WildCard gallery spices up Lawrenceville with ‘Water Test’ exhibit

It’s time to tear down that tacky “Wedding Crashers” poster hanging on your… It’s time to tear down that tacky “Wedding Crashers” poster hanging on your wall and replace it with a new unique piece that screams individuality and soul. In fact, take this opportunity to get rid of all your college posters because nobody cares about your house rules for beer pong.

Suitable for an Urban Outfitters’ wall, Chicago artist Laura Berger’s artwork comes across as a vibrant combination of color, innovative design and quirkiness.

Berger’s work has been showcased in the United States, Canada and at indie craft markets. She does freelance illustration work and is currently trying to write and illustrate a children’s book.

If you enjoy interesting modern visuals, cute creatures and would like to meet the artist, WildCard is the place to be Thursday night.

WildCard, one of the newest additions to Lawrenceville’s growing design district, will be hosting a free reception from 6 to 9 p.m. for Berger’s presentation of her collection entitled “Water Test,” a series of work not surprisingly inspired by the natural element of water.

WildCard is a gallery owned by Rebecca Morris, a Pitt graduate, and it’s located at 4209 Butler St. in Pittsburgh.

The boutique opened in October. It showcases artists, sells homemade craft items and is a really cool place to just hang out — you can even play pinball in the back.

“We have a gallery area where we feature artists every six weeks. Laura will be our fifth show,” Morris said.

Berger will be WildCard’s first non-Pittsburgh artist to be featured, and she’ll be in attendance at the reception to chat and answer questions.

Besides getting to hang out with Berger in person while perusing her art, Morris said WildCard will also provide munchies during the reception, and the shop will be open for purchases.

“Laura’s art is some of the more special work we sell here in the store, and it’s always been a personal favorite of mine,” she said.“She combines humor and elements of Japanese and street art in really unique ways.”

The press release says that the size and medium of Berger’s work vary, but most are acrylic or gouache on paper or wood.

According to her blog, Berger plans on bringing 27 new paintings on paper and wood to WildCard along with other prints of her work.

If you can’t make it to the reception, Berger’s exhibit runs from April 15 through May 26.

WildCard’s business hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (open until 9 p.m. on Thursday), noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and it’s closed Monday.