Unblurred - First Friday Gallery Crawl in Garfield

Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on April 6, 2022.

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If you're like us, odds are good you pass through Garfield quite often but very rarely stop to explore. There was likely a good reason for this, as it wasn't until recently that this neighborhood began a massive revitalization. Thankfully we are here to say that businesses are starting to come back and push the neighborhood into the spotlight.

Out of all of the businesses types that have opened up in Garfield in recent months, none are more abundant than independent galleries run by local artists. Be it public galleries, DIY workshop spaces, and everything in between, Garfield is quickly becoming home to some of Pittsburgh's most talented artisans.

But there is one problem- you probably don't know any of these exist. Factor in odd working hours, subtle storefront signage, and the low foot traffic in the neighborhood and you may not notice the true revival that is underway when you drive through.

Enter Unblurred, the neighborhood's first Friday event that is changing the perception of this neighborhood one month at a time.

All Galleries Open Up for One Late Night Party

We love first Friday events that double as gallery crawls (such as the downtown Pittsburgh gallery crawl) as they solve the problem of us never being able to sync our schedules up with their odd operating hours. In Garfield, nearly every gallery in the neighborhood is open for this late night event, and the sheer abundance of galleries makes this crawl one of the best in the city.

All you have to do is show up, walk in, and enjoy the evening- it is as simple as that.

During our visit to the August 2016 gallery crawl, we were able to check out a selection of the roughly 15 galleries that were open during the evening, including:

Between perusing the Garfield night market, planning future art purchases at ARTica, listening to live music at many of the galleries, drinking at the donation pop-up bars, and learning about classes at Workshop PGH (whose slogan, “Drink Beer, Make Stuff”, will become local legend), we had a wonderful evening and somehow only saw half of everything that was available.

When it comes to a great gallery crawl, having too many options is a problem we're happy to have.

Add in the fact that neighboring East Liberty also offers first Friday festivities just a few blocks down the road, and you have a great reason to come out and explore these two awesome neighborhoods several times per year just for independent art alone.

Garfield, you'll be seeing more of us very soon!