The 2010 Urban Garden Party: Pics or It Didn't Happen.

And like that, it's over. The 2010 Urban Garden Party was a smashing success. Our sincerest thanks go out to everyone who attended and to everyone who helped get the word out. For the first time ever, the event sold out! Everyone here is absolutely blown away by the support. Through ticket sales, silent auction purchases, individual donations and event sponsorships, we raised just about $200,000 for the museum. This is money that will be used to support upcoming exhibitions, educational & community programming, and museum operations. We can't say it enough. Thank you.

There has been a lot of media coverage and web activity surrounding the event (most of which is aggregated below), but perhaps my favorite quote comes from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Marylynn Uricchio:

What's most interesting about this popular event is the way it cuts across the borders of age and economics to attract a lively, diverse and always colorful crowd. The installation art museum has done a wonderful job of appealing to a mass audience while it continues to stay on the edge, thanks to co-directors Barbara Luderowski and Michael Olijnyk.

Right on. The photos in the slide show embedded below were taken by John Altdorfer. We've posted the high-resolution images on Flickr and they are available for FREE download. Non-commercial use only please.



The MF Twitter Posse and local press were out in full force Friday night as well. Here are some links to photos, articles and blogs that have been popping up around the interwebs. If I've missed any, all apologies. Post a link in the comments or shoot a message to us via email or Twitter and we'll update our list.

Marylynn Uricchio's piece for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
An awesome photoset from Jo Ellen Smith
MF Twitter Posse member Rob de la Cretaz's photos. [ Follow Rob on Twitter ]
Unbelievable shots from Twitter Posse Member Rima Campbell. [ Follow Rima on Twitter ]
MF Green & Twitter Posse Member Andrea Shockling's blog recap of the event. [ Follow Andrea on Twitter ]
Kate Guerriero's FANFARE column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
WPXI-TV was here covering the event for SEE & BE SEEN.
A cool photo set from Flickr user jtkennedy.
Whirl Magazine's coverage of the 2010 Urban Garden Party.
A nice blog recap from Twitter Posse Member Andrea Disaster. [ Follow Andrea on Twitter ]
The Northside Chronicle posted some photos from the event.
A bunch of great shots over at Yinzer Party. Login required (:-/)

POSTED BY JEFFREY Read All Posts by Jeffrey

Ten Days and Counting

Each year, on one special night in mid-June, we throw a fundraising event called the Urban Garden Party. And each year, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the museum expressed by the 1,000+ event attendees. It truly is an amazing evening filled with artistic energy, tasty food & beverages from more than 50 of Pittsburgh's top restaurants & bars, top-notch performances, and secret surprises.

This year's event is shaping up to be the best Garden Party to date. For a good sense of the vibe this year, check out this event trailer our awesome video production volunteer (!!) Abby Vanim created with a little soundtrack help from headliners Eclectic Method:



Without giving away too many details, the decor for the evening is taking shape as well. We have amassed a collection of more than 100 hubcaps and rumor has it there will be skateboard ramps and a fire hydrant involved. Check out these shots of MF Danny and MF Karla making tons of large scale origami that will accent the ceiling for the VIP Pre-Party:









If you'd like to attend the party, we'd love to see you there. We're running contests over on Twitter and Facebook from now through the event, so make sure you're keeping an eye on those streams. Of course, you can find out more information and purchase tickets HERE or by calling the museum at 412-231-3169. More updates to come!

POSTED BY JEFFREY Read All Posts by Jeffrey