Enamelist, Sculptor, Educator and Now At Weisshouse

Virgil Cantini (1919-2009) who received both local and national recognition for his works in enamel and steel was also a long term faculty member at The University of Pittsburgh. Cantini was originally a native Italian and attended Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon). Cantini went on to earn a master’s in fine arts at the University of Pittsburgh in 1948, and was granted an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Duquesne University in 1982.

A decades long resident of the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Cantini died on May 2, 2009 at the age of 90. Today, many of his large scale works are on display throughout the city of Pittsburgh and a multitude of his orginal art work is also available at Weisshouse. In 1953 he was named one of the “Hundred Leaders of Tomorrow” by Time Magazine. In 1956, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts named Cantini the region’s Artist of the Year. By 1959, Cantini was considered among the most prominent contemporary enamelists, with his work included regularly in New York’s Museum of Contemporary Crafts exhibitions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiqeGuZc_Pshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGFTujNPqlM

Virgil Cantini instructing a class at the University of Pittsburgh during the 1956-57 school year

Outdoor Steel Sculpture Fountain of Joy People

Ink on Paper by Virgil Cantini. 1970. $ 450

Ink on Paper by Virgil Cantini. 1970. $ 450

A History Lesson in Fabulous, Affordable Furniture

Weisshouse has been around since 1943. One of Weisshouse's best selling, most budget friendly furniture lines, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams came along in 1989 at a time (much like now) when the economy was less than stable. Back then, MG+BW was known as The Mitchell Gold Co. According to their wonderful, truly user-friendly website (www.mgbwhome.com), "One of their earliest ideas, "Relaxed Design," was based on trends they saw in the apparel industry. Designing furniture Bob Williams would want in his own home - comfortable, classic, affordable - he dressed his pieces in relaxed slipcovers of pre-washed fabrics like denim, khaki and velvet. He also addressed the need for a less-intimidating shopping experience by limiting choices to avoid confusing consumers." The idea that design should be relaxed certainly paid off for MG+BW because sales have reached an excess of $100 million and the company has received a multitude of awards.

In addition, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are honored to support grass-roots and national not-for-profits who champion for those less fortunate and individuals living with life-challenging illnesses. The company is proud to support groups such as the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation for AIDS), Friends In Deed, ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the Leukemia Society.

 

Weisshouse proudly and confidently sells Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture, lighting and accessories every day. Stop in our showroom all month long (now through October 10th) to save 25% on all MG+BW upholstery, 20% off case goods and 15% off lighting and accessories. This amazing sale only happens twice a year. Don't miss out!