Best Date Ideas For Art Lovers In Pittsburgh
Whether you and your sweetie are lifelong art aficionados or are trying to foster a new appreciation for this timeless vocation, centering a date around art is the way to go. Here is a collection of the five best places in the 'Burgh for joining a gallery tour, taking in a stage performance or getting your hands dirty and making your own art; all while avoiding all of the pretension and stuffiness of the classic exhibition.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
5472 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 365-2145
www.pittsburghglasscenter.org
What could be cooler than taking your sweetheart on a date to make your own glass sculptures? Pittsburgh Glass Center, a public access school and gallery, offers a wide variety of classes for new, intermediate and advanced glass makers. Active kiln forming, advanced glassblowing, frameworking, embossed glassworks and a bevy of beads, pendants and sculpture classes are available. If working with your hands doesn't exactly excite you and you'd rather just view a finished project, plenty of exhibitions run throughout the year as well. Check out PGC's Twitter feed, Facebook page or website for a calendar of events and available classes.
3G Gallery
1001 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 288-4320
www.facebook.3ggallery.com
The best places to visit on date night are those that offer something entertaining for all involved. Fortunately, 3G Gallery has something to satisfy both you and your date. With original art in a multitude of mediums, prints and handmade items like accessories and clothing, 3G Gallery is a great place to enjoy the fine arts and even take some home. When you're finished touring the gallery, visit Crazy Mocha for a latte, or cap off your evening at the Tonic Bar and Grill, which is nearly adjacent to the venue.
Arcade Comedy Theater
811 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 339-0608
www.arcadecomedytheater.com
Art comes in all forms, and interactive comedy is no exclusion. A unique twist on standup, this theatrical comedy venue features players from all walks of life. Most shows blend sketch comedy, characters, musical and stand-up; and the theater has even been known to include improv workshops. The best part? Arcade Comedy Theater is BOYB - for a paltry $2 a guest, patrons may bring their own six-pack of beer or bottle of wine (one per guest). Nearby, to preclude your fun evening of theater, plan a trip to Sweetlix Tart Frozen Yogurt or GO Pretzel.
Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 454-6000
www.heinzhistorycenter.org
You (most likely) live in Pittsburgh, but do you know where you can appreciate Andy Warhol's modern art? Do you also know where you can learn Steeler stats and sit in a vintage railcar all at the same time? At the Heinz History Center, of course. Keeping Pittsburgh's history relevant, interesting and beautifully preserved, the Heinz Center is the perfect place to plan your art-appreciation date. Located in the heart of the Strip, with ample parking and close proximity to all of the best restaurants and nightclubs in the city, this will undoubtedly rank as one of your most inventive and interesting dates.
SPACE Gallery
812 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 471-6070
www.spacepittsburgh.org
The primary goal of the SPACE Gallery is to display new works in multi-disciplines and include established and contemporary technologies by touting the work of local artists outside of the region. The coolest part is watching SPACE's seamless integration of robotics, machinery and seemingly un-artistic medium in its displays and installations. You and your art-loving partner will swoon over the gallery, guaranteed.
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
