by Tawnya Panizzi
Aspinwall Riverfront Park just got a lot more “Love”ly. The Park is displaying a large LOVE sign and two large painted hearts and inviting the public to take pictures with friends and family there. The installation is the first of a series public art projects that will be featured at the Park this spring. The project is supported through the generosity of Dave and Beth Short.
The words “LOVE” are placed in front of the Park’s Playground sculpture near the Park’s entry. Two large painted wooden hearts are placed in West Park as well as the Boo Boo and Tiger’s Playground, the Park’s off leash dog park, so that people can take pictures with their dogs and smaller children with the art.
“So many kids enjoy taking pictures for Instagram at the Park, we thought it would be fun to involve them in creating this public art for all to enjoy. And, in this challenging and contentious year or so, our world could use more love and beauty,” said Susan Crookston Aspinwall Riverfront Park’s Founder and Executive Director.
Teacher Joe Gass’ Tech Ed students, Cullen Sunday, Jacob Zacharias, Raphe Pirzada, Jacob Patterson and Sophia Gass designed the seven and a half foot letters and two large hearts on the computer then cut them using C and C Router. Fox Chapel juniors Emily Hook, Elizabeth Crookston and sophomore Eleanor Fox painted the letters. Elizabeth designed three of the letters to look like they were in 3 dimensions. The painting of the “O” and hearts are more abstract. Emily said, “I’m glad that I was able to help work on this project and I hope seeing the sign will help brighten other people’s day.”
“The Park is a wonderful merge point, for all the art, entertainment, and activities of the lower valley community. As a resident of Aspinwall, I can’t wait to see how it continues to yield fruit,” said Mr. Gass.
“We’re excited to bring some more color into Pittsburgh’s gray winter and look forward to seeing people’s pictures,” said Ms. Crookston. To submit your pictures, email them to [email protected] or send them to the Park via Facebook or Instagram. To volunteer to help with the next public art project, email the Park at [email protected].
Founded in 2011, Aspinwall Riverfront Park features a fabulous Playground sculpture by world renowned artist Tom Otterness, a sled riding hill, off leash dog park, a fishing dock with hanging swings, walking trails, and native gardens. During the summer, it offers café, marina, kayak rentals, music, theater, free concert series, summer camps among other programs to the public. It is located at 285 River Avenue, in Aspinwall 15215.
