Pop Filter Hot Pick: 24-hour pARTy People in Lawrenceville

From Ale to Art: In Pittsburgh, our fine art fans are just as serious as our Art Rooney fans.

Where can you see work by professional artists exhibited alongside pieces created by students, teens and even your grandmother? For the past 14 years, late April in Lawrenceville has become synonymous with the 24-hour festival dubbed simply, Art All Night. So rev up your art engine at at 4p.m. on Saturday and if you can hang, don't stop until 2p.m. the following afternoon.

This weekend, the community arts festival is returning to stage its 14th annual antics inside Lawrenceville's storied Iron City Brewing complex, which recently received local historic designation.

Hundreds of community volunteers busy themselves to prepare for one of the season's most art-rageous and buzzed about events. The nomadic DIY art show sets up shop in a distinct urban location each year and has gained a cult-like following since its inception in 1998.

Reflecting its democratic mission, Art All Night is free to both attendees and artists, and devoid of any soul crushing fees, juries, or censors. Equal part art exhibition and people-watching happening, the spontaneous show provides artists of all levels and styles with the opportunity to showcase original work for one entire night.

Contribute to a community quilt, dance with puppets, make your own buttons and record your personal story for the Hear Me project! Wrap up the festivities with a Sunday morning pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville. In between perusing the eclectic art, enjoy everything from bellydancing to acoustic rock. Featured acts include Chet Vincent, Joy Ike, Typewriter Girls, Somali Rap Group, and The Van Allen Belt.

What's new this year? To satiate its expected 12,000-plus art-goers, the ambitious event has added extended hours, hands-on activities for children, interactive video installations, local DJs, and a live broadcast by WYEP. The bike- and bus-friendly event is run using sustainable practices recognized by Zero Waste Pittsburgh.

Known for helping to jump-start the careers of many local artists, the event's kaleidoscopic array of work has featured everything from resin and steel jewelry to mixed media collage. A catalyst for community development, the staunchly grassroots gathering is spearheaded by legions of tireless volunteers who plan logistics, prep the venue and install the artwork.

Quintessentially Lawrencevillian, the festival's come-one, come-all attitude attracts artists of all ages, ilks and skill levels, and remains a hotspot for collectors from all over the region. In 1998, Art All Night debuted with 101 artworks and 200 patrons and by 2007, grew to boast 800 participating artists and 7,500 enthusiastic attendees.

Ready to be an artist? Register online today. On-site registration is on Sat., April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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