An overflow crowd congregates just outside a storefront studio in downtown Pittsburgh. Some look like they came straight from work at a law firm. Others pair dreadlocks with ripped T-shirts and jeans. A few are carrying babies in slings. Cigarettes dangle from fingertips and green bottles clink as the unlikely group enjoys the complimentary Rolling Rock classic American lager. Commuters driving by probably have no idea what is going on because the throng partially obscures the red neon sign in the window announcing, "Future Tenant."

Future Tenant was born in 2002 as a joint venture among Pittsburgh's Cultural Trust, Carnegie Mellon's College of Fine Arts, and the Arts Management program in the Heinz College. The Cultural Trust donates an unoccupied storefront downtown, and Future Tenant fills it with art.

At this evening's art opening, Corinne Neal mingles with the outdoor crowd, jovially welcoming people and shaking hands. Inside the gallery, Kate Hansen waves her video camera at anything that moves. The two Heinz College students aren't there to have a good time. As co-directors, they're there to make sure everyone else has a good time. Each year, students in the Arts Management program vie for staff positions to work on the project. Only second-year students can apply to be directors; Neal and Hansen were the two selected.

Weaving through the life-size trees and sculptures, Hansen continues to document the scene. Clusters of people dot the floor, talking animatedly. Others stand quietly, absorbing the fairly-tale-themed art. A small food table in the back tempts some visitors with chips and guacamole. Both co-directors are thrilled. Although they didn't make the art being featured, they beam with pride for creating the event.

It is evident the co-directors work well in tandem. Once everyone is crammed inside, Neal, inconspicuous in blue jeans, does damage control, periodically crouching to the floor to wipe up little puddles of spilled drinks. Meanwhile, Hansen, in a denim skirt, bustles around the long rectangular room making sure the food and drink don't run out. In the weeks leading up to the exhibit, Neal made the to-do lists, while Hansen worked more closely with the artists. Neal's demeanor may be more pensive compared to Hansen, "the wild, creative one," but they braid their different styles together, pointing out that part of good management is aligning personalities. "This would never work with two Kate's or two Corinne's!" says Neal.

Kate Dunfee