Coming up
National Night Out Block Parties announced that volunteers are hosting a National Night Out gathering Tuesday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. in Squirrel Hill. Hosts will organize their blocks, buildings or businesses, opening their homes to friends and neighbors. These gatherings are an opportunity for neighbors to meet and socialize as well as to communicate about problems related to safety, crime and neighborhood improvement. Party-to-party visits are expected from representatives of the police and fire departments in addition to elected officials who want to help build a stronger, safer community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition at (412) 422-7666 or e-mail info@shuc.org. to find a party close to you.
To celebrate its 100-year anniversary, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is hosting an ARTrageous program, including a yearlong series of more than 70 exhibitions and events in galleries and museums throughout the Pittsburgh region. The American Jewish Museum at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh will serve as host for the AAP’s Celebration exhibit, running from July 25 through Aug. 28. Celebration features the works of 12 Jewish AAP artists: Zivi Aviraz, Rochelle Blumenfeld, Essie Garfinkel, Rita Martin Green, Lila Hirsch Brody, Jane Haskell, Helen Naimark, Donald Robinson, Louise Silk, Judy Spahr, Jack Weiss and Susan Winicour. The drawings, paintings, photographs and fiber arts convey universal artistic issues and a spectrum of conceptual and aesthetic topics, demonstrating a spirit of eclecticism in media and subject matter. The opening reception, sponsored by Donald Robinson, will be held Thursday evening, Aug. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A survey exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art Heinz Galleries, also commemorating the AAP’s centennial, will feature the work of local Jewish artist Lila Hirsch Brody. The exhibit will open July 24 and run through Sept. 19. Founded in 1910, the AAP is the oldest and largest continuously exhibiting member artist organization in the country. It is also the only one to have a long-standing relationship with a major museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, which has hosted almost every AAP Annual Exhibition since 1911.
The 1st Annual Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland. Will Shortz, the New York Times crossword puzzle editor, will provide the puzzles for the competition. The puzzles will range in difficulty from easy to moderate and contestants of all ages and abilities will have puzzles available. The Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be the beneficiary of the proceeds from this event. Go to pittsburghcrossword.com for more information and to register or contact Rachel Colangelo at rec39@pitt.edu or at (412) 395-2873 Ext. 2864.
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Pennsylvania’s second largest adult education agency, is seeking volunteers to teach basic literacy (reading, writing, math, computer skills) and English as a second language (ESL) to adult students throughout Allegheny County. There are currently over 100 students waiting to be matched with a tutor. GPLC is offering a workshop for volunteers wishing to tutor non-native English speakers in ESL. This workshop will be held in East Liberty at GPLC’s main office, Aug. 23, 25, 30 and Sept. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. No foreign language experience is necessary. A workshop will also be offered for volunteers wishing to tutor basic literacy. This workshop will be held at the Sewickley Library Aug. 2, 4, 9 and 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. These workshops provide volunteer tutors with 12 hours of training that equip them with the necessary skills to help their students. Advance registration is required. Call (412) 661-7323 or visit gplc.org for more information and registration forms.
The Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre is performing the plays of Jewish playwright Harold Pinter. The series began Thursday with “Hearing the Noise in the Silence: A Celebration of the Life and Theatre of Harold Pinter” and “The Hothouse” — a tragicomedy the British playwright wrote in 1958. Six Pinter plays can be seen over either of two weekends — Aug. 12 to 14 or Aug. 20 to 22. Pinter, who died in 2008, was the 2005 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Over his lifetime, he wrote 31 plays and 13 sketches. Contact the PICT at (412) 561-6000 for more information.
(Angela Leibowicz can be reached at angelal@thejewishchronicle.net.)
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