Downtown just got a bit cooler.
Eleven artist-designed bike racks have been unveiled in Downtown Pittsburgh, each slightly different, and each designed by a different local artist. The Public Art Bike Racks are part of a public art initiative of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
“We are very proud to showcase the incredible work of twelve talented artists who show that a humble bicycle rack can be transformed into a work of art in a marriage of art and function,” says Murray Horne, curator of the project, from the Wood Street Galleries.
The racks are the latest in the growing bike culture in Pittsburgh. In June, The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership reported that the protected bike lanes on Penn Avenue registered more than 24,000 trips in May.
“With business, residential and retail life booming in Downtown Pittsburgh, we are seeing increases in every type of commuter, including those on bikes. The lanes on Penn Avenue are successful because they provide safety and convenience for all,” Mayor William Peduto said of the PDP report.
Weekdays typically saw about 740 bike trips in the lanes, with heaviest travel occurring during the morning and evening rush.
The new bike racks will be along Penn Avenue from 10th Street to 7th Street, 8th Street and Liberty Ave. Participating artists include Brandon Boan, David Calfo, Josh Caputo/ Elise Walton, Myra Falisz, Stephen House, Alanna James, Keny Marshall, John Peña, Finnbogi Petursson, Robert Raczka, and Brett Yasko.
A complete map along with artist names, project title and materials as well as the specific Cultural District locations can be found here or by visiting TrustArts.org.
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- In front of Future Tenant, 819 Penn Avenue. Artist: Robert Raczka – fence/sculpture/bikerack, 2015.
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- Artist: Alanna James – Sprouting Tree, 2015. Courtesy Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
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- In front of Meat & Potatoes, 649 Penn Ave. Artist: Stephen House – The Persistence of Bicycling, 2015.
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- In front of Pittsburgh Public Theater, 621 Penn Ave. Artist: Finnbogi Petursson – RIVER 2015.
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- Two PNC Plaza, 622 Liberty Avenue. Artists: Josh Caputo and Elise Walton – Steel Building, 2015.
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- In front of Social House, 123 7th St. Artist: David Calfo – Keystone U Lock, 2015.
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- In front of Seviche, to the left of 928 Penn Avenue. Artist: Myra Falisz – Time Travelin’ Mike, 2015.
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- In front of Sienna Mercato, 942 Penn Avenue. Artist: Brandon Boan – Hot Pants, 2015.
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- In front of August Henry’s, 946 Penn Ave. Artist: John Peña – Word Balloon, 2015.
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- On the corner of Penn Ave and 7th St. Artist: Brett Yasko – For Nate & Jakob, 2015.
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- In front of Lincoln Property, 107 7th street. Artist: Keny Marshall – vertical compound engine, 2015.