Local Artists Go Up Against the Clock at Art Olympics
PITTSBURGH - A zany blend of reality television a la Iron Chef and art, the Art Olympics are coming to the Three Rivers Arts Festival. 4th River presents the Art Olympics with accompaniment from Pittsburgh jazz band Opek at 6:30 pm, Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Market Square.
The creation of puppeteer, painter and sculptor Tom Sarver, the Art Olympics pits teams of artists against each other to create a sculpture using surprise materials and curious constraints. The three teams, each team representing a different Pittsburgh neighborhood, will have two hours to build a winning sculpture from materials that are unveiled at the competition's beginning. Each sculpture is then judged by a panel of arts professionals. "The Art Olympics includes a lot of opportunities for audience interaction," says Sarver. "Sports fans, people interested in how artists work, regular gallery goers, and people that like reality television have all been attracted to the event."
The 4th River Project, in its third year, highlights the diversity of local talent by featuring performance-based mixed media projects. "Art Olympics is a unique opportunity to see artists on their feet and at work," says Elizabeth Reiss, the Festival's Executive Director. "It really captures the do-it-yourself aesthetic that is so prevalent in the art world today."
Before the competition, local jazz impresarios Opek led by Ben Opie will perform pieces from jazz legends like Charles Mingus and Sun Ra, as well as original compositions. Opek will also play during the competition, providing a soundtrack for the nail-biting battle.
Calendar Listing
4th River presents Art Olympics with special guest Opek at 6:30 pm, Saturday, June 21, 2008. Market Square. Free. The 4th River Project is a program of the Three Rivers Arts Festival.
About the Three Rivers Arts Festival
The mission of the Three Rivers Arts Festival is to connect the community to the arts. The 49th annual Three Rivers Arts Festival runs from June 6-22, 2008. For more information, call the Festival at 412.281.8723 or visit our website www.artsfestival.net.
Download this press release
The creation of puppeteer, painter and sculptor Tom Sarver, the Art Olympics pits teams of artists against each other to create a sculpture using surprise materials and curious constraints. The three teams, each team representing a different Pittsburgh neighborhood, will have two hours to build a winning sculpture from materials that are unveiled at the competition's beginning. Each sculpture is then judged by a panel of arts professionals. "The Art Olympics includes a lot of opportunities for audience interaction," says Sarver. "Sports fans, people interested in how artists work, regular gallery goers, and people that like reality television have all been attracted to the event."
The 4th River Project, in its third year, highlights the diversity of local talent by featuring performance-based mixed media projects. "Art Olympics is a unique opportunity to see artists on their feet and at work," says Elizabeth Reiss, the Festival's Executive Director. "It really captures the do-it-yourself aesthetic that is so prevalent in the art world today."
Before the competition, local jazz impresarios Opek led by Ben Opie will perform pieces from jazz legends like Charles Mingus and Sun Ra, as well as original compositions. Opek will also play during the competition, providing a soundtrack for the nail-biting battle.
Calendar Listing
4th River presents Art Olympics with special guest Opek at 6:30 pm, Saturday, June 21, 2008. Market Square. Free. The 4th River Project is a program of the Three Rivers Arts Festival.
About the Three Rivers Arts Festival
The mission of the Three Rivers Arts Festival is to connect the community to the arts. The 49th annual Three Rivers Arts Festival runs from June 6-22, 2008. For more information, call the Festival at 412.281.8723 or visit our website www.artsfestival.net.
Download this press release
