Is your New Years Resolution to get a little smarter this year? Here's a great place to start, the kick off to our 2026 season of Bottle Talks, our LECTURE SERIES featuring some of the most interesting academics in the city presenting their work in a good old fashion dive bar.

From dinosaurs to conceptual art, these talks have run the gaumet of topics and interests - while still being fun enough to enjoy with a draft beer or cocktail!

Leslie A. Pryzbylek - Senior Curator of the Heinz History Center

"How's That History? Exploring the Heinz History Center Archives"

The Heinz History center is uniquely dedicated to preserving Western PA history; which can lead to some pretty odd things in their collection. A baking pan that helped originate a famous Burnt Almond Torte recipe, the sign of a bohemian coffee shop, a paper mache character from a lost Kennywood ride. Even a shovel with 6 handles! As odd as of some of these pieces may be, they all work together to tell the story of our city and region, and the people who call it home. Join Senior Curator Leslie A. Pryzbylek as she spotlights some of the strangest and oddest things in the museums archives; things that may make you ask "wait... how is that history?" - and learn about their importance in the ongoing research the museum does every day!

Isaac Pleta - Associated Artists of Pittsburgh

"I Love Conceptual Art, And You Can Too!"

In his popular instagram series ‘Returns to Art,’ - Isaac Pleta has featured over 200 arts exhibitions, programs, and sites in and around Pittsburgh - making the sometimes obtuse and indecipherable world of contemporary art accessible and fun for all. In this talk, Isaac expands on those ideas - breaking down the barriers to conceptual art and highlighting it's ongoing importance, the exciting work that continues to be done by local artists, and how you too can fall in love with conceptual art!

Plus an open audience Q&A with both after.

PLUS! 100% of the ticket sales from this event will be donated back to the speakers research departments to help support their ongoing work!