International Children's Art Gallery mural

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We found this mural while riding up Penn Ave during a Flock Of Cycles monthly ride. We couldn’t stop then. The Flock was on its way to an evening picnic at Point State Park and some things just take precedence. We returned about a week later to see what this was. Located on the side of the International Children’s Art Gallery it appears to be a bit of a disjointed sign for that business. They have no other signs indicating what’s in this building. You really have to stare at the design to figure out what it says though. Not really a clear message for the average passerby. It’s bright colors do, however, get your attention.

We’ve located no artist information yet and very little about the gallery itself so far.

UPDATE:
7 Apr 2014
Our friend and fellow cyclist, Paul Heckbert, sent us this photo showing revised artwork at this location:

photo by Paul Heckbert

UPDATE
The mural has changed again:

Graffiti Aesthetic mural by multiple artists

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Photo by Paul Heckbert

This graffiti style mural is one of those projects organized to combat unauthorized graffiti. The collaboration was led by Renee Robinson, Knowledge Build Hudson, Garfield Jubilee, Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, Most Wanted Fine Arts, and BOOM Concepts. A wall behind what used to be a CAPA School building was the target of vandals, so rather than just painting over the unappreciated graffiti, multiple artists were brought in to create something the community participated in. In an interview on WESA radio, D.S. Kinsel said they had community meetings with local residents of all ages and collaborated on this design.  It was done in a graffiti aesthetic to keep it culturally relevant to the neighborhood.

Photo by Paul Heckbert

Spak Bros Mural by Keith Knight

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Part of this mural is a homage to the neighborhood and to local graffiti artists past and present. We spoke with some customers of the pizza shop and they directed us toward some very good graffiti under the Bloomfield Bridge, which appears to be the bridge in the mural. The other part of this seems to be a memorial. We don’t know Showtime’s story, but a friend or friends left him a tribute here.

And on the reverse side of the same building: "Welcome to the Phuture"

Summary:

Artist(s): Keith Knight
Address: 5107 Penn Avenue
City: Pittsburgh (Garfield)
Zip Code: 15224

PghMurals@gmail.com
Twitter: @PghMurals

Wild Style Graffiti by 30 artists

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Map of Pittsburgh Public Art

The Ohringer Building was once a furniture store. Now it looks to be positioned as the keystone to local revitalization. In 2009 Braddock REDUX purchased the eight story building. They're attempting to turn it into a combination commercial and living space offering low cost accommodations. They’re using green building techniques in the renovations, and the Braddock Youth Project has begun plantings on the new green roof.

With all of his efforts to help improve conditions in Braddock, it's understandable that Mayor Fetterman would have some misgivings about a project to cover the old store with traditional graffiti. While working to keep the public art in the area controversy–free (no political themes, no controversial colors or anything to promote conflict), the mayor did agree to allow more than 30 artists (some local, some from out of town) free reign at this one location for sort of a painting party one weekend.

The graffiti that was across the front of the building as part of this art project is no longer there. The sides, however are still covered.

Summary:

Artist(s): Multiple
Address: 640 Braddock Ave
City:Braddock
Zip Code:15104

PghMurals@gmail.com
Twitter: @PghMurals