QBall 17: Painting With Light held at the Union Trust Building

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – #PaintingWithLight: Always one of the most creative events of the season, Quantum Theatre’s annual QBall on Saturday brought pre-Raphaelite paintings to life at the Union Trust Building, Downtown. Light installations allowed models and patrons to step inside art history, drowning with Ophelia, becoming “The Lovers,” standing strong like Joan of Arc. “I know we have these crazy ideas each year, but to let guests be a part of the art is truly inspiring,” said founder and artistic director Karla Boos. Even Mayor Bill Peduto got in on the fun by posing in “The Lazar House” to the clicking of cameras. Artist Tammy Tsai in the “Astarte Syriaca” installation broke character to quip: “This morning, I was in a commercial in Toledo, and now I’m in a pre-Raphaelite painting. Just a typical day,” she said smiling. But the award for the bravest model goes to Asa Gardiner for posing as “The Ancient of Days,” wearing a flesh-colored Speedo — and not much else. And what did guests think of the romantic concept? “It was a fabulous idea! I didn’t even realize there were people in some of the installations until I could feel eyeballs following me,” laughed Mike Olijnyk. All eyes on you, Quantum. Cheers to another successful event!

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