As a Pittsburgh muralist, I’m always looking for opportunities to create work that connects people to place. This mural in the Strip District is now complete.
I worked on this project in collaboration with Humane Action Pennsylvania as part of their Love Your Wild Neighbor campaign. The idea is simple: wildlife isn’t separate from us. Instead, it’s part of the same environment we live in here in Pittsburgh.
The Concept
The mural shows a mother bear and her two cubs moving through a meadow. A quiet scene felt like the right approach. Rather than creating tension or fear, the focus stays on presence. In other words, this piece is about sharing space, not reacting to it.
Why the Strip District
This Pittsburgh Strip District mural sits in a busy, high-traffic area, which is exactly why it works. Because of that setting, it creates a natural pause. People move through their day and then suddenly come across a moment of Western Pennsylvania wildlife in the middle of the city.
My Approach as a Pittsburgh Muralist
As a Pittsburgh muralist, my work often lives at that intersection. I bring something organic into a built environment and let people have their own reaction. Instead of telling viewers what to think, the goal is to create space for reflection.
At the same time, encounters with wildlife are becoming more common as the city expands. Rather than pushing that reality away, this piece leans into it. It doesn’t explain anything directly. Instead, it simply places that idea in front of you.
Project Support
This project came together through collaboration and trust. I want to thank Humane Action Pennsylvania for bringing me into the work and supporting the message behind it.
I also appreciate Wholey’s Food Corporation for providing the wall and giving this piece a home in the Strip District. In addition, Primanti Brothers helped make the process smoother with their flexibility during installation.
Finished and Part of the City
Now it’s done. The mural is part of the Strip District and part of the daily movement of the neighborhood.
