By Mary Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A recent exhibition at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is part of a growing trend toward global collaborative projects that have their roots in traditional communal activities.

The traveling show, “Beaded Blessings,” comprises more than 4,000 prayer packets that have been made through the Beaded Prayers Project, an ongoing worldwide collaborative artwork directed by Richmond artist Sonya Clark.

For the full Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07241/812786-42.stm

By Ron DaParma, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh’s Manchester Bidwell Corp. hopes to benefit from a new partnership with Oddpodz, a Georgia-based online network using a MySpace-type model to appeal to members of the so-called “creative class.”

The two organizations on Tuesday announced a strategic alliance that will give Manchester Bidwell an undisclosed contribution for each member who signs up with Oddpodz.

For the full Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_524645.html

By Mary Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Since I happen to be a clay guy and not a glass guy, we’re going to beat the pants off glass.”

It was a moment of levity from Bill Strickland as he addressed a packed house of studio ceramists, ceramic educators and representatives of local arts organizations at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Thursday. The occasion was the launch of “Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh,” defined as “a regional celebration of diverse expressions of contemporary ceramic art … to raise awareness of ceramic art in Western Pennsylvania.”

For the full Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07231/810101-42.stm