visual art, we gift ourselves the necessary space to remember our own dreams.
And the following Artists have channeled their presence into embodiments of that optimistic intention.
Inhale, exhale, and use this book as a mindful space to envision a brighter future. Allow your ideas to unfold.
Then, what sprouts from this state of being?
LAWRENCEVILLE
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is showing their 5th annual Featured Artists Exhibition till May 17.
Founded in 1910, AAP exhibits, promotes, and supports Visual Artists from Pittsburgh and surrounding regions.
Membership is a juried process, and Artists benefit from exhibitions in Lawrenceville, developmental workshops, and programming throughout western PA.
As a culmination of the monthly Featured Artist series, my favorite works are made by Lauren Braun, Cheryl Capezzuti, Paul Roden and Ling-lin Ku.
ONENESS by Brie Ruais is on view till May 4 at Contemporary Craft
“Oneness” represents a transcendence of boundaries and humans living in a “state of relatedness” and as parts of a whole. Spanning eight years, these works explore the idea that memory and place are based on an individual’s perception and haptic experience.
This exhibition is part of the 2024 Tomayko Solo Artist Elevation Series.
BLOOMFIELD
Seth Clark exhibited new work at BoxHeart Gallery.
These two-dimensional paintings are made of collaged “architecture on the threshold of ruin” to reflect the “fragmented and complex tactility of decay.”
I visited Seth’s studio at Radiant Hall Lawrenceville and had a chance to see where he adds charcoal, pastel, and graphite to each piece.
o_Man! by Kelli Connell and Natalie Krick is on view till April 13 at Silver Eye Center for Photography.
Kelli’s and Natalie’s composite images are created to challenge the male dominated history of photography and question “what narratives are told, by whom, and for whom” - reinterpreting Edward Steichen’s The Family of Man (a MoMA exhibition from 1955).
Then walk east on Penn Ave to continue your afternoon around Bloomfield, and you will encounter these next spaces as neighbors to each other:
Grief Cake by Laurie Trok is on view till May 3 at Bunker Projects, an artist residency for emerging Artists to develop and create new work.
“The ephemeral world of food and music” informs Laurie’s practice, with baking and edible sculptures emerging at the forefront. Enjoy this dynamic array of shapes and colors staged on top of reflective plates.
Shades of Black by Women of Visions is on view till April 15 at The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination.
As an organization of African American Women Visual Artists in Pittsburgh, WOV supports professional and emerging creatives through exhibitions, education, mentorship and professional development.
Shades of Black displays the full richness and scope of their cultural heritage and is an “ode to the myriad of hues within the spectrum of blackness.”
My favorite pieces are made by Christine CMC Bethea, Emannuelle Wambach, Jameelah Platt and Ruth Bedeian
SQUIRREL HILL NORTH
Second Degree Vision at CMU School of Art was a show of new work from the MFA Class of 2024. As an interdisciplinary, experimental, research-based program, these Artists expand what it means to make art within our contemporary social context and civic condition.
I really like Georgia Saxelby’s glass, steel and moving image installations that invite the question, “What happens when you tend to your daydreams?”
Incredible, captivating and fantastical works of art!
REGENT SQUARE
Concept Art Gallery regularly conducts live auctions and I absolutely loved walking around this space to see work by Joshua Hoffman, Douglas Cooper, Ulric Joseph, Vanessa German, Aaron Troyer and Tim Kennedy. Patrons can participate in the next auction on April 27 either in person or online.
SOUTH SIDE FLATS
Neither Here nor There, a University of Pittsburgh Studio Arts Faculty Exhibition, is on view till April 20 at Brew House Arts
In this recent work, seventeen faculty grapple with issues of movement, migration, displacement, memory and identity as simultaneous occurrences.
I really like pieces by Bryan Martello, Melissa Catanese and Scott Andrew.
Additionally, Brew House Arts programs a rotating exhibition around the corner at Velum Fermentation, and Centa Schumacher’s Eclipse Season is on view.
WEST END
As one of the only contemporary art galleries in this neighborhood, I appreciate James Gallery for showing abstract work by Janice Lessman-Moss, Michael Madigan and Chuck Olson.
NORTH SHORE
The Mattress Factory populates multiple properties on the North Side and offers Artists “time and space to dream and realize projects in our hometown.”
During my most recent visit, I was reminded of how much I love Danaë and Catso, Red, two permanent pieces by James Turrell at 500 Sampsonia Way.
As one of the most celebrated American artists working today, James “grew up with an enduring love of aviation and the sky, as well as a fascination with light.” Even after thirty minutes in each room, these colorful light projections are continuously captivating.
Catalina Schliebener Muñoz’s Deep, Deep Woods is on view till March 30, 2025 at 1414 Monterey St.
Inspired by the Greer Lankton Archive (dolls, paintings, drawings, iconography and ephemera in a reproduction of Greer’s 1996 home and studio), Catalina interrogates the ways in which educational materials— books, toys, etc.— teach children how to perceive gender, class, race, and other social constructs.
Co-founded by Randy Gilson, Randyland is one of the most colorful landmarks on the North Side - a public, upcycled garden open for anyone to enter and explore.
DOWNTOWN
I discovered an installation beneath a highway meant for contemplating “your fleeting thoughts, desires, and dreams” and inviting us to take a moment to pause. Presented by The Pittsburgh Council for the Preservation of Meaningful Conversation
TROY HILL
Louise Bourgeois is best known for her large-scale sculpture and installation art, and She Lost It (2) is on view for Gallery Closed’s Exhibition Copy - a series of solo exhibitions by internationally renowned artists in six uncommon locations along one street.
The show displays duplicates and original examples of four scarves in the windows of a public school, notary office, former beauty salon, pizza shop, private home, and at Gallery Closed.
This exhibition is designed by Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis, two local Artists investing in public art around the Troy Hill neighborhood. Visit their websites to learn about more permanent public artworks: Darkhouse Lighthouse and Historic Site
As someone who cares about bringing communities together through artful experiences, I fully support what Lenka and Phillip are creating in Troy Hill and look forward to seeing their impact in the years to come.
Additionally, Scratch & Co. is a restaurant across the street with a rotating dining room gallery, currently featuring Lindsey Scott Willis’ Beats of Collection
Outside of the featured exhibitions, I encourage you to visit these spaces in person as there’s an abundance of Artists beckoning you to engage with them.
And when you discover a piece you’d like to collect, or a photo you want in print, contact Elliott to speak about acquisition and view entire portfolios in the appendix. Published
Sincerely, Elliott Desai
APRIL
2024 | NEW MOON
8,
Photo by Elliott Desai
LAWRENCEVILLE
Photo by Elliott Desai
© Lauren Braun | Moka Efti Sushi Jenga
2, 2020 - Pastel, Acrylic, Collage on Paper
2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
© Lauren Braun | Moka Efti Sushi Jenga 3, 2020 - Pastel, Acrylic, Collage on Paper
2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
© Cheryl Capezzuti Bipedal, Open II, 2020 - Residential Dryer Lint Bipedal, Open III, 2020 - Residential Dryer Lint 2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
© Cheryl Capezzuti Monopedal IV, Strata, 2020 - Residential Dryer Lint Monopedal II, Rainbow, 2020 - Residential Dryer Lint 2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
© Paul Roden | Swamp, 2022 - Spray Paint and Acrylic 2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
2023-2024
© Ling-lin Ku Lunch Break, 2022 - Walnut, Poplar, Maple, Plywood, Milk Paint, Bronze Daydreaming, 2017 - Wood, Digital Print, Breadcrumbs, Razor Featured Artists Exhibition Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
ONENESS
© Brie Ruais | Phasing Eclipse of two Celestial Bodies, 2023 - Glazed Stoneware, Hardware
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Contemporary Craft
ONENESS
© Brie Ruais | Unzipped Line and Circle (Raw Color), 2015 - Glazed Stoneware, Jeans, Hardware
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Contemporary Craft
Photo by Elliott Desai
BLOOMFIELD
© Seth Clark | Fort Studies 1 - Collage, Acrylic, Pastel, Charcoal, Graphite on Panel
We Will Wander
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of BoxHeart Gallery
© Seth Clark | Running Late - Ink Transfer, Charcoal, Pastel, Graphite, Acrylic on Panel
We Will Wander
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of BoxHeart Gallery
© Seth Clark | Pink Fort - Collage, Acrylic, Pastel, Charcoal, Graphite on Panel
We Will Wander
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of BoxHeart Gallery
© Seth Clark | Wanderer 3, Wanderer 4 - Collage, Acrylic, Pastel, Charcoal, Graphite on Panel
We Will Wander
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of BoxHeart Gallery
© Kelli Connell and Natalie Krick | Arms Up, 2022 - Archival Pigment Print o_Man!
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Silver Eye
© Kelli Connell and Natalie Krick | Suits, 2022 - Archival Pigment Print o_Man!
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Silver Eye
© Kelli Connell and Natalie Krick | Walk the Line, 2024 - Hand-cut Collage, Digital C Prints o_Man!
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Silver Eye
Photo by Elliott Desai
© Laurie Trok | Cirrocumulus, 2024 FD&C dyes, Propylene Glycol,Potassium Sorbate on Mixed Media Paper Grief Cake
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Bunker Projects
© Laurie Trok | Phantom daughters, 2024 FD&C dyes, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sugar, Egg White, Gum Acacia, Modified Food Starch, Cream of Tartar, Salt, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum Grief Cake
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Bunker Projects
© Laurie Trok | Paper sailboat, 2024 FD&C dyes, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sugar, Egg White, Gum Acacia, Modified Food Starch, Cream of Tartar, Salt, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum Grief Cake
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Bunker Projects
Photo by Elliott Desai
© Christine CMC Bethea | Gotta Have Faith, 2024 Women of Visions: Shades of Black
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
© Emmanuelle Wambach | Hair Memory, 2024
Women of Visions: Shades of Black
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
© Jameelah Platt | Growing Into Safety, 2024
Women of Visions: Shades of Black
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
© Ruth Bedeian | Whispered Wings, 2024 Women of Visions: Shades of Black
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
© Ruth Bedeian | Visitation, 2024 Women of Visions: Shades of Black
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
Photo by Elliott Desai
Photo by Elliott Desai
SQUIRREL HILL NORTH
© Georgia Saxelby | Descent, 2024 Kiln-formed glass, Ladle-poured hot glass, Moving image, Motors, Projector Magic Hour
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
© Georgia Saxelby | Descent, 2024 Kiln-formed glass, Ladle-poured hot glass, Moving image, Motors, Projector Magic Hour
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
© Georgia Saxelby | Descent, 2024 Kiln-formed glass, Ladle-poured hot glass, Moving image, Motors, Projector Magic Hour
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
© Georgia Saxelby | Violet Hieroglyph, 2024 Kiln-formed glass, Steel, Moving image, Projector Magic Hour
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
© Georgia Saxelby | Silver Hieroglyph, 2024 Cane-pulled hot glass, Steel, Moving image, Projector Magic Hour
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
Photo by Elliott Desai
REGENT SQUARE
© Joshua Hoffman | End of Summer, 2023 Oil on canvas
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Douglas Cooper | Arriving at my Studio with Jazz Charcoal on paper over board
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Ulric Joseph | A two faced approach Acrylic on paper collage
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Vanessa German | Holy Holy Black Madonna Painting, 2015 Mixed Media Paint on Toilet Tissue
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Aaron Troyer | Transcendental and Pollination, 2023 Acrylic on canvas
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Tim Kennedy | Interior with Game Board, 2010 Oil on linen
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
© Tim Kennedy | Wicker Table Oil on muslin panel
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Concept Art Gallery
SOUTH SIDE FLATS
Photo by Elliott Desai
Photo by Elliott Desai
© Bryan Martello | The Front Yard hold still, 2023 Silver gelatin print Neither Here nor There
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Brew House Arts
© Melissa Catanese | California Poppy Study #1, 2021 9 minute 13 second Video Neither Here nor There
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Brew House Arts
© Scott Andrew | Reflecting Pool, 2024 Video Installation Neither Here nor There
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Brew House Arts
© Centa Schumacher Eclipse Season
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Velum Fermentation
© Centa Schumacher Eclipse Season
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of Velum Fermentation
WEST END
© Janice Lessman-Moss | With the Morning Comes the sun Silk, Linen, Nickel, Digital Jacquard
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of James Gallery
© Michael Madigan | Throne of the Cedar Monarch II Acrylic on panel
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of James Gallery
© Chuck Olson Acrylic, Collage on canvas
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of James Gallery
NORTH SHORE
Photo by Elliott Desai
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory © James Turrell | Danaë, 1983 Ethereal plane of violet blue light
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory
© James Turrell | Catso, Red, 1994 Red square of light projected diagonally across the room
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory
© Catalina Schliebener Muñoz, 2023 Deep, Deep Woods
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory
© Catalina Schliebener Muñoz, 2023 Deep, Deep Woods
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory
© Catalina Schliebener Muñoz, 2023 Deep, Deep Woods
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Mattress Factory
© Catalina Schliebener Muñoz, 2023 Deep, Deep Woods
Randyland
Photo by Elliott Desai
Randyland
Photo by Elliott Desai
Randyland
Photo by Elliott Desai
Randyland
Photo by Elliott Desai
DOWNTOWN
Photo by Elliott Desai
Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Council for the Preservation of Meaningful Conversation
“Your CoPilot” in Pittsburgh
Photo by Elliott Desai
250
Photo by Elliott Desai
Tito Way
250 Tito Way
Photo by Elliott Desai
Photo by Elliott Desai
TROY HILL
Photo by Elliott Desai 1535 Lowrie St
Photo by Elliott Desai 1723 Lowrie St
Photo by Elliott Desai 1610 Lowrie St
Photo by Elliott Desai 1733 Lowrie St
Photo by Elliott Desai
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Scratch & Co. © Lindsey Scott Willis Beats of Collection
Photo by Elliott Desai Courtesy of Scratch & Co.
© Lindsey Scott Willis Beats of Collection
Photo by Elliott Desai
LAWRENCEVILLE BLOOMFIELD
2023-2024 Featured Artists Exhibition
March 9 – May 17, 2024
Lauren Braun thelaurenbraun.com
Cheryl Capezzuti studiocapezzuti.com
Paul Roden paulrodenstudio.com
Ling-lin Ku linglinku.com
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 100 43rd St. Unit 107, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 aapgh.org
Brie Ruais ONENESS
February 2 - May 4, 2024 contemporarycraft.org/exhibition/oneness-brie-ruais
Contemporary Craft 5645 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 contemporarycraft.org
BLOOMFIELD
Seth Clark
We Will Wander
February 7 - March 29, 2024 sethsclark.com
BoxHeart Gallery 4523 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 boxheartgallery.com
Kelli Connell
Natalie Krick o_Man!
February 22 – April 13, 2024 silvereye.org/exhibitions/o-man
Silver Eye Center for Photography 4808 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 silvereye.org
Laurie Trok Grief Cake
April 5 - May 3, 2024 laurietrok.com
Bunker Projects 5106 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 bunkerprojects.org
Women of Visions: Shades of Black March 15 - April 15, 2024 womenofvisionspgh.org
Christine CMC Bethea Emmanuelle Wambach
Jameelah Platt Ruth Bedeian
The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination 5006 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 irmafreeman.org
SQUIRREL HILL NORTH
Second Degree Vision: CMU MFA Exhibit 2024
March 16 - April 7, 2024
Georgia Saxelby georgiasaxelby.com
Miller Institute for Contemporary Art 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 miller-ica.cmu.edu
REGENT SQUARE
March 2024 Auction
Joshua Hoffman joshuahoffmanart.com
Douglas Cooper conceptgallery.com/artist/douglas-cooper
Ulric Joseph ulricjoseph.com
Vanessa German conceptgallery.com/artist/vanessa-german
Aaron Troyer aarontroyer.com
Tim Kennedy conceptgallery.com/artist/tim-kennedy
Concept Art Gallery 1031 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 conceptgallery.com
SOUTH SIDE FLATS
Neither Here nor There March 21 – April 20, 2024
Bryan Martello bryanmartello.com
Melissa Catanese melissacatanese.com
Scott Andrew scottnandrew.com
Brew House Arts 711 S 21st St #210, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 brewhousearts.org
Centa Schumacher
Eclipse Season centaschumacher.com
Velum Fermentation
2120 Jane St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 velumfermentation.com
WEST END
Janice Lessman-Moss jamesgallery.net/pages/janice-lessman-moss
Michael Madigan jamesgallery.net/pages/micheal-madigan
Chuck Olson jamesgallery.net/pages/chuck-olson
James Gallery 413 S Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 jamesgallery.net
NORTH SHORE TROY HILL
Catalina Schliebener Muñoz
Deep, Deep Woods
March 9, 2024 - March 30, 2025 mattress.org/exhibition/6855
James Turrell
Danaë, 1983 mattress.org/exhibition/danae
Catso, Red, 1994 mattress.org/exhibition/catso-red
Mattress Factory
509 Jacksonia St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 mattress.org
Randyland 1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 warhol.org
DOWNTOWN
“Your CoPilot” in Pittsburgh
1300 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Exhibition Copy
Louise Bourgeois, She Lost It (2), 1992 galleryclosed.org/louise-bourgeois
Lenka Clayton lenkaclayton.com
Phillip Andrew Lewis phillipandrewlewis.com
Gallery Closed 1733 Lowrie Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 galleryclosed.org
Scratch & Co. 1720 Lowrie St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 scratchandcopgh.com
Photo by Elliott Desai
© Brian Engel Patterns of Meaning
April 8, 2024
Pittsburgh, PA
PRESENCE ALMANAC
© Elliott Desai presencealmanac.com