Events

The landmark retrospective introduces Pittsburgh to the prolific, globe-trotting sculptor whose rebellious thinking and obsessive drive helped reshape the story of 20th-century American art. 

— The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and Art Bridges, proudly presents Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, on view from May 5 through October 27, 2025. This is the first major retrospective of 20th-century African American sculptor John W. Rhoden (1916–2001), a groundbreaking artist whose life and legacy have been largely overlooked in mainstream American art history. The opening reception will be held in AWAACC’s Highmark Room from 7:00pm-9:00pm on Thursday May 8.

Spanning more than five decades of Rhoden’s extraordinary career, Determined to Be features over 40 works in bronze, wood, and stone, alongside never before seen archival materials, letters, and photographs. Through immersive galleries anchored by the artist’s migration—from the American South to New York, across Europe, and into Asia—the exhibition traces the arc of Rhoden’s career and his transformation into an international cultural ambassador. 

“John Rhoden’s artistic journey is one of bold creativity, global exploration, and resilience,” said Janis Burley, President & CEO/Artistic Director of AWAACC. “His artistic vision stands as a testament to the power of sculpture as a vehicle for cultural expression and social change. We are proud to celebrate his legacy here in Pittsburgh. This exhibition is a stark reminder of the Black artists whose excellence has too often been excluded from the canon. It’s an honor to help change that.” 

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rhoden defied the social limitations of his time through education, mentorship, and relentless curiosity. He earned accolades including a Fulbright Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Prix de Rome. In the 1950s and ’60s, he traveled the world as part of U.S. cultural diplomacy efforts, creating large-scale sculptures and building artistic bridges from Indonesia to Italy. Despite his success, Rhoden’s work has not been the subject of a major monograph or solo museum exhibition—until now. 

Originally organized by PAFA, where Rhoden’s archive is held, the exhibition includes sculptures from his early years in New York to monumental wood carvings from his time in Indonesia. The show explores major themes in his work, from spiritual iconography and global mythology to portraiture and public art. 

Determined to Be is more than a retrospective—it’s a reclamation of place and purpose for an artist who helped shape the visual language of modern America. With its arrival at AWAACC, the exhibition continues a national conversation about equity in the arts, cultural memory, and the transformative power of travel, education, and creative networks. 

ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER  

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally. Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today. Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit our website: awaacc.org

Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jun 22, 2025

• Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
• HEINZ HALL

JUN 20 FRI 7:30 PM 

JUN 21 SAT 7:30 PM  

JUN 22 SUN 2:30 PM 

Honoring the true Kings of classic soul with greatest hits from legendary artists Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Al Green, Barry White, Smokey Robinson, and Curtis Mayfield, including “Soul Man,” “Shop Around,” “Stand By Me” and more. 

• Click for Tickets

In the spring of 2015, a scrappy new nonprofit began frequenting restaurants and grocery stores in Pittsburgh, rescuing good food that would have been thrown out and bringing it to the neighborhoods where it was needed most. Ten years later, 412 Food Rescue is the largest volunteer food rescue organization in the U.S., and its Food Rescue Hero platform fights food waste and food insecurity across North America. On April 12, “412 Day,” Pittsburgh’s homegrown food-rescue powerhouse is throwing a free, family-friendly block party to celebrate the community that has made it all possible.

“We were founded on the principle that people are wired for good,” says 412 Food Rescue CEO Alyssa Cholodofsky, “and our community here has confirmed that belief many times over.” 

More than 24,000 local volunteers have completed nearly 167,000 rescues for the organization, recovering over 25 million pounds of nutritious food (the equivalent of 21 million meals) and transporting it to a broad array of partners serving food-insecure populations, from public housing facilities, to after-school programs, to community centers. Together, they have brought fresh food within a 15-minute walk of over 180,000 people in previously under-served areas. Meanwhile, the food waste they have prevented has mitigated 69 million pounds of CO2 emissions.

“Ours is a story of regular people helping each other and working together to take on some of the biggest challenges facing our world,” adds Cholodofsky. “We’re excited to celebrate with all our supporters – and welcome even more. We want everyone to know that they have the power to be Food Rescue Heroes. So join us to honor local resilience, support food rescue efforts, and kick off the next 10 years of building a stronger, healthier community.”

Everyone is invited to 412 Day. The afternoon block party (noon - 4 p.m.) will unfold at Velum Fermentation (2120 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203), which is partnering with 412 Food Rescue to turn a recent, huge haul of rescued tomatoes into a limited-edition beer; and party-goers can also snag a souvenir pint glass with a 10th-anniversary version of the 412 Food Rescue logo. 

Sponsored by Duolingo and Global Tax Management, festivities will include flash tattoos and tarot readings, games, music, food trucks, a raffle, and mascots (including newly introduced Rooty, the food rescue super-carrot). Over 30 local vendors will offer everything from salt scrubs to stickers; Millie’s Homemade will be giving out free scoops of ice cream; local artist Kait Shoeb (Paints by Kait) will do a live painting of the Pittsburgh skyline during the event, to be raffled off at the end; and a touch-a-truck experience will allow kids to explore one of 412 Food Rescue’s newly-branded fleet trucks. KDKA radio host Natalie Bencivenga will emcee with a live broadcast sharing the story of 412 Food Rescue’s decade of impact and ways for listeners to get involved.

"412 Day" Block Party
Saturday, April 12, noon - 4 p.m.
Velum Fermentation, 2120 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 

Join 412 Food Rescue to celebrate 10 years of community collaboration and impact with a free, family-friendly block party, featuring live music, local food vendors, community booths, volunteer sign-ups, interactive exhibits, and more!

For more information, visit: https://412foodrescue.org/412-day-block-party/

The Westmoreland Diversity Coalition is pleased to announce Westmoreland Has Talent, an exciting evening of live performances and community celebration, to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Live! Casino at Westmoreland Mall, 5260 US-30, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

This unique event will spotlight local leaders and community members as they showcase their musical and performance talents in a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere. Attendees will enjoy a night of performances ranging from vocal to instrumental, including a special “leadership karaoke” segment, audience voting, a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles, and a buffet dinner.

This year’s lineup for leadership karaoke includes:

·  Commissioner Doug Chew and Cyndi Chew

·  Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, PhD President, Westmoreland Museum of American Art

·  Dr. Robert Gregerson, President, Pitt Greensburg

·  Debra Mason, Pastor, Otterbein Methodist Church, Greensburg

·  Theresa Matson, Vice President, Adelphoi Village

·  Carlotta Paige, COO Westmoreland Diversity Coalition

·  Michael Rozell, Executive Director, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra

·  Kathy Krommel Balentine, retired Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army

Commissioner Doug Chew and Cyndi Chew will also serve as the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through a lively program designed to celebrate the spirit and talent of Westmoreland County.

Tickets are $65 and include access to a buffet dinner. A cash bar will be available. Attendees are encouraged to wear casual evening attire.

Westmoreland Has Talent serves as a fundraiser for the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected Westmoreland County. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative engagement, the Coalition works to create an environment where every individual feels welcome and valued, to “Make Our Differences Our Strengths.”

“This is not just a talent show - it’s a night to come together, celebrate one another, and support the ongoing work of strengthening our community,” said Carlotta Paige, board co-chair and founder of the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition.

Event Details

Westmoreland Has Talent
Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Live! Casino, Westmoreland Mall, 5260 US-30, Greensburg, PA 15601
Tickets: $65 per person
Includes buffet dinner; cash bar available

To purchase tickets or download the event flyer, visit https://wdcoalition.org/westmoreland-has-talent-may-3-2025/.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit https://wdcoalition.org/be-a-sponsor-westmoreland-has-talent-2025/.

About the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition

The Westmoreland Diversity Coalition is a nonprofit organization working across Westmoreland County to foster understanding, encourage collaboration, and build inclusive communities. The Coalition partners with individuals, institutions, and local governments to develop programs and initiatives that help Westmoreland County thrive as a welcoming and forward-looking region. More information can be found at https://wdcoalition.org. 

Wed, Mar 25 - Sun, Apr 19, 2026

Get Tickets 

By Eboni Booth
Directed by Kyle Haden

A PERFECT PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING PITTSBURGH PREMIERE

To make the perfect mai tai, you only need a few simple ingredients: rum, fruit juice, and simple syrup. But crafting a Pulitzer Prize-winning play? That takes something far more special. In her acclaimed Primary Trust, Eboni Booth masterfully blends sweet and sour characters, a splash of comedy and drama, and yes, bottomless mai tais to serve up an intoxicating tale of the immeasurable impact of radical kindness. After a career setback, lovable loner Kenneth must confront his demons, both real and imagined, only to discover angels around every corner in a community he never thought he belonged to. His journey is a poignant, uplifting, and deeply human one sure to linger long after the final sip.

“Primary Trust” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Handmade Arcade will feature more than 30 new and emerging artists, craftspeople, and makers at its sixth annual Spring Marketon Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hosted at Construction Junction. Selected from nearly 150 applicants, these featured makers create innovative home decor, inventive ceramics, bold artwork, handcrafted accessories, statement jewelry, and more. The Spring Market is free and does not require registration. Free parking is available.

"Shopping small and local feels more important than ever," says Kelsey Ford, Handmade Arcade's Executive Director. "Pittsburgh is full of some of the most incredible artists and makers. Rather than purchasing home goods, artwork, clothing, and more from large corporations, shoppers can put their money right into the hands of working artists by shopping small, local, and handmade at events like our Spring Market." 

As the region’s largest maker-supporting nonprofit, Handmade Arcade creates year-round opportunities to empower creative entrepreneurs by providing professional development opportunities and connecting makers to customers. The Spring Market is a unique market opportunity as selected makers not only get experience selling at a well-loved local market, but they also receive hands-on education, workshops, and more to prepare for success.

"Our Spring Market is a very hands-on experience for new and emerging makers," says Ford. "Before the market, they get access to our Maker Handbook, participate in a walk-through of the venue and a workshop on booth design, and attend a virtual panel featuring makers who have sold at Handmade Arcade markets. This level of support is not common at markets. Our hope is that this additional support and professional development sets makers up for success as they enter the wider world of selling at large in-person markets.

This year's maker line-up will also spotlight several youth makers, including:

• Cone 6 Studios, a high school student ceramic shop and alumni of Handmade Arcade's 2024 Youth Maker Accelerator program
• Bubble Bee Bracelets, a team of three 12-13 year old makers who hold monthly sleepovers as their business meetings
• The Krunk Movement, an after-school fellowship program through Center of Life that serves as a vibrant hub for music and arts for youth ages 13 to 18, and
• Offroute Art, a volunteer-run art nonprofit that works with artists ages 16-24 to help them display and sell their artwork across Pittsburgh. 

On-site food and drink will include:

• Les Deux, serving coffee and handcrafted espresso drinks
• Lulá' La Chula, serving Oaxacan eats, including tamales, tlayudas, and elotes, and 
• manudhandu, serving vegan & gluten-free Korean food

Union Project will also be at the Spring Market with ceramics and clay wheel-throwing demonstrations.

To learn more about the participating makers before April 12, shoppers can explore the Spring Market Virtual Catalog. This event is free and does not require ticket registration. For more information, please visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/spring-market.

OWNING OUR FUTURE  | KEYNOTE SPEAKER 

Shyla Spicer
CEO, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation 

Friday, May 16

6:00pm - 6:45pm

Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You Single Tix: $15 - $30
Pay What Moves You Pass: $150 - $300

Shyla Spicer from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation explores the role of creative land stewardship in Indigenous self-determination and how securing space for cultural expression strengthens Native communities.

Learn More! 

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is honored to host the 2nd Annual Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh exhibition, a powerful showcase of award-winning works from local artists who are shaping the vision for a more equitable and inclusive future. This exhibition celebrates the diverse voices and creative expressions that challenge, inspire, and offer profound insights into what an equitable Pittsburgh could be. Featuring a dynamic range of visual arts, performance art, and interdisciplinary works, the exhibition offers a space for reflection and dialogue on justice, equity, and community.

Envisioning A Just Pittsburgh is a region-wide initiative and collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and 1Hood Media. This initiative expands diversity consciousness and honors intersectional perspectives, giving space to creative expressions from artists of all ages.

Plan Your Visit

Join us for the highly anticipated annual event, Poetry Unplugged: Always August, sponsored by Citizens. This special evening will feature nationally renowned and award-winning spoken word artists as they take the stage to speak truth to power in the spirit of August Wilson, infusing humor, romance, justice, and equality into their performances.

Featured Artists include: The Last Poets, Queen Sheba, Jasmine Mans, Black Chakra, Ephraim Nehemiah, Yex, and Mike Smalls (Century Cycle Poetry Slam’s grand prize winner).

As we celebrate what would have been August Wilson’s 80th birthday on April 27th, we are honored to showcase two of Pittsburgh’s finest visual artists, Morgan Overton and Marlon Gist, who will be live-painting portraits of the legendary playwright throughout the event.

These stunning portraits will be auctioned off during the evening, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of Wilson’s enduring legacy. Don’t miss this unforgettable tribute to the life and work of one of Pittsburgh’s greatest native sons, born in the Hill District, and a true American hero.

This is a general admission event. VIP tickets include a pre-show Meet & Greet with The Lost Poets and priority general admission seating in the theater.

Advanced ticket purchases conclude day of show at 5pm. Walk-up tickets are available, but not guaranteed.

Secure Your Tickets Today 

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is excited to announce the upcoming featured exhibition, Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Southern Modern Women Artists, running from Sunday, February 9, to Sunday, May 18, 2025. This exhibition highlights the significant contributions of women artists whose legacies were shaped by their experiences in the American South. The presentation of this exhibition also marks the launch of The Westmoreland’s Year of Women Artists, a yearlong initiative dedicated to celebrating the significant and often underrepresented contributions of women artists to American art history.

“Our Own Work, Our Own Way challenges the traditional narratives of American modern art by moving towards a more inclusive representation of the artists who helped shape it,” said Director/CEO Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, PhD. “We are pleased to share this important exhibition with our audiences to kick off the Year of Women Artists.”

Drawn from the exceptional holdings of The Johnson Collection, Our Own Work, Our Own Way brings together works by over 40 artists, including Anni Albers, Elaine de Kooning, Alma Thomas, and Ida Kohlmeyer, and spans the 1940s to the 2000s. The artists represented in the exhibition transcended the boundaries of their time, creating powerful work that challenged traditional gender roles and broke artistic conventions. While the South was slow to embrace gender equality, many of these artists found a supportive and nurturing environment within creative communities there. Despite the challenges they faced, these women helped define modernism and left their mark on the South’s artistic landscape. 

“We are thrilled to partner with The Westmoreland in presenting Our Own Work, Our Own Way as we travel this exhibition to a venue outside the South for the first time,” said Sarah F. Tignor, Director of The Johnson Collection. “It is wonderful to utilize our collection to shine a light on these groundbreaking women artists.”

The presentation of Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Southern Modern Women Artists is made possible by The Johnson Collection.

Year of Women Artists at The Westmoreland
Today, women remain vastly underrepresented in the art world, with studies showing that their work makes up only 13% of major American museum collections. The Year of Women Artists at The Westmoreland brings attention to this imbalance through a dynamic roster of exhibitions and events throughout 2025 centered on American women artists from a variety of backgrounds and eras.

In addition to Our Own Work, Our Own Way, the Museum will present A Fountain of Forms: The Rise of the American Woman Sculptor, 1910–1929 (April 11–December 31, 2025), showcasing bronzes by Harriet Whitney Frishmuth, Malvina Hoffman, and Janet Scudder from the collection of Dr. Michael L. Nieland. These sculptors used representations of the female form to assert their individuality and autonomy in an age of increasing patriarchal control. 

The Museum will also host the following: Pennsylvania in Progress (opening January 18, 2025), including photography by Aaronel deRoy Gruber and works by other women artists; Cecilia Beaux: Inventing the Modern Portrait (opening June 14, 2025), which unpacks Beaux’s path-breaking approach to crafting the modern portrait; The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Samella Lewis Collection (September 7, 2025–January 4, 2026), celebrating Catlett’s achievements in sculpture and printmaking; and Brynn Hurlstone: Resonance (opening September 7, 2025), a large-scale immersive installation by Hurlstone.

Additionally, the Museum’s Year of Women Artists will feature a wide range of events designed to foster deeper engagement. For more information about Year of Women Artists exhibitions and events, please visitthewestmoreland.org/yowa.

The Westmoreland’s 2025 exhibition program is generously supported by the Hillman Foundation and The Heinz Endowments. Installations activating the Museum’s permanent collection are supported by Sebastian Mueller Charitable Fund of the Eden Hall Foundation. Support for Cecilia Beaux: Inventing the Modern Portrait is provided by Art Bridges.  Additional support for The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Samella Lewis Collection is provided by Arts, Equity, & Education Fund™.