It is amazing how a simple stroll across a bridge in the South Side could lead to such a fun and interesting day.

I recently took a trip to the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC).  The ETC is a program that teaches graduate students how to utilize and develop new forms of media and technology.  ETC is a global program, but one of their programs is run here in Pittsburgh through Carnegie Mellon University.

The halls of the ETC are littered with memorabilia.  Its almost like walking  through a museum; its a nerds dream.  Everything from Star Wars to The Simpsons is on display.  Not only are the hallways fun, but the classrooms and project rooms are amazing too.  Pei, one of the summer interns at the Museum, showed me around.  I got to see their “green screen” stage and some fun project rooms with some really interesting prototypes.  The most fun I had was in the motion capture room.  Not only did I get to test the machine out; the students also recorded my session because they needed a tall person to test the program (I fit the bill).

I also ran into our new ETC MakeShop team who are hard at work creating some new toys for the Museum.  We had an amazing brainstorming session and worked out the kinks in some of their programming.  Basically, a fun trip turned into a successful trip as well.

The ETC is a really cool place.

Too cool for me, but  I’m glad they let me visit.

-Kevin

What I thought was just going to be the opening of our new Tough Art installations turned out to be a lot more…A lot more artwork.

The Museum celebrated “The Year in Art,” this past Wednesday.  There was recognition of the artists who have contributed so much to the Museum and Pittsburgh.  On display were the Four Tough Art Pieces, the photos taken by high schoolers for the International Heritage Photographic Experience and the “One Minute Juniors” videos that were created this summer.

Also, all of our F.I.N.E. artists that spent the last year in residency at the Museum were recognized  along with their projects.  It was great meeting some people that I had not seen in a long time.  It was fun remembering the creations of their art projects and programs.

We also recognized the Artist who created the “Underpass;” a lovely piece art on display near the Museum in an underpass that leads to the North Shore.  I really enjoy walking by the art on my way to Pirates’ games.

It is so awesome to finally see Tough Art up and running.  The spaces are a little less cluttered than the photos from my previous blog about the installation process.  The kaleidoscope is beautiful, Zach’s piece is a cool hang out, Felipe’s spans the globe, and the giant slug is just that…a giant slug.  All four pieces are amazing; its always fun to have new, cool things to play with.

-Kevin

Four new Tough Art pieces are being installed in the Museum.  Four new things to play with, created by five different artists.  Lots of work goes into this exhibit over the Summer and its great to see the final products.  The above pictures give a glimpse into what goes on during an exhibit installation, kind of messy…

-Kevin

Thanks Taylor,

-Kevin

Last Sunday I attended a phenomenal event called Soup N’ At at the South Side art venue The Brew House.  The event consisted of several groups of artists pitching ideas for possible projects to put on display in Pittsburgh.  The people who attended the event voted for their favorite project and the winner would receive the funds raised during the night.  It was a very interesting crowd and a very interesting night.  I had some amazing conversations with people about The Museum and all the cool stuff that’s happening now and in the near future.

-Kevin