Pittsburgh Art Archives - Carol Skinger

Small Mall and art by Carol Skinger

February 11, 2020

lime green tree, yellow, red, orange foliage, yellow building, landscape, delicate painting — Weekend Wanderers at Frick Pittsburgh by Carol Skinger

In January 2020 I completed 21 new artworks, mostly watercolor and gouache and rushed 12 of them to the printers. For the next 90 days I am so happy to say I am one of the new artists and makers who will have work for sale at Casey Droege’s Small Mall in Lawrenceville. My work will be archival glicee prints of these latest artworks at Small Mall at 5300 Butler St in Upper Lawrenceville. The opening is Wednesday February 12, from 6-8 PM. See my new prints here.

All my work created in January was a promise that each artwork would include a sculpture, or what I think is a sculpture. Most of them are in Pittsburgh.

“Small Mall is the concept store for CDCP, an arts business focused on growing Pittsburgh’s art economy. Stop by our experimental retail space to purchase art and design objects from some of the region’s most talented makers.”

Have you heard of the new TRYP Hotel in Lawrenceville? Read more about the architecture and art there. Casey Droege was the art consultant bringing the artwork of many artists to the walls. Monmade was involved too.

I encourage you to sign up for Casey’s eblasts and read about what they are.

Bicycle Art Fundraiser for Pittsburgh’s MS Society 12/7/2018

November 10, 2018

Cycling Across the Allegheny River, Watercolor and Gouache by Carol Skinger to be auctioned this coming Friday Dec. 7, 2018 Art of Cycling, A Benefit for Bike MS at the Wigle Distillery in the Strip District Pittsburgh MS fundraiser between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Wigle Whiskey Distillery 2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. Proceeds benefit the National MS Society, PA Keystone Chapter & Bike MS. Join us for cycling-themed cocktails, Blue Sparrow Food Truck and an auction of cycling-themed artwork by Pittsburgh artists including two paintings by me. They will be unveiling and auctioning the first-ever Wigle Whiskey cycling jersey, produced locally by Aero Tech Designs. Between now and then my two Art of Cycling paintings are on display with 2 others (one by Baron Batch) at Kindred Cycles, 2515 Penn Avenue in the Strip District.

(Here’s my other auction item) 2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222

Take a closer look at both my paintings now before the auction at Kindred Cycles 2515 Penn Ave, Strip District Pittsburgh

Aspinwall Painting

December 16, 2017

“Aspinwall” original painting by Carol Skinger 24″ x 31″

“Aspinwall” a painting of the rooftops of Aspinwall from Route 28 is original painting by Carol Skinger. It is a watercolor, gouache & ink painting on 400 lb watercolor paper, $500. It was created for my 10 month solo art show (now ended) at Cooper Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel, PA May 14, 2017- March 15, 2018.

Prints available in two sizes 11″ x 14″ printed on watercolor paper $55. Larger prints suitable for a 16 x 20 frame are $80. To order a print or purchase the original painting contact me

Larger prints than that could be made.

I don’t want to delete the image above, but this post was created before I had a high res scan made of the painting. Therefore the image below is more like the print.

Where Brilliant Railroad Bridge meets Aspinwall is the beautiful new Aspinwall Riverfront Park which recently received some awards. Art critic Mary Thomas reports the awards in Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Architect Eric Fisher won the AIA People’s Choice Award for his design re-purposing the Aspinwall Marina. AIA awarded this project a Certificate of Merit in Historic Preservation.

Details of my painting are seen below.

Detail from my full size painting “Aspinwall”

At left the chateaux style yellow brick building is on Maple Avenue in Aspinwall, PA. It is a former convent of Saint Scholastica Church in Aspinwall built in 1925. The architect of the former convent Edward J. Weber was a native of Cincinnati who studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and traveled throughout Europe. He came to practice in Pittsburgh, where he had a number of Roman Catholic commissions, of which this convent was one. Weber clearly loved the medieval period, even writing in 1927 that this was when, “art was at its best.” In this convent, he seems to have been inspired by the 15th century Château du Moulin in the Loire valley, which clearly was the inspiration for Central Catholic High School in Oakland. Information on the architect thanks to historian Frank Kurtik, Docent at Heinz Memorial Chapel and a former Heinz family archivist. Very near it is Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (formerly called St. Scholastica School), and Saint Scholastica Church.

Detail from my full size painting “Aspinwall”

The red brick church sitting more or less in the center of the painting is the Aspinwall Presbyterian Church. Everything but the church’s tower burned down in 1999 and was rebuilt immediately. The sanctuary a KSBA Architects design has a wood-beamed ceiling and interior cross plan with a wide center aisle and holds a 40 pipe Luley type organ. Four large Hunt Studio designed stained glass circular windows illuminate the sanctuary.

Brilliant Railroad Bridge a truss bridge spanning the Allegheny River beyond, was built in 1904 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as part of a bypass of the narrow tracks around downtown Pittsburgh. The rail line has been out of use since the Azcon Metals scrapyard on the outskirts of Aspinwall ceased functions around 2010. It connects Aspinwall with Highland Park. On the Aspinwall side it lands at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park and at the other end is very near Choderwood, a house was built by the Corps of Engineers in 1905. The property is a unique private residence that sits on the Allegheny River at the Highland Park Dam. Choderwood is an “ideal space for individuals planning smaller scale events and gatherings. Perfect for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, family reunions, special events, birthday parties, corporate retreats, or relaxation.”

D.J. Bryant, a designer at AE7 Planners and Architects, proposed a bike and pedestrian use for the Brilliant Railroad Bridge an ambitious new idea—the Brilliant Branch Rail-to-Trail—in a July 2017 Next Pittsburgh article. It would increase connectivity and access to safe, affordable transportation options for several communities in the city. I hope this becomes a reality. Open link for exciting renderings.

An ongoing discussion of road access to a future Riverfront 47 development has activated public involvement and interest and is under discussion. To clarify things the folks at Aspinwall Riverfront Park created this statement.

Hydroelectric power could be fueling the homes and businesses being developed in the Riverfront 47 project along the Allegheny River in Aspinwall and Sharpsburg by 2020.

The current issues in December 2017 are a new PennDot proposal and gathering public input around entrance and exit isPennDot prosues between Highland Park Bridge and Route 28.

At far right in the painting is Highland Park Bridge. Approximately 57,000 vehicles use Route 28 in the area of the bridge every day. There are discussions about an improvement to access to the bridge from Route 28.

Rustbelt Kayaking!

June 19, 2017

Kayaking Near Brilliant Railroad Bridge, watercolor and gouache by Carol Skinger

My watercolor & gouache painting titled Rustbelt Kayaking is part of my solo show of 40 works at Cooper Siegel Community Library 403 Fox Chapel Road in Pittsburgh (Fox Chapel) 15238. On the walls from May 14, 2017- March 15, 2018 , a public reception was held Saturday June 24, 2017. Each purchase benefited the library 25%.

This original painting SOLD in mid summer but I have high quality prints of it still for sale, which can be purchased from me or through the library. Check Dovecote in Aspinwall for a framed print. Contact me directly for framed or unframed prints.

Venture Outdoors and Kayak Pittsburgh rent kayaks at Aspinwall Riverfront Park in summer.

Carol Skinger Art Exhibition at Cooper Siegel Community Library

May 16, 2017

Carol Skinger’s watercolor of the playground sculpture/ slide at Aspinwall Riverfront Park. Sculptor: Tom Otterness

Solo art exhibition of 40+ works by Carol Skinger at Cooper Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel, PA

YEAH and THANK YOU! Cooper Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel has asked me to keep my exhibit up a few more months into the first quarter of 2018. So it will NOT be coming down on November 8, as originally planned.

Publicity about Carol Skinger’s Art Exhibition at the library: August issue of Fox Chapel Living has a 3 page article . The Herald (Trib) July 31, 2017 issue had an article . Pittsburgh Post Gazette June 23, 2017 had an article .

Website www.carolskinger.com

Facebook “like” page is Carol Skinger Artworks

Carol Skinger is best known for her landscape watercolor & gouache paintings bold in style, drawn from the imagination, of both abstract and recognizable places. Watercolor, gouache, ink and pastel, are her primary mediums.

For her solo show at Cooper Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel May 14, 2017- late winter 2018 look for some views from her imagination and for views of the area served by the library. Some works in the show are of Aspinwall including Aspinwall Riverfront Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Hitchhiker Brewing Co (former Fort Pitt Brewing Co) in Sharpsburg, and various scenes Carol admires from her frequent local bicycle rides.

Her work includes commissioned work often custom house portraits of which there will be examples. She has done paintings of homes locally in Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, O’hara, Indiana Township, Squirrel Hill, Oakmont, Sewickley, and other locales.

Carol resides in Fox Chapel and has lived in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. Originally from Vermont she grew up in the Lake Champlain Islands and in Stowe at the foot of Mt. Mansfield. After graduating from college in the Bay Area with an Art degree, she moved to Burlington, VT and then to Boston and developed a career in architectural space planning and interior design. Carol met her husband, John Horn, in Boston and they relocated to Pittsburgh when he became a professor of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh in the medical school. In recent years, Carol has intensified her lifelong love of drawing and painting and has become active in the Pittsburgh arts community.

Education: California College of the Arts (BFA). Additional studies at Instituto Allende, Mexico, Boston Architectural Center, Carlow University and Truro Center for the Arts.

A few pieces in the exhibit:

Original painting SOLD, however prints are available

Sharpsburg, PA Watercolor and Gouache

Original painting SOLD. Prints are available

Sharpsburg original painting SOLD. Prints are available

Buying Art in Pittsburgh

March 11, 2013

Carrie Furnace by Carol Skinger

Price, dimensions & order form of my altered photograph of here

I was recently talking to a professor here in Pittsburgh who told me although they don’t have a lot of money to spend, they really would like to buy some original art. He is busy with his career and needs an idea where to start. He would love some advice.

I am writing this blog within my own website so of course he can look at the work I have on my site, and read back through some of my blog pieces. My next public event coming up is Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens May Market 2013 on May 10 and 11th. I will be outside with a bunch of other folks under a white tent. Then the 2013 y’ART Sale at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is on June 23rd during the daylight hours, also outdoors. Then June 29, 2013 Saturday I will be exhibiting and selling small works at ARTday with PSA from 10AM-4PM at the Mine Factory 201 North Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
15208. This is in Homewood, just north of Forbes Ave, across from the East End
Food Co-op. There will be art demos, live music. Some of the art studios in the
building will be open to the public.

I always particpate in I Made it Market for the Holidays in early December which has really grown. I do various other events they sponser. If he is on facebook he can like their page. Or sign up for email notifications from them. He should also watch for Handmade Arcade.

My number one suggestion to the professor? Go to art openings and go early. If you see something you really like, right away find the person in charge so they can put a ‘sold’ sign or you may lose it. Many artists do not put a high price on their works of art, so do not go to an opening thinking everything is going to be over $1000. Just remember the artist typically gets half of what you are paying in this situation.

The professor’s question was one of those OHHH moments for me. It made me realize how many people are in that same position as he is! They like the idea of buying original art but the thought of a gallery visit with thousands of dollars per art piece is a barrier. Coming right to mind as a great way to find artists is the Pittsburgh Artist Registery.

There are some newer voices in town too who I am listening to: Treading Art is the region’s latest resource for cultural happenings in the city. Christine Smith and Melissa LuVisi moved to Pittsburgh after graduating from UCLA, where they met. They were drawn to our region’s thriving arts community and the city’s drive to redevelop and expand.

Their background in business development, museum administration and curatorial management is perfect for reaching out to the creative communities in the city. TreadingArt will highlight the scene, promote cultural happenings and post reviews, photographs, interviews, commentary and critiques.

Since I am an artist and very involved with the Pittsburgh art scene I forget that many of the people who artists would like to connect with have no idea how to see and buy art! And we have thousands more artists in Pittsburgh than can be represented by the traditionally run galleries here. But do visit those galleries by all means!

So I tried to put myself in his shoes and think what would help me to know, if I knew NOTHING about this at all. It would be good for him to know that photographer Rick Byerly does do a great job providing a BIG FAT list of galleries in Pittsburgh and the region. If you google “buying art in Pittsburgh” it is going to take you to his list. Rick lists all sorts of art blogs too.

How do you know when there are art openings? Make this your new habit! Pick up City Paper weekly on Thursday and read their Visual Arts listings. They have an online version too. Plan to go to some openings and exhibits.

If you already get ENOUGH email and/or social media ideas and invitations, sometimes a newspaper is the right choice. For more information about art openings and gallery crawls The Pittsburgh Post Gazette on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review also on Thursday, are other weekly arts listings with art reviews. They both can be found online as well.

Gallery Crawls are essential to seeing art. Here is one that happens every month” Penn Avenue Unblurred First Fridays. What is it? Various galleries in the Penn Avenue Arts District (4800-5500 Penn Avenue) open their doors and showcase a variety of artwork and performances. The first Friday evening of each month.

The Cultural Trust offers a Gallery Crawl downtown 4x a year. Not to be missed! 2013 dates are January 25, April 26, July 12, September 28

And this is a MUST DO Art All Night in Lawrenceville! April 27th through 28th, 2013. Runs 4pm Saturday until 2pm Sunday (all night long). 97 40th Street in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. You will see tons of art all night long.

Many but not all artists in Pittsburgh are members of art guilds and societies. Their art shows are very competitive to get into with amazing jurists and curators. The shows will be noted in the arts lisings in the papers I listed and they are worthwhile to go to. These are the names of the most groups that come to mind. Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh, Women of Vision, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators

Well that WAS too much information! And I did not even list Three Rivers Arts Festival, Fair in the Park et al.

Oh yeah Wildcard has some great little shows and the stuff they sell is awesome! How could I forget the Shop at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts? I may never stop. I have enjoyed Paul Roden and Valerie Lueth’s woodcuts at their own enterprise TUGBOAT PRINTSHOP.