For immediate release Carol O’Sullivan

May 12, 2009 412-681-5449

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Announces 2009

Lifetime Achievement Award

Pittsburgh, PA -- Renowned artist Tina Williams Brewer is the recipient of Pittsburgh Center for the Art’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. The tribute takes place on Friday, June 12, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the PCA campus.

A highly honored story quilter, Brewer is best known for her artistic exploration of African American history and the personal experiences associated with it. Using symbolism to create colorful and ornate quilts, she draws inspiration from spiritual and family focused issues. Her show, “Tina Williams Brewer: Guided by the Ancestors,” on view now through June 21, is a retrospective of her fiber works along with new quilts not previously shown. This latest series is based on The Pittsburgh Courier’s 100th anniversary, using images and stories from each decade as source material for these powerful works, and celebrating the impact of African American leaders in Pittsburgh and our nation’s rich history.

“Tina is the epitome of all of our programming,” explains Laura Domencic, director of Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. “She is a nationally recognized artist and one of our most active – and one of the first – resident artists, as well as, an advocate for artists. Her work exemplifies the standard of excellence we look for in giving this award.” It is only the second time PCA has honored an artist with this prestigious award.

In addition, a panel discussion will be held on May 28 at 6:00pm. It is called A Patchwork Heritage: 100 Years of African American Culture in Perspective. Surrounded by ten of Brewer’s intricate quilts reflecting the culture, guest panelists will explore this rich history. It is free and open to the public.

Moderator: Rod Doss, Publisher, New Pittsburgh Courier

Dialogue Facilitator: Sheila Carter Jones, PhD

Panel: Samuel Black, curator, African American collection, Heinz History Center

John Brewer, historian, Trolley Station Oral History Center

Kenneth Smith, history teacher, Oliver High School

Lorena Amos, community activist

Ogle Duss PhD, professor emeritus, University of Pittsburgh, director of Desegregation Center

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (PCA) is located at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues in Shadyside. For more information about the Center, about current exhibits or about special events, call: 412-361-0873, or visit: www.pittsburgharts.org.

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