The First Lady of Pittsburgh, Michelle Gainey, released her first community initiative “Pittsburgh Paints” in a city-wide press release in February of 2022. Now, Pittsburgh Paints is looking to highlight Latinx artists during National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month this September.
According to the press release, Pittsburgh Paints is “a rotating art exhibition that uses art to celebrate the diversity of our great city…each month will feature a unique theme dedicated to uplifting Pittsburgh’s diverse voices, empowering local artists, and creating opportunities to use art to learn more about different cultures in our city”.
The First Lady of Pittsburgh herself spoke on the new initiative for the press release. “‘Pittsburgh has such a beautiful and inspiring art scene,’ said Michelle Gainey. ‘Pittsburgh Paints is just one way we can highlight our local residents, bring culture into the Mayor’s Office, and celebrate all of the incredible artists in Pittsburgh. I have always been passionate about art providing an opportunity for us to learn and explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. It is my honor to work with the incredible community in Pittsburgh to showcase our local talent. I hope this series can help inspire our children to think creatively and embrace opportunities to learn about something new.’”
Mayor Ed Gainey then chimed in, adding in the press release how proud he is to be able to showcase all the diversity that the City of Pittsburgh has to offer. “‘Our greatest asset is our people. We must support local artists, our Black artists, our Women artists, and everyone in Pittsburgh. Art and Culture are essential to building pathways to prosperity and rich, full lives for everyone in our city. Celebrating culture and learning from each other is how we grow and become the most inclusive city in America. Pittsburgh’s talented artists deserve this platform and it is my honor to highlight and share the incredible work of our residents.’” he said in the press release.
The series, started in February, has already displayed art from a number of different themes, including Black History Month and Women’s History Month, Jewish American and Asian-Pacific American Heritage months, LGBTQ+ Pride, and even art from local K-12 Pittsburgh students.
The current focus for July is on photography, with works of different photographers being displayed, and during the month of August the theme will celebrate Black Business Month and American Artists Appreciation Month.
September, which is National Hispanic Heritage Month, will be focused on Latinx artists whose art will be displayed in the Mayor’s Executive Conference Room, the Mayor’s Office, and the Chief of Staff’s Office. Now, the First Lady and the Pittsburgh Paints committee are looking for Hispanic and Latinx artists to submit their work to be displayed from September to October! If you are an artist wishing to be involved in an upcoming exhibit, you can submit work anytime to FirstLady@pittsburghpa.gov or by filling out the Pittsburgh Paints Artist Inquiry Form.
