About Pgh Murals
Spreadsheet of Pittsburgh Public Art and blog archives
Map of Pittsburgh Public Art
A local pottery artist moved into the West End and had some artist friends over to help beautify his new home and the neighborhood. From some on–line articles, it appears that this gentleman has been having Arty–Parties
each year to do things like this. The result this time is the only artwork we’ve found so far in Elliot. It’s a very nice addition to the neighborhood.
About Pgh Murals
Spreadsheet of Pittsburgh Public Art and blog archives
Map of Pittsburgh Public Art
This religious themed mural is almost hidden. There’re really only a few spots where you can get a view of it and those are from the West End Circle. There’s an old building tucked down next to the West End Bridge where Hunt Glass Studios lives. It is home to some incredibly beautiful stained glass art and restoration work. Breathtaking
might just be an understatement for the artistry born in this little, unassuming brick building.
Nick Parrendo is the president of Hunt Glass Studios and the creative genius behind it. Up on the second floor is where Mr. Parrendo has his office. This is where he pours over old books and documents and creates some of the most amazing designs. It’s also the office that looks out across a roof top to the wall on the other side. Mr Parrendo decided that blank wall needed something and designed this mural to cover it.
The mural is based in scripture, including images from both the old and new testaments.
A star representing the Epiphany sits high on the left side above the angel Gabriel’s image.
Many people will recognize Jonah and the whale, the Holy Family, Moses, and Noah and the ark. Many will miss the four cups signifying Passover, or the coat of arms of Pope John Paul II. There are lots of great details that you’ll never see while driving past on West Carson St.
The mural wasn’t painted directly on the wall. It was done in panels that were screwed into place. As we mentioned above, this mural isn’t easy to get a good look at. Even standing on the West End Bridge you miss a lot of it. If you really want a nice look, we suggest you stop by the Hunt Glass Studios and ask. The people there are wonderful, welcoming, and proud to answer any questions. If you’re lucky you might be invited up to see the mural from the office or meet Mr Parrendo – who, at 85, still rides his bike by the way.
About Pgh Murals
Spreadsheet of Pittsburgh Public Art and blog archives
Map of Pittsburgh Public Art
At first we thought the boy was studying. Sitting on a stool with a spiral notebook in his hand he seemed to be focused on the page. Until we noticed the small paint can in his hand and the thin stream of color pouring down onto the page. The pouring theme is repeated across the mural in the background. More images of the boy – still pouring paint down on his notebook – repeat with more and more posterizing of the image and the background. It’s an interesting effect.
The Sprout Fund’s Public Art Program director sent us this:
The West End Community group was inspired by theeasel paintingsof artist Jonathan Laidacker when he created this Trompe L’oeil (trick of the eye) piece. Incorporating the drip technique he uses in his easel paintings, Laidacker used sheets of plastic to direct the drippings and capture the frame within a frame effect of this optical illusion. Used to working with water colors and acrylics, Laidacker was challenged even further by having to recreate a tested technique with totally foreign materials on a surface that was far less cooperative than his studio canvases. At Work is a good example of how an artist’s studio style can persevere within the process of the Sprout Public Art program.
