There’s a buzz on Penn Avenue every first Friday of the month. The Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn series, sponsored by the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative and the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, brings together some of the best arts, events and food that Garfield has to offer.
Originally meant to revitalize Penn Avenue, the monthly art and entertainment crawl has evolved into one of the city’s hottest recurring cultural events. It’s a great way to meet community artists and business owners. Between blocks 4800 and 5500, visitors from all over the city can walk, talk, eat and drink. With a great diversity of local businesses, visitors can expect to see photography, dance, painting, sculpture, and musical performances.
The specific vendors, artists and restaurants can change from month to month, so be sure to check out their monthly event page to see what each Friday includes. Here are some of the organizations that often partner with Penn Avenue Arts for the monthly crawl.
Assemble
Every first Friday, Assemble opens its doors to highlight an artist, technologist, academic department, or student. Highlighting the work of local artists and makers in the Bloomfield, Garfield, Friendship, and East Liberty neighborhoods, you can see what galleries will be highlighted when on their event calendar.
VaultArt Studio
This unique gallery on Penn Avenue represents talented Pittsburgh artists who have not yet expanded their work to a studio. Artists receive career coaching, exhibition space, and professional instruction to take their careers to the next level.
ARTica
The ARTica gallery is always open in association with the First Fridays series. It’s an art gallery and antique store featuring retro, antiques and collectibles. They also have a “pop up” art event on occasion.
Garfield Night Market
From May through September, the Garfield Night Market coincides with the Unblurred: First Fridays crawl. Homemade crafts and local food is sold during the night market along N Pacific Avenue.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Looking for handmade glass as decor or gifts? The Pittsburgh Glass Center features fancy, funky and functional handmade pieces by local artists. Shop pieces or learn more about the classes they offer.
Los Sabrosos Dance Co.
Take a chance on learning a new dance style. Los Sabrosos Dance Co. hosts a monthly milonga, Argentine tango social dance, on the first Friday of the month in association with Unblurred. Bring your dancing feet and a positive attitude!
Creative Nonfiction Foundation
For over 20 years, Creative Nonfiction has housed events in the community to encourage involvement. The organization provides networking and publishing opportunities to local writers. If you’re looking for workshops and publishing experience, be sure to talk with a workshop instructor on First Fridays.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.