Artist Studio Tour: James Simon

Office of Public Art showcases the working process of individual artists

Pittsburgh, PA - The Office of Public Art will host a guided tour of artist James Simon’s studio on Friday, January 15, 7pm - 8 pm. Pittsburgh artist James Simon is best known for his large, figurative clay sculptures such as Liberty Avenue Musicians, located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District in the 900 block of Liberty Avenue.  Simon will lead a guided tour of his studio in Uptown and showcase how art is transforming Gist Street.  The tour is open to the public; to register, please visit www.publicartpittsburgh.org or call 412.391.20160 x237. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door.  James Simon Studios is located at 305 Gist Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.  Free street parking is available for tour participants. A small reception with light refreshments will follow the tour.

Participants will learn how Simon makes his monumental pieces and will have the unique opportunity to see a completed commission before it is shipped.  Simon said of the commission, “I have been creating this [commissioned sculptures] over the last year for the city of Tampa, FL. These sculptures are for the gateway to Perry Harvey Park, and pay homage to the African American community where folks like Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald lived.”

For more information about upcoming tours, talks, and programs of the Office of Public Art, please visit www.publicartpittsburgh.org.  Tours take place, rain or shine, and are open to the public.

About the Office of Public Art

The Office of Public Art (OPA) is a public private partnership between the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning. Founded in 2005, OPA provides technical assistance and educational programs about public art in the Pittsburgh Region. We work with organizations and individuals in the public and private sector to facilitate the development of and information about public art.