Comment Archives: Locations: Culture & Entertainment: Art gallery
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
My name is Richard Claraval. I just finished an exhibition at Modernformations Gallery. The experience was fine, and Jennifer Quinio quite stimulating to work with. I feel quite inspired for my next show, wherever it may be. All of the previous comments about the space are meaningless for the simple reason that they are anonymous. ALL anonymous posts on the internet are nothing save intellectual masturbation.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I've had nothing but positive experiences with Jen. She is sweet and delightful, and always willing to answer any question I have.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
oops...that somehow autocorrected my last your to 'you're' :( sorry!
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I have had a different experience it seems than many reviewers in that I have taken Zumba class at the gallery. Jennifer runs the Zumba classes and is really one of the nicest people I've met. She's supportive and kind, not rude or judgmental in any way. It's very hard for me to believe we are talking about the same person. Definitely worth forming your own opinions about Jen and about the space...if you're experiences are anything like mine, you will certainly not be disappointed.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I have used Modernformations twice for events in the city of Pittsburgh. I LOVED it. The space is clean, quaint but roomy, 2 bathrooms, sound system, tables and chairs all provided and set out for easy access. The difficulty in my situation is I live in Maryland. Jenn the gallery owner corresponded by email and was quick with her responses. She even emailed the contract. During my most recent event I had no assistant, Jenn stayed to help me with EVERYTHING she even allowed me to arrive 2 hours early AND she helped me set up. The event ran over and the additional charge was more than fair AND Jenn helped me clean up. You don't find reasonably priced venues with kind, people friendly management these days! Jenn allowed us to have full access to the venue and the only rules she had in the contract were set to maintain the safety of the art in the gallery, which is understandable. The artists are trusting her with their work just like I trust her with my events! I totally recommend monderformations! Check them out!
Re: “Boksenbaum Fine Arts Gallery”
Boksenbaum Fine Arts Gallery is an awesome venue, I completely enjoyed myself at the Inconsistent show. The artwork was great and the atmosphere was laid back and creative...
Re: “Westmoreland Museum of American Art”
Hey City Paper - many thanks for the shout out for the Westmoreland! And, yes we are just a short drive from the City. Wanted to clarify that the museum was built as a museum and is on the site where our founder Mary Marchand Woods' home sat. Hope to see you at the Westmoreland!
Re: “Panza Gallery”
I went to the opening of this show called Fire, James Shipman's work is really powerful and has an exciting energy to it. There is other art to see at Panza Gallery, some really great paintings, photography and sculpture done by various Pittsburgh Artists. I recommend you go to this gallery and check out the show, it's closing the end of October.
Re: “Irma Freeman Center for Imagination”
This is an invitation for artists for the upcoming exhibition at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination: Antiquated and Future (or Imaginary) Technology II. This will be a group show, where artists are invited to enter up to three pieces of found/collected or constructed Technology. The idea of technology may include plans, kinetic/robotic or other objects, such as video, film, posters, prints, paintings, installations, state of the art, green, DIY or preexisting, obsolete or dying technologies.
The deadline for this exhibition is March 20th, 2011 at 5 pm at 5006 Penn Avenue. The gallery will be accepting proposals and artwork from 2 – 5 pm Sunrday March 20th. For further inquires please call 412-924-0634. The entry fee is $15 per piece. If sold the IF Center will take a 25 % commission fee. If you have any questions you may also write sheiladianeali@gmail.com. For more information see
Re: “Irma Freeman Center for Imagination”
This is an invitation for artists for the upcoming exhibition at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination: Antiquated and Future (or Imaginary) Technology. This will be a group show where artists are invited to enter up to three pieces of found/collected or constructed Technology. The idea of technology may include plans, kinetic/robotic or other objects, installations or state of the art, green or DIY technology.
The deadline for this exhibition is March 20th at 5 pm at 5006 Penn Avenue. The gallery will be accepting proposals and artwork from 2 – 5 pm Saturday March 20th. For further inquires please call 412-924-0634. The entry fee is $15 per piece. If sold the IF Center will take a 20 % commission fee. If you have any questions you may also write to the curator and director, Sheila Ali at sheiladali@yahoo.com.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I was so surprised when a friend clued me in on these reviews. Any contact I've had with Jennifer has led me to believe that she is an amazing person who does a LOT for the community, for very little in return. I am sorry that you two people had a negative experience, but:
To balance the scales a little bit, here are MY experiences with the gallery: No, it is not the most polished atmosphere in Pittsburgh, but I don't believe it's intended to be. It is cozy, is an amazing place for local artists who want/deserve a chance, is a great space for the music events I've seen there, and is a gathering place for many community events as well.
It is an important part of Penn Avenue, and I cannot stress enough how positive my experiences have been there. I have been to gallery openings, private parties, music shows and meetings. I think it has great vibes.
(By the way, the back and forth, messageboard style bantering on there is clogging up this area and is NOT a review. Write a comprehensive review and move on, people.)
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
This gallery is unimpressive and the decor/environment is shabby and dirty.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I posted a previous review, but I am now inclined to expand on it in light of the owner's response to the previous review. This gallery is one of the best spaces in Pittsburgh, however the obstacle of doing business with this art gallery is the owner, Jennifer Quinio. I have heard very positive things about her partner that is no longer with the gallery, although I personally never met or worked with him. Jen Quinio is difficult to work with if you are renting out the space for a performance or event. I have been part of events there in the past. Booking events is sketchy, because the gallery doesn't always return emails for inquiries. During the event the owner is not helpful and is rude to guests. She doesn't take constructive suggestions well and tends to be combative. She advertises rental times, then pushes the guests out the door well before the published designated ending time. The owners behavior detracts from the space, music, and art.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
Really that is ALL you focused on in my response???? That is unfortunate.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
Modernformations caters to one crowd?
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I'm assuming this post was done by the owner of ModernFormations in reaction to my review. It is unfortunate that you would automatically get defense in regards to constructive criticism. It was not meant to be offense in any way. Perhaps you should reconsider your position of the manner in which you react and look at it as more of an opportunity to improve your business. I was not advocating that it is a good idea to remain static. ModernFormations was evolving years ago and your right, it is still evolving. However, do you want a vibrant gallery with a good reputation? Or do you want a gallery that people avoid due to an unfriendly vibe that caters to one crowd? I thought this space was great and I saw many shows there and talented artists, but it isn't the gallery it once was..and that IS unfortunate. I am glad that you have changed your gallery hours back to an open door policy though! I still stand by my original review, though.
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
Modernformations has been and always will be a work in progress; a labor of love. It has gone through some transformations over the years but one beautiful aspect of this gallery is that it IS ever-changing. Some prefer to remain static. It's safer to keep things the same, year after year. But isn't it more of a challenge to evolve into something new from time to time? Modernformations still is a "trendy, hip place" but also has many events that cater to eclectic audiences who have their own version of trendy and hip. Most importantly, Modernformations has held true to its mission statement, by promoting and featuring artists who deserve the chance to be discovered. Times may change but Modernformations is far from falling flat. The luster is not lost and in more ways than one, it is stronger than ever! GALLERY HOURS ARE CONSISTENT! The gallery will be open! No locked doors will be in your way!
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
I used to live in Pittsburgh and frequented this gallery for art as well as music. I thought that it was a great space with high energy. However, I came back to the 'burg recently a couple of times within the past few months. My friends and I went gallery crawling on a Saturday afternoon. All of the galleries that we went to had regular gallery hours except this one. Modern Formations had a sign on the door to ring the door bell for service. I felt very uncomfortable about this process. It sends a poor message that it is not important enough to have your door unlocked and opened for gallery goers. My friends were less enthusiastic about the stop and they relayed to me that it is not the gallery it once was a few years ago. I reserved my judgment though until I could be a patron of the space. The next time that I visited my hometown I went to an event there. I was sad that my friends were right about the gallery. The gallery lacks the energy of an edgy space and the luster is definitely lost. I work and live in NYC, so I have seen the passing of trendy hip spaces there. Pittsburgh is different though, if you have a good space then it shouldn't fall flat. I read the previous reviews and I have never met the owners of this gallery, so I've had no past negative experiences in that regard. I would like to suggest though that they return to whatever they were doing three years ago when the space had an energized vibe!
Re: “ModernFormations Gallery”
Modern Formations is an edgy, creative gallery and Jennifer is delightful, a bit cynical, and works hard to create an exhibit environment unlike any other in Pittsburgh. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Re: “Frick Art & Historical Center”
My family have enjoyed so many spectacular events and enjoyed
the serenity and alive historic nature of the Frick history,
cafe and flower gardens!