Party for Barbara

When and where: Thursday night at the Mattress Factory museum, North Side.

#AllAboutBarb: It was a night for tears, love and laughter during the Party for Barbara, celebrating the life and legacy of Mattress Factory museum founder Barbara Luderowski, who died May 30 at age 88. Ms. Luderowski bought the abandoned Stearns & Foster mattress warehouse in 1975, and for more than four decades directed the Mattress Factory as it purchased and rehabbed nine other neglected buildings and supported more than 600 artistsin-residence.

“She had no equal,” said Jane Werner, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “She had such a relentless vision. She believed in doing it right, doing it true and being your honest self. I carry that with me.” More than 450 guests enjoyed light bites provided by All in Good Taste Productions and oysters on the half shell by Merchant Oyster Co. before Carnegie Mellon University’s bagpipers moved everyone with a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” “Barbara would’ve hated this, but loved it, too,” said Michael Olijynk, Ms. Luderowski’s longtime partner and co-director of the Mattress Factory. Her daughter, Taya Luderowski-Ross, couldn’t stop the tears as she recalled her mother’s strong spirit. “She was a strict motivator. Her commitment and passion for the arts was unmatched.” After sweet speeches and fond remarks, guests enjoyed performances by drag queens and belly dancers as the dance party heated up. What better way to celebrate the life of someone so special than with a party that matched her spirit?

#SEEN: Speakers Bill Strickland and Arthur Ziegler, board chair Michael White, Bill and Vivian Benter, Fred and Lana Neumeyer, Bob Sendall, Nachum Golan, Frieda Brown, Marirose Radelet, Hayley Haldeman with sisters Hannah and Shannon, Max King, Richard Parsakian, Scott and Sue Lammie, Robin and Dianne Nicholson, Alex and Harris Heit and Greg Langel.