Friday, July 19, 2013

Night Market V



Night Market V
PDP Intern Marissa

As a new intern at the PDP, I had my first Project Pop-Up: Night Market experience this past Friday, July 12, 2013. I brought along my friend, Monica, visiting from Florida, who thankfully, was a pretty good sport about coming to work with me on a Friday night. The Night Market took place in an empty parking lot on the corner of Eight Street and Penn Avenue and ran from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. As to be expected of Pittsburgh weather, it was drizzling when I arrived around 4:00 p.m., but the rain did not seem to affect the select local food, craft, and handmade goods vendors that were happily setting up their booths. A few other PDP staff members and I set up our information booth equipped with handouts such as our Downtown Made Easy Guide, a guide to the Cultural Trust Gallery Crawl, and our Proud to go Downtown t-shirts on sale for $15.00 (and are still available at our weekly Farmers Market!).

By the time 5:30 rolled around, the music was pumping, the smell of the food from the vendors of various Pittsburgh restaurants was making my mouth water, and the rain was tapering off. The people started filing in, dozens of them, enjoying the laid-back and fun atmosphere that the Night Market possessed. My co-workers Jack and Mairin joined Monica and I for a game of corn hole coordinated by our friends from PUMP that lasted almost 45 minutes. I am proud to say that Jack and I won the match, 21 to 18; a close and very intense game. At this point I was having so much fun that I completely forgot that I was actually at work.

After our round of corn hole, I could not handle the amazing smells coming from the food vendors anymore, and decided to browse each to find which I wanted to dig into first. There were so many tasty options: gazpacho from Soup Nancy’s, handcrafted burgers from BRGR, several pastas from Del’s Restaurant, grape leaves and gyros from CafĂ© Byblos, and so much more. Considering the fact that a 21-year old girl can only each so much, you can see my dilemma. I decided on a smoked brisket sandwich from Meat & Potatoes topped with Korean BBQ sauce, beer sauerkraut, and pickled cabbage. Needless to say, I was afraid for the cleanliness of my white shirt, but dug right in. The warm, tender beef paired with the perfect toppings was literally the best brisket I have ever had. No exaggeration necessary. It didn’t take me long to devour the entire sandwich, which left me very full and very satisfied.

For the rest of my shift, which went very quickly, I worked the PDP booth selling t-shirts and spreading information about the Gallery Crawl. It was great to hear that so many people were enjoying the market as much as I was, and were so eager to learn more about the PDP! As 8:00 approached, my shift was over, and Monica and I made a lap around the market vendors. The handmade items for sale were incredible, such as the Pittsburgh architecture-inspired steel jewelry from Audra Azoury Jewerly, and  the robot sculptures created from recycled objects by Jones Robo-Works, as well as all of the other artists’ works, which were truly one-of-a-kind. I bought a shirt from DeadBuryDead, which makes both signature and classic designed t-shirts. I decided to end the night with a scrumptious oatmeal raisin cookie from Fabulous Homemade Cookies, and mango sorbet from Lascola’s Italian Ice. I would give my first experience at the Night Market two thumbs up, and I cannot wait until the next one, happening September 27, 2013!



Friday, July 12, 2013

Erra Creations Loves the Night Market and wants to see you tonight!

by Nichole Bloch, Erra Creations

I love Downtown Pittsburgh! I used to work Downtown and now jump at every chance I can to go into town for music, food, theater, art and now shopping with the awesome start of Pop-Up shops like Boutique 208! Besides the art in the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's quarterly Gallery Crawl, has always been one of my favorite affairs to attend because of the vibrant people who light up our city at night.

It was only a year ago that Pittsburgh had not yet experienced a night market. And me? I'd never heard of such a thing. When I did learn of it, I'm pretty sure I squealed with excitement! An artisan and food market that takes over a parking lot in town after work hours- sign me up! 

I am the chick behind Erra Creations and I am a born and raised Pittsburgh artist. I love to tinker with just about anything and have become known for my wares from reclaimed bicycle parts! I do shows and events all over in the north east- and can honestly say the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's Pop-Up: Night Market is one of my 3 favorite events of all time! In addition to the artists who come to show their work, there is amazing food-music-people! Whenever I am asked why I love it so, I reply- It's the best parking lot party ever!

I am so honored that Erra Creations has been the only artist at every Night Market- and hope to see you this Friday night for Night Market V!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Learn about Night Market V from one of our vendors!

By Jennifer Robinson - Owner of The Hemp Butterfly

Pittsburgh’s Downtown Partnership Night Market gives artists in this city a great opportunity to get their name out there and meet new people. My name is Jennifer and I own The Hemp Butterfly, I specialize in fashionable, eco-conscious, organic, vintage, often one of a kind jewelry & accessories. All are handmade & hand knotted in Hemp by my own little fingers. Expect boho-chic mixed with creepy cool.  I will be a new vendor at the next Night Market being held on July 12. As a newcomer both to the Night Market as well as to the city of Pittsburgh I am most looking forward to the people. The smiling faces as they walk by, getting to meet other fellow artists, the great music and just the vibe in general.

Events like these are important to the development and enrichment of any town or city. It gives artists like me the opportunity to showcase our work and reach out to the public. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing their faces as they discover new artists, new crafts, and exciting music in a downtown environment like no other. The fact that they are held in vacant buildings and parking lots is just and added bonus. As an art collector I’m looking forward to what treasures I will find. What new artist will catch my eye. What new friends I will make and what new music I will discover.


Thank you PDP it is a privilege to be part of this vibrant event. I hope I get to participate and visit both as as a vendor and as a spectator in many more to come. In a city where art is art is becoming alive I could not be any happier.