Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) is excited to present innovative approaches to art making by two young, contemporary artists. From recycled and reclaimed materials to images from popular news media, Altered Meanings explores Cat Chow and Jesse McLean’s complex and compelling styles of repurposing.

While their choice of media differ greatly, both artists’ processes rely heavily on arranging and appropriating so that viewers have to set aside their previous notions and reflect on what the artist has presented them. On display at MCG’s North Shore gallery from October 20 – January 9, 2009, Altered Meanings is sure to change your perspective!

For the full press release:
http://www.manchesterguild.org/Va/08-AltMean_KerrGal-pr004_0929.pdf

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) is excited to announce residencies with two innovative and young, contemporary artists. From recycled and reclaimed materials to images from popular news media, Cat Chow and Jesse McLean engage complex and compelling styles of art making.

McLean’s work involves images and video while Chow creates with found materials, but both artists’ processes are heavily rooted in repurposing. Arranging, manipulating and displaying various media, their works force the viewer has to set aside their previous notions and reflect on what the artist has presented them. The artist’s residencies are scheduled to coincide with an exhibition of their work, Altered Meanings, on display at MCG’s North Shore gallery from October 20 through January 9, 2009.

For the full press release:
http://www.manchesterguild.org/Va/08-800PennChowMcLean_pr004_1013.pdf

Martin Taylor and the Gerald Clayton Trio take the stage at MCG for one show only on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Kicking off a fall U.S. Tour, Martin Taylor is back at MCG with his award-winning, inimitable jazz guitar style. Hot off the announcement that his first album will be released on Artist Share in January 2009, pianist Gerald Clayton makes his MCG Jazz debut. Over the last year Clayton has performed all around the world, exposing people from the United States to Japan to his live and expressive voicings on the piano. (more…)

(PITTSBURGH) – In celebration of Bidwell Training Center’s 40th Anniversary, a series of events will be held commemorating the organization’s rich history, culture and accomplishments.

The inaugural event is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, September 24, when Bill Strickland and the Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s (MBC) Board of Directors will host an invitation-only homecoming event, highlighting the milestones of Bidwell Training Center. Guests will enjoy music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they experience a lighthearted glimpse at BTC’s rich history. Presentations by Bill Strickland and Reverend Jimmy Joe Robinson, along with a video featuring reflections by friends of the organization, will accentuate the evening. The finale will be the unveiling of a special tribute to the community, in honor of those who have contributed so much to the success of Bidwell Training Center. A coffee and dessert reception will close the evening for more than 400 invited guests that will include Bidwell Training Center Advisory Board Members, corporate and community employers, civic leaders, donors, alumni and staff. (more…)

(PITTSBURGH) – In honor of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary and Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s 40th anniversary, MCG Jazz and UPMC are proud to present an incredible gala event and concert with Ivan Lins and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, featuring a guest performance by legendary songstress, Nancy Wilson. (more…)