Pittsburgh's Avant-Garde Book Release

It's a culmination of 5 years of hard work. Founder of Garfield's Irma Freeman Center of Imagination, Shelia Ali, highlights her new book "Pittsburgh's Avant-Gard: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene". Shelia and collaborator Joelle Killebrew talk about the book's release and forthcoming mini book tour. Shelia talks about first being inspired to write the book, and the grant that helped her start. With over 400 pages, the book documents the many avant-garde artists, community organizations, and more in Pittsburgh. Richly illustrated, with many full-page color reproductions, the book highlights art from Thad Mosely, Robert Qualters, and many others. Shelia also highlights the many photographers, such as Chuck Barr and Doug Cooper. The last part of the book focuses on gallery spaces, such as AIR, Garfield Artworks, Silver Eye Photography Center, and much more. She also discusses her late grandmother, Irma Freeman. Joelle highlights her role as editor and contributor, and talks about the process of creating this book. The book launch starts on August 1st at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, with the mini book tour continuing until the end of the year. You can buy the book now, and join the book tour! Visit https://www.irmafreeman.org/ to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.  Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.