Art on the House: Explore Downtown Pittsburgh’s Free Galleries
Written by Christine Julia Dingzon
Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at Downtown Pittsburgh’s art galleries, where every visit promises a fresh and exciting cultural experience. Through the dedicated efforts of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Cultural District is alive with a rotating selection of exhibitions that showcase a diverse array of artistic styles and voices. These galleries are spread throughout the Cultural District, in which they highlight both regional and international artists, reflecting themes of community, identity, and innovation.
Among the current exhibitions is On Air by Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis, an installation that delves into the invisible force of wind and its profound impact on our lives. Building on their newly commissioned public artwork, A Sudden Gust of Wind, featuring two hundred kite sculptures throughout Downtown, this exhibition explores the interactions between air currents and the environment. Visitors will encounter various installations, including billowing curtains that reveal indoor air movements and a tabletop sculpture activated by air, alongside an anemometer that measures the gallery’s wind speed.
Another exhibition is Kim Bond’s We Are Not Alone, in which it invites visitors to explore paranormal phenomena through an inclusive lens. Over nearly four decades, Bond has integrated extraterrestrial imagery into tranquil landscapes, depicting hopeful encounters with beings like aliens and Sasquatch. Her work envisions a utopian social venue called “The Rainbow Club,” where all beings–regardless of gender, ability, age, or species–can connect and celebrate diversity.
Anticipation builds for the upcoming exhibition Monument Eternal by Le’Andra LeSeur, which is set to open on December 8, 2024. This exhibit promises to intertwine visual art with performance, inviting reflection on resilience and transformation through immersive experiences. LeSeur’s work often engages with themes of identity and memory, aiming to create a space for dialogue and connection, ultimately encouraging viewers to consider their own narratives within the broader tapestry of community and history.
These galleries embody Pittburgh’s commitment to making art available to everyone, serving as a dynamic cultural hub that encourages both locals and visitors to engage with contemporary art in an inviting atmosphere. For more information on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Visual Arts.
