Earlier this year, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh launched the Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt initiatives with a goal to honor her work, legacy, and leadership by increasing CLP’s resources and capacity related to the following: 

• Celebrating Black culture and the legacy of Black librarianship; 
• Cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment for BIPOC staff and community members; 
• And co-creating with community practices that increase accessibility to the library and the field of librarianship. 

One such initiative began with CLP’s participation in Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh, a multi-organization, juried art exhibition of art focused on expanding diversity consciousness and celebrating minoritized cultures and perspectives. The Library was pleased to offer each first-place winner a three-month artist residency at one of our twenty locations. Four talented artists began residencies at different CLP locations in March which will culminate with closing showcases in June.  

The purpose of this project is to develop a community-based artist in residence series that will help CLP build collaboration with diverse artists, serve our communities well, and create additional justice-centered art experiences in branches. Learn more about the artists, their work, and when you can view their showcases.  

Gentle Yoga Showcase: How to Continue Your Yoga Practice When Classes Have Ended
CLP – East Liberty
Saturday, June 1 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Join us for the showcase event of CLP-East Liberty Artist in Residence, Mita Ghosal. Mita’s choreography utilizes tools from Contemporary Dance, Yoga, Theatre and familial and ancestral histories to guide her in artistic craft. Her work has been presented in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Pittsburgh through numerous professional venues. This gentle yoga session will be the final session in the series. Participants will breathe, stretch and learn ways to continue their own yoga work outside of formal sessions. No experience necessary and attendance at previous sessions is not required. 

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Remembrance: The Sound of Freedom from the Lower Hill
CLP – Hill District
Thursday, June 6 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm 

Join us for the showcase event of CLP-Hill District Artist in Residence Lee Price. Lee is a visual artist who takes inspiration from American cartoons, anime and the raw energy of graffiti street art. These influences add an urban, dynamic edge to the artworks, making each piece a statement in the intersection of culture and creativity. This exhibit invites community members to engage with histories of the Hill District through Lee’s visual arts work. While the showcase will occur Thursday, June 6 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, the exhibit will remain up through CLP-Hill District’s operating hours that weekend. You can learn more about Lee’s work on his website.

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Poetry, Snacks and Music in the Auditorium
CLP – Homewood
Saturday, June 8 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm 

Join us for the showcase event of CLP-Homewood Artist in Residence, Emily Carlson and teen writer Amira Bogan. Emily Carlson is an adjunct poetry teacher at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 and directs Art in the Garden, an LGBTQ+ led, joy-centered arts and ecology program that addresses the impacts of childhood adversity and trauma. Their award-winning poetry collections include Why Misread a Cloud, and I Have a Teacher. This is an afternoon of poetry, snacks, and music at the Homewood Library. This event is an open mic, so whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time poet, come out and share your poems! Featured poets include Arinola Bejide, Amira Bogan, Daionne Coleman, Chatumn White, and Eniyah Williams. 

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Femme Noir: A Docu Series
CLP – Main (Oakland)
Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16 during Library hours 

Join us for the showcase event of CLP-Main Artist in Residence Cerrina Hagood. Cerrina is a dedicated artist committed to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in the realm of filmmaking. With a passion for storytelling, Cerrina delves into narratives that give voice to marginalized communities.  This exhibit will highlight the beauty and resilience of womanhood.