Pittsburgh Center for the Arts 4.35

The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is a non-profit community arts campus that offers arts education programs and contemporary art exhibitions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.It also provides services and resources for artists throughout Western Pennsylvania. PCA provides a venue for the community to create, see, support, and learn about visual arts. Founded in 1945, PCA is located at 6300 Fifth Avenue in the Shadyside neighborhood. Though, according to the City of Pittsburgh Map, the center is located in the Point Breeze neighborhood.Famed artist Keith Haring had his first one-man exhibition at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in 1978 before moving to New York City and becoming one of the most prolific artists of the late 20th century.HistoryFoundingThe PCA's opened on March 17, 1945, as the "Arts and Craft Center" at Fifth and Shady Avenues. Almost 1000 Pittsburghers gathered at the opening night ceremonies, headed by Mayor Cornelius D. Scully, J. Bailey Ellis, who was named chairman of the Center, and Mrs. Charles D. Marshall, who publicly turned the key to her home over to the city.Ten artist groups comprised the center at its founding: Pittsburgh Drama League (founded 1913) Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen (founded 1944) Weavers Guild of Pittsburgh (founded 1940) Society of Sculptors (founded 1934) Pittsburgh Civic Ballet (founded 1941) Abstract Artists Group of Pittsburgh Musician’s Club of Pittsburgh (founded 1913) Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (founded 1910) Contemporary Dance Group Authors’ Club (founded 1918). The first program after the grand opening was a musicale given by the Musician’s Club on March 25, 1945. Each of the ten groups were responsible for holding five programs open to the public each year. The first Christmas Bazaar was held in November 1946, and continues today as the Holiday Sale.