Category Archives: Art

Window Paint

By Alexa.

We were given the go-ahead from the wonderful people at Revive Marketing Group to paint a mural on the windows at Bakery Square.  I’ve never done this before, so it was quite an adventure.  First I had to go to an art store and be dumb and ask questions like, “What kind of paint do you use to paint on windows?” and “Do you have like a wax-pencily thing, so I can draw level lines that don’t get erased by the paint?” I was really nervous about that (because I hate feeling stupid), but thankfully I went to Artist & Craftsman Supply.  The kind gentleman that worked there held my hand (figuratively) and helped me to figure out what I would need. He was really great.  You should buy all your art supplies there.

I’m going to let some pictures do the talking for the moment:

So that’s how it began.  Thank goodness there was a lovely aluminum ladder just hanging out in the space.

Here, I’m mixing the color for “Friends” or as you’ll see in the next picture, “Frienbs”.  Yeah, I messed that up every time I painted a ‘d’.

The full text of the message was “loveoffrienbs.com, Love of Frienbs, 2.14.12, See you on the bance floor.” until I noticed what I was doing and got severely annoyed.  I blame it on being in the zone; I’m not going to hate on myself for that.  No way.  Plus it looked great in the end:

I mean… seriously.  Cool.  It spans four enormous windows.

Plus the sweet peas at Revive Marketing Group said, “Love what u did!… The 3 of us passed it like 20 mins ago! It’s awesome!!”  I am such a sucker for compliments re: work I’ve done!

Come out to Bakery Square, Tuesday 2.14 at 7pm.

See you on the bance floor…  Wait, I mean dance floor.

Vintage Valentines to Swoon Over

There’s merely a month until Love of Friends, which means that time is running out to create and compose a valentine for your companion, closest friends, or co-workers! To inspire your search or crafting session, we’ve collected ten retro cards that made us blush with their punny greetings, adorable illustrations, and downright charming details.
Let us know what you’ll be sending by sharing some love on Facebook or Twitter, unless – of course – you’ll be delivering them in-person on February 14!
1.) When you’re astronaut Mike Dexter, all you’ve got to do is say, “Hi.” – via Ebay
2.) This petite card is fit for your ‘Bell’ - via Ebay
3.) A gal from the 1920s, who delivering sweetness on skates – via Etsy 
4.) You’ll melt someone’s with this tropically-inspired valentine from the 50s – via Ebay
5.) This rosy-cheeked messenger from 1910 really has his hands full - via Etsy
6.) A lovely 1910 design that features a woman in a fabulous hat, surrounded delicate golden detail - via Etsy
7.) Feast your eyes on this ‘card’ with Huckleberry Hound from the 60s via Etsy
8.) Well, hot dog! – via Ebay
9.) This little guy is from 1945 is taking his love to great new heights! – via Etsy
10.) Who would say no to this fuzzy little farmer from the 40s? – via Etsy


LoF5 Valentine’s Day Wall posts continued

Here are a few more great images from the 2011 Valentine’s Day wall!  Be on the lookout for what you wrote, AND be on the lookout for your Admission of Admiration note!

Postcard from Katie for LoF5 2011

I wrote this one!:

When I met the Gillefonds LoF 2011 Valentine's Day wall

Artist update: Carol Skinger from LoF5

We love the artists that participate in Love of Friends.  The website is a great place to keep updated on what our artists, who have shown their work at Love of Friends over the years are up.  We just got a great new update from Carol Skinger.  Carol participated in LoF5 (20011).

Check out this blog post about her latest work!

Artist Bob Ziller helped with Kullu Valley Bike Project

One of the first artists to drop off a piece for the 5th Annual Love of Friends at SPACE GALLERY was Bob Ziller.  Bob mentioned that he hosted people at his house to create this wonderful piece that was on sale, as well as other prints.  After waiting for Kelsey and me to arrive (we were a tad late, and were shocked to see an artist standing outside SPACE Gallery at 9:10 am.) he told us about the piece, and then waved over his shoulder explaining he had more art stuff to do that day, an art opening, so he might not make it to the celebration–one of only a few good excuses.

Open Community painting for Kullu Valley Bike Project

Open Community painting for Kullu Valley Bike Project

I was listening to Burgh Living, a site I’d never heard of, but found from the new facebook page for Yinzpiration, and heard Bob’s name mentioned.  Though Bob says he didn’t take part in making the open community painting, I thought it would still be a good idea to highlight him since he’s an artist in our community doing really great things.

Listen to (and watch) a bit more of his story.

We love you, too, Lily!

I’m not sure whom “Lily” is, but I appreciate her enthusiasm for the Valentine’s Day wall…especially as the evening went on…we can look back at the wall and see where it was tagged by Lily…

Note from Lily: roses are red

Tons of cute outfits at LoF5Truer words, Lily, truer words.

More LoF5 Valentine’s Day wall greetings

We have plenty of wall greetings to share with everyone to ensure we keep the memory of LoF5 in our minds as we count down to 2012!

LoF5 Valentine's Day wall greetings

Oh, the glitter stickers…

LoF5 Valentine's Day wall love

LoF5 Artist: John Hiemstra

I would like to introduce everyone to our next Love of Friends artist, John Hiemstra.  I met John over a year ago when he came to my office to teach me and my coworkers about social media.  He often used his own art websites as examples, and it left all of us wondering, what can’t John do?  I’ve yet to find out.
Here’s more about John:
John HiemstraJohn Hiemstra has been a professional artist for over twenty years,
though LoF5 marks only his second year in Pittsburgh.
As a scene painter and later, a licensed contractor, John has created commissioned pieces for unique situations, including casinos, theme parks, restaurants, and private residences.
Developing a business as an artist working in wood, paint, metal and composites
led John to digital media as a marketing necessity.  Today, while his artwork remains “analog”, much of John’s business involves custom WordPress design, digital content
development and social media networking strategies for artists, creative
small businesses, non-profits and other fearless leaders.
For more, visit:

JOHN HIEMSTRA CREATIVE ,

To contact John: (619) 654-6208

LoF5 artist: Justin Hopper

I am so thrilled to introduce everyone to a dear friend of mine…that you probably have heard of already, if you don’t already know him.  I’ve known Justin Hopper for a few years now, and I have to say, he is one of Pittsburgh’s finest.  (And, again, some of you are like, “sister, please.  I’ve known Justin back in the Soulcialism days.”) Justin is a man of many ideas and man, some of the things he’s done around this city goes unparalleled.  But, you don’t have to take my word for it–you’ll have a chance to meet Justin tomorrow and you can check out his BOOK.  (You’ll see what I mean.)

Here’s more about Justin, and for further information, check out his website.

Justin Hopper reading Golden Legends

Justin Hopper reading Golden Legends. Photo by Larry Rippel

Justin will be showing and selling his book Public Record, consisting of poems based on 19th-century Pittsburgh crime records and with original illustrations by local art luminaries David Pohl, Chris Kardambikis, Jeff Schreckengost, Erin Brubaker, Jennifer Howison, Lisa Toboz, and Wayno!

Public Record Title Card

Justin Hopper lives as a writer and artist in Pittsburgh. His arts criticism and journalism has appeared in publications worldwide for more than a decade. Public Record, an artist’s book of documentary poetry based on 19th-century Pittsburgh crime reports, was published by Encyclopedia Destructica in 2010. These Golden Legends, A book of poetry written in response to Maxo Vanka’s Millvale murals is forthcoming in 2011. Toboz photos Public Record

Before embarking on a full-time writing career, Justin participated in Pittsburgh’s thriving music scene for more than a decade. After losing most of his hearing with The B-3s, Johnsons Big Band, and New Alcindors, he took up DJ’ing and co-founded Soulcialism, Vipers Soul Club, and Pandemic, as well as acting as resident for Attack Theatre’s Dirty Ball.

Illustration by Wayno

Illustration by Wayno

LoF5 artist: Christine Luschas

I am excited to introduce everyone to Christine Luschas, one of our wonderful LoF5 artists!  Christine will feature her etched egg art  at the celebration.  Make sure to say hi and to pick up a few of her artistic etched eggs for yourself and someone special.

flowers and eggs by Christine Luschas

flowers and eggs by Christine Luschas

Be sure to check out her blog! Here’s a bit more about Christine.

My name is Christine Luschas.  I am a graduate student at Duquesne University.  With my free time I love to learn new crafts ranging from cross stitch to jewelry, with several in between.  The craft I enjoy most is the one most people know nothing about, Etched Egg Art.

Etched egg created by Christine Luschas

Etched egg created by Christine Luschas

I specialize in hand drawn etched eggs.  The art is European and something I thoroughly enjoy.  The process in theory is simple enough.  Take a blade to a dyed hollow egg and scratch away a design.  In practice, the technique becomes more complicated.  My family is Lithuanian and we have gone to great lengths to stay in touch with our heritage.  Each of my two sisters along with my mother engage in crafts that tie into Lithuanian heritage.  My egg art is both the traditional method done in Lithuania, while also modernized with new styles and colors.

eggs and cards Christine Luschas

eggs and cards Christine Luschas

I use egg etching as a way to relax after classes or work.  Though an egg can take anywhere from one hour up to several, I enjoy watching movies and keeping my hands busy making new creations and duplicating old favorites.

Check out Christine’s online shop and her shop on Etsy and be sure to say hello 2.14.11

eggs and cards II Christine Luschas

eggs and cards II Christine Luschas