Author: Eindra Lin
How does an organization contend with its rich history while continuing to be the foremost proponent of its contemporary and local art scene? That’s the goal of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP), an organization focused on the support, exhibition, and promotion of current, local artists of the Pittsburgh region. I had the opportunity this semester to contribute to the research and showcasing of the organization’s long history, as well as assist in exhibition planning, installation, and event preparation under the supervision of Executive Director Madeline Gent.
During the beginning of my internship, I worked with AAP’s rich archives stored in the Detre Library at the Heinz History Center. In response to inquiries from auction houses and external researchers regarding past AAP members, I spent a lot of time looking through boxes and boxes of exhibition catalogs, meeting records, photographs, newspaper clippings, etc. I had an opportunity to learn just how influential AAP has been in support of art in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. I also used this research to update the History page on AAP’s website, adding a visual timeline, more images, and more current information. For the promotional image for their 109th Annual Exhibition, Transcendental Arrangements, I created a collage using the covers of exhibition catalogs of the Annual from throughout AAP’s history up until today.
From then on, I helped out with the planning, preparation, and installation of their Featured Artist Exhibition. Every month, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Exhibition Committee nominates and votes on a member whose work will be featured in email newsletters, social media, and their blog. Every year, AAP holds an exhibition that showcases all 12 featured artists from the past year in their Lawrenceville gallery. I assisted in the de-installation of the previous exhibition, which was called Growth in collaboration with Creative Citizens Studios. With the help and instruction of professional art handlers, I learned how to install artwork with various frames and media, eventually installing an entire wall by myself.
Currently, I am assisting in preparing the opening of the next exhibition, The Grandeur of Power, juried by Eric Shiner, which will be open to the public on May 6, 2023. After my internship ends, I will continue to work with AAP, helping with the installation of the show, planning and working on the Spring Thaw Fundraiser, and the public opening of The Grandeur of Power. I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity to see how an organization like AAP runs and to contribute to the continual promotion and support of Pittsburgh’s local artists.
Eindra Lin, Museum Studies Intern at the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh – Spring 2023