Wilkinsburg
July 16
Noon — 5 p.m.
Get to know Wilkinsburg’s creative side this Saturday during the second annual installment of Dream City Art.
Five hours packed with five hours of free programming open to the public, Wilkinsburg Dream City Art will feature work by 40-plus multimedia artists, a walking tour of open studios, pop-up exhibitions, hands-on workshops, site-specific installations, live performances, food trucks, and readings of flash fiction and poetry.
Throwing open their doors to welcome residents and visitors alike into their studios, performances spaces, and exhibit spaces, the many talented sculptors, painters, printmakers, photographers, musicians and writers who call Wilkinsburg home will share the energy of the neighborhood’s catalytic arts scene. The unique event will showcase both well-established artists with national reputations and young, emerging artists early in their careers, and Dream City attendees can also check out more than 10 unique sites located throughout the Borough.
Swing by 608 South Ave. to hear sound samples and audio loops inspired by mechanical work and industrial machines of yesteryear, and head to the Kelly Ave. underpass to see work called Moss Mural created by landscape designer and feng shui master Andrea Haynes.
Participants can also contribute community public artwork, such as Bob Ziller’s painting “A Blues for the Block,” which will be featured on the 800 block of Penn, and Carin Mincemoyer’s print “Wilkinsburg is the home of . . . ” at 321 Pennwood.
See Hannah Thompson’s movement-based performance titled Other Girls that incorporates fabric sculpture, drum machines and four-track tape loops, buy a limited-edition, screen-printed “Wolf of Wilkinsburg” t-shirt, sample Joey Behrens’ food made from wild edibles foraged in Wilkinsburg, and much more.
Don’t miss live music by local musicians who will be performing throughout the day at the Village at Pennwood, including sets by Irish singer/songwriter Mark Dignam, steel pan and percussion trio, Rhythm n Steel, hip-hop artist Shad Ali, singer/songwriter Brett Staggs, and others.
Grab the kids and head to Dee Briggs’ Studio at 1412 Swissvale Avenue for children’s activities and an open studio hosted by Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse. Dream City Art will also feature flash fiction, poetry and ‘zine readings, garden demonstrations, video installations, and contemporary dance performances.
Get lunch or dinner at local food trucks which will be parked at various locations throughout the Borough.
An annual event founded in 2015, Dream City Art is named in honor of a 1900s-era amusement park that was located in Wilkinsburg.
Looking for more events? Read our 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in July, Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh concerts in July, and our Top 10 things for families to do in July in Pittsburgh feature articles.