TRASH BASH SUMMER

Mattress Factory is excited to announce the extension of its annual flagship fundraising and community event, Garden Party Weekend, to an entire season of programming designed to engage individuals, artists, and community members through art and the creative process.

The theme for this summer series is TRASH BASH, a celebration of the transformation that can happen when new light is shed upon that which has been cast aside.

Individuals of all ages can participate in TRASH BASH 2023 programming, from June through August:

TRASH BASH GARDEN PARTY:

TRASH BASH SUMMER kicks off on Friday, June 9 with Garden Party, the Museum’s signature 21+ fundraising event that attracts art collectors, urban professionals, artists, creatives and influencers for a highly-anticipated evening of eclectic foods, beverages, entertainment, and of course, art.

Anything goes on this evening of metamorphosis, featuring food and drink from some of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants and bars. Join us as we shift our perspectives and push trash far beyond its definition.

Event details and tickets here!

TRASH BASH ART AUCTION:

The Garden Party Art Auction represents some of the most creative and generous artists in Pittsburgh. Continuing the Garden Party tradition of commissioning local artists to create new work based on the Garden Party theme, each one-of-a-kind artwork is inspired by thrifted and repurposed materials! Enjoy and bid on original artworks by talented local artists to add to your collection, all while supporting the Mattress Factory’s exhibitions, educational and outreach programs for all ages in the Northside and the city of Pittsburgh.

More info on the auction items and how to bid here!

TRASH BASH ARTLabs:

Throughout the month of July, Mattress Factory will host TRASH BASH themed ARTLabs every Saturday from 1-4 PM. This drop-in series is free with Museum admission, featuring exhibit-centric art-making activities hosted in our gallery spaces. Education staff create hands-on projects in collaboration with, or inspired by, Mattress Factory exhibiting artists. The activities engage Museum visitors of all ages in the artistic process, providing additional access points for different styles of learners to better understand and reflect on the art. ARTLab is great for intergenerational groups of adults and children to connect and make something together.

July 8, 1-4 PM – Make Your Own Bottle Cap Earrings
July 15, 1-4 PM – Make Your Own Repurposed Plastic Windchimes
July 22, 1-4 PM – Make Your Own Repurposed Metal Buttons
July 29, 1-4 PM – Make Your Own Found Object Jewelry

TRASH BASH COMMUNITY FEST:

The season concludes on Sunday, August 6 with an open, free-for-all daytime arts and music festival celebrating Pittsburgh’s creative community and featuring a maker market focused on thrift, craft, and transformation. Enjoy musical performances, hands-on activities, and a trash fashion show. Always seeking to engage and foster our artists, Community Fest provides mentorship and entrepreneurial opportunities for emerging youth artists.

Event details and free registration here!

Mattress Factory Featured Exhibits:

TRASH BASH SUMMER continues with featured exhibits, another opportunity to interact with art and participate in the museum community, and an extension of this series focused on trash, art, and the shift in perspectives between the two.