John Heller, Post-Gazette John Werling, Kyra Straussman and Kristoffer Smith Click photo for larger image.

Cool Space locator isn't going to find you an igloo in August, but this 5-year-old Pittsburgh organization knows where to look for the ultimate in urban commercial space, pairing small businesses with hip addresses.

To celebrate this successful concept, the first Cool Space Awards Celebration was held Friday on the top floor of the Catalyst building in Lawrenceville. More than 50 award winning spaces were projected around the room for the more than 350 guests. Some of the winners were The Pittsburgh Glass Center at 5472 Penn Ave., The Exhibit Place in McKees Rocks, Dymun + Co., Downtown, and the former convent of St. John Church, South Side.

PNC Bank was the title sponsor for the evening, which included hot music by DJ Soy SOS, wine, beer and an hors d'oeuvres buffet. Among those in the right place at the right time were Cool Space Locator president Kyra Straussman, board president John Werling, architect Dutch MacDonald with Becky Mingo, party chair Paul Rosenblatt, city Councilman Bill Peduto, Sprout Fund's Cathy Lewis with Rob Long and, from Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Cathy McCollom with Kent Edwards.

-- Patricia Sheridan

John Heller, Post-Gazette Teo and Scott Hollander Click photo for larger image.

Living Color Gala

This was one event where that little black cocktail dress just wouldn't cut it.

"Living Color," the Society for Contemporary Craft Gala, was all about bright hues and bold contrasts Saturday night. At least that was the idea, so for those who were having trouble lightening up, neon bracelets and pendants were handed out. And there were always the colorful cosmopolitans to sip if the free bangles bored you.

This artsy crowd with some conservative underpinnings made for a textured evening of conversation and creations. Looking as fresh as spring was SCC board president Judy Cheteyan (with Michael). She spent the early part of the evening near the entrance with SCC executive director Janet McCall (with Jeff Boyd) greeting guests. The SCC gallery was dotted with booths for making everything from rose colored glasses with Pam Sussman, to kaleidoscopes with Marcia Clark.

For the passive, there were demonstrations by enamelist Melissa Davenport, quilter Louise Silk and paper artist Stephanie Flom, among others. An eclectic buffet and ample bars kept everyone bidding and buying at the silent and live auction and even in the gift shop. All this happened with the sophisticated sounds of the Roger Barbour Jazz Quartet and Rock Nouveau as a backdrop. The prism of personalities socializing included event co-chairs Bev Elliott (with Steve) and Paul Rosenblatt (with Petra Fallaux), sculptor Thaddeus Mosley (with Teruyo Seya), Bill and Laura Dawson, Leon and Ann Haley, Jerry and Mary Jo Coltin, Jerry and Jane Voros, Dennis Huber with Faye Sampson, Cynthia and Bill Cooley, Catherine Raphael (her mother Betty founded the SCC), Agnes Dodds Kinard, Michelle and Herman Jones, Judy and Ron Davenport, Jim and Susanne Wilkinson, Joe Lagana, Cecile and Eric Springer, Teo and Scott Hollander, Louis and Kathy Testoni, Jo-Anne Bates, Tom and Joanne Welsh, Rob and Ada Brandegee and Marvin Gold and Janice Penick.

-- Patricia Sheridan

	Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Co-Chairs Jay Knowles and Jen McCrady Click photo for larger image.

We All Scream For...

The Ice Cream Sunday kickoff party at the Pittsburgh Golf Club Wednesday evening gave committee members a chance to get to know each other, while they dished about this year's event to benefit the Pressley Ridge School. Though it won't be held until Aug. 21, it's never too early to plan the perfect Sunday.

Considering all the plays for the All-Star Sports theme were co-chairs Jay Knowles and Jen McCrady. Sipping cocktails as visions of cherry-topped treats danced in their heads were president of Pressley Ridge Scott Finnell, Wally Danforth with Patty McLaughlin, Maggie Knowles, David Genter, Marguerite Jarrett Marks and John Iole.

-- Patricia Sheridan

John Heller, Post-Gazette Kathryn Spitz, Dodie and Dr. Ralph Roskies Click photo for larger image.

Jewish Israeli Film Festival

A fondness for film and kosher cuisine drew them to the annual Pittsburgh Jewish Israeli Film Festival Thursday evening. Opening night began with a screening of the British film "Wondrous Oblivion" in the SouthSide Works Cinema followed by a mini-feast of sweet treats across the street by Deena Ross' Creative Kosher Catering. Executive director Kathryn Spitz (with Jeffrey Cohan) was greeting guests, along with festival chair Dodie Roskies (with Dr. Ralph).

The African American Music Institute provided the background sound as the mingling and munching began. Among the many enjoying the show were Michael Fisher, Roz Rosenblatt, Dr. Leonardo and Zivi Aviraz, Ellen and Franklin Toker, Jewish Chronicle editor Lee Chottiner, Jim and Louisa Rudolph, Karen Feinstein, CEO of UJF Jeff Finkle-stein (with Dr. Jennifer), Ann and Richard Kann, Ellen and Jeffrey Primis, Suzi and David Neft and Richard Rauh, who underwrote the party. The festival's 19 films can be seen through April 17.

-- Patricia Sheridan