OCTOBER 2021 at the SALON

T R A C I N G   O U T L I N E S

Calder. Klee. Deren. Cage. Picasso. Pollock. O'Keefe. These and other now-iconic artists of the 20th century were exhibited in Outlines, a small gallery in downtown Pittsburgh. It first opened its doors in 1941. The owner was Betty Rockwell, and she was 21 years old at the time.

Tracing Outlines is the story of Rockwell's remarkable endeavor--much dismissed and even scorned--to introduce modern art to her beloved but stodgy hometown.  Her granddaughter Cayce Mell knew nothing of this chapter in the family history, until 2009, when by coincidence she came across some intriguing clippings.  Six years later, Mell completed Outlines, and had launched a new career as a media producer.

Mell admits her first film is rough around the edges. Still, it's a detailed and loving portrait of a courageous young woman, and a fascinating recovery of Pittsburgh history.

Tracing Outlines (69 minutes) is available now on Vimeo here.

The Salonline discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 @8:00p and Cayce will join us at 8:30p. The invite is here.

Article:

"Tracing Outlines:  A Bomb Waiting to Detonate on Art History"