Santa Shops the 'Burgh - Handmade Arcade.

I have to shamefully admit, that if it weren't for the ToonSeum Gallery Opening, I would likely have missed Handmade Arcade: Handmade for the Holidays this year.  Fortunately, I ran into some good friends outside of the ToonSeum who were just coming from the event, so I headed up the street to spend some dough and hunt for some more locally bought Christmas Gifts for the fam.
Honestly, the only thing that could have made this more awesomely perfect, would be another day.  There were so many vendors participating that my head was spinning (hence the lack of photos).  I could have spent a whole week there.
I ran across the booth of one of my favorite local artists, Andy Kehoe, who I have written about in the past during my coverage for the Black Forest book launch (along with an interview with another one of my favorite local talents, Mascha Vereschenko).  Andy is exceptional, and so this gift is for someone exceptional in my life.  I won't say who, because I don't want to ruin the surprise.....

Signed and framed Andy Kehoe print - $25 (Seriously.  I felt like I was stealing)

Of course, I picked up a few other things, but I need to keep some surprises!  Although, it would be a sneaky test to see which of my family members read my blog posts all the way to the end.

I kid. Sort of. 

By the Power of Greyskull.......

Or is it GrAyskull?  Lou would know and I wish I would have thought to ask him this past Saturday afternoon at the ToonSeum.
By Lou, I mean the great Lou Scheimer, one of the founders of Filmation and the producer of many of my childhood memories, He-Man included.  The ToonSeum celebrated his many accomplishments during the grand opening of their newly expanded space, christened the Lou Scheimer Gallery.  Lou was on hand, "He-Man" sword at the ready, to cut the ribbon and get the party started.

It was quite a party, and even though the ToonSeum has doubled in size, it was bursting at the seams that afternoon.  Even Councilman Bill Peduto was on hand to throw some old-school governmental language at us and officially proclaim it Lou Scheimer day.

Also included in the new expansion, is the Hall Gallery (literally, in the hallway).  It is currently featuring the work of Keith Haring (c'mon, if the Warhol can have a superhero exhibit.....)

Of course, the Looney Toons exhibit (sponsored by Acme Brick natch), is still running in the main gallery space through December 31st.
Another huge benefit of the expansion, is the acquisition of some much needed outdoor space, which on this gorgeous afternoon was decked out with a red carpet.  I am excited to see the creative ways that Director Joe Wos will use this space!

By the way, you can check out all of this during the completely fantastic Geek TV Night event, this Thursday. This month, we celebrate Geeks in Space.  For information on events, hours and other such miscellany, visit the ToonSeum website.  We'll leave you with this.....

SHE-RA!

(Actually, that is Mandi Bridgeman, Assistant to Director Joe Wos.  She earns every penny)

I am a proudly serving member of the ToonSeum  Board of Directors.  Ask me how you can help!

'Burgh Watching - Manchester Bidwell Corporation (Part 2)

Santa Shops the 'Burgh (Shopping Local for the Holidays) - Penhollows

It's around this time of year that family emails start to fly about who got what for who (whom?) this Christmas.  I'm going to be the first to admit, that I am grotesquely lucky to be a part of a family who both wants to, and can afford to be this generous come holiday time.  I count my blessings every day, and never take it for granted.
That being said, a girl gets a little stressed as the tally begins to pile up, and my Christmas present closet (Yes, I have one of those. Please don't judge) remains bare.  This year not only have I gotten a head start, but I am also trying a little experiment; buying all gifts from locally owned shops.  Yes, it's a little less convenient than whipping through the Amazon Wish Lists at the eleventh hour and taking advantage of free prime shipping, but it is an inconvenience that is far less than not being able to put any gifts under the tree at all.  

My first stop was close to home, yet it was only the second time I had set  foot inside the door.  Shame on me.  Penhollows is the perfect place for those stuck on the "impossible to buy for" people on their lists.  I have a number of those. I won't name names (ahem, dad), but they are always the last ones checked off.  How could you not find something in a store that looks like this!

Penhollows has definitely evolved over the course of its last four years on popular South Highland Avenue in Shadyside.  Originally,their offerings leaned heavily toward books and vintage items sourced primarily from New England Auctions.  Although both of those categories still have a heavy presence in the store, new items inspired by owner Roger's travels across the country (New York in particular) now round out the amazing selection.  In addition to the Home Store, Penhollows also operates a Design Center next door, open Tuesday-Thursday and by appointment.  Adding to the atmosphere, their current Art Show features the work of Pittsburgh native Virgil Cantini, a prominent local artist who worked in a variety of mediums.  A trunk show will be transitioning the store into the holidays.  mmulberry Jewelry (designed by local artist Mary Navarro) opens this weekend with a reception on Friday 11/4 from 5-8PM, and carries on through Saturday 11/5 from 11-5PM, and Sunday 11/6 from 12-4PM.  Select pieces from the collection will be available throughout the holidays.  Of course, there are still those books.....

Now, lets get back to some shopping.

This year, I'm totally delighted that my "impossible to buy for" person was the first one checked off of my list! (Hey dad, that means if you are reading this SPOILER WARNING)........

For Dad

Whiskey Stones. $25 for a set of stones, $60 for a set of stones plus tumblers

Diluted Whiskey = Bad.  Use these chilled stones to keep your spirit pure.  Literally.  I may accompany these with a bottle of Aged Rye from Wigle Whiskey in the Strip District.  Boom.  I'm a "rock" star.

For a family

Fire Starters. $38 for a box of 20

Each year we try to out-do ourselves with a themed gift for each of the families of the BF's five siblings (that means 15 nieces and nephews, many of whom  have also started families of their own!). These fire-starters come adorably packaged in a "dynamite" box and will be the perfect gift along with the makings for some S'Mores (with Marshmallows from the Marshmallow Factory of course!)

For the Hostess

Scented Soaps $10/ea.  Soap Dish $16

These quaint soaps will make the perfect gift for my friend who throws the greatest party every year!  Hand-made by a Bronx florist right down to the paper wrapping, the holiday scents are incredible.  One whiff of the Frankincense and Myrrh and the floodgates will open for all of your Holiday memories to pour right in.  Plus, at only $26 for the soap and dish combined, you're thoughtful, but not broke!

For Grams

Floris Sandalwood Patchouli Candle $60

Even though they are one of the oldest perfumers in the world, $60 for a candle is a luxury that few of us would indulge in for ourselves.  That's what makes this Floris candle the perfect gift for the person who likely has spoiled you all of your life, and deserves a little luxury of their own.

For the Biggest Pittsburgh Cheerleader (Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge.)

Pittsburgh-themed Decoupage Plates -$40-$195

Created by Decoupage artist Carol Kaas exclusively for Penhollows, these whimsical takes on Pittsburgh's eccentricities are the ideal gift for the 'Burgh fan in your life.  I can't imagine who that might be.......

Penhollows is located at 244A South Highland Avenue in Shadyside.  Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sundays from 12pm-4pm.  They release a great gift guide every holiday, so if you can't make the trip in, be sure to get onto their mailing list pronto by calling 412-665-0767 or visiting their website.