Category Archives: Art

I first met Ryder Henry canoeing…that might not have been the very first time, but it’s a pretty rad way to get to know someone.   I was so happy when Ryder decided to apply to be an artist for this year’s Love of Friends for many reasons.  One of those reasons being that Ryder single-handedly designed a tool for the LoF team to use to make our calendar production (this year’s handmade giveaway to the first 100 friends through the door) so much faster.  I literally almost cried in the face of genius.

Ryder is rad, and his artwork is amazing.  Take a look:

Island by Ryder Henry

On 2.14.11 we’ll all have a chance to talk with Ryder.  His work will blow you away.

If you’re like me and you can’t wait until Monday to talk with Ryder and support his art, he also has an art opening occurring TONIGHT at Wild Card in Lawrenceville.   I highly recommend going.

Painting by Ryder Henry

Seeing Ryder’s opening has the makings for a great Perfect Hybrid Socialist First Date…bring a third friend and make it a threesome.  Our party is $25/person or $60/groups of 3.

Also, don’t forget to check out Ryder’s homepage to see more of his work.  I had no idea how prolific Ryder was, I just knew him to be a LoF Hero.

Floating by Ryder Henry

Another day, another artist announced for the fifth annual Love of Friends.

I would like to introduce everyone to Jennifer Gooch.  I’ve never met Jennifer, but I’m excited to see her and her awesome art on 2.14.11.  Come say hi to Jennifer with me.

Here’s some info about Jennifer:

Jennifer Gooch is an artist, crafter, and musician from Texas.

Her art looks at how small things – text messages, key chains, notes, and lost gloves – become the stuff of existence, metaphors for relationships, guilt, rejection, vulnerability, and detachment.  Underneath a veneer of wry simplicity, her work seeks to reckon with absurdity.

Cool Glasses by Jennifer Gooch

When she’s not making stuff or working so that she can afford to make stuff, Jenn likes to ride around in her truck, Blanche, with her pup, Maybelle, looking for free stuff to fix up.

The Love of Friends Team would like to introduce artist Alanna James.  Alanna has been a LoF artist for the past 3 years!  Her work is incredibly popular, and we are excited to have Alanna back for another year.  I’ve known Alanna for a few  years now and I have to say, hands down, Alanna is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Here’s a  note from Alanna:

I’m Alanna James, a hard-working creative with a passion for design.  I have a BS in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and have over seven years of professional agency experience.   I work hard, and really truly, love what I do.

Water by Alanna James

I am an Art Director at an advertising agency in Pittsburgh and have most recently done all of the Trib Total Media outdoor boards and bus wraps that are popping up all around town.

I do a lot of personal artwork, digital illustration and collage type artwork.   I love gig poster art and have expressed my passion for music through the gig poster avenue for many years!

Come say hi to Alanna and check out her amazing work 2.14.11!

Key by Alanna James

The Love of Friends Team is happy to announce Andrew O. Ellis as an artist for LoF5.   Andrew will have small paintings and prints available at the event.

Here is more information about Andrew:

Andrew O. Ellis

Andrew O. Ellis is originally from the suburbs of Detroit, but has lived and worked in Pittsburgh since falling in love with city during his studies at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Though he works as a graphic and branding designer,  he dabbles in painting,  printmaking and cartooning,  and has an affinity for the visual arts as a whole.

In addition to his artistic pursuits,  he enjoys film,  bad puns,  spy novels,  British Invasion rock,  Public Radio and selling his possessions on eBay.

You’ll hae a chance to meet Andrew on Love of Friends Day, 2.14.11.  Click here to view Andrew’s website.