$1,000,000 and beyond!

Photos taken by Jasnoor Kaur

We’re looking back at our major milestone from this past year: making one million dollars for the local arts economy!

We celebrated at Brew House Arts with friends and collaborators we've worked with over the years who helped us make this goal. We're grateful for everyone who's supported us this year and beyond, and we're looking forward to making our next million for the arts economy.

Though we’re thrilled about this milestone, our team is also preparing for what’s to come in 2025. Our Executive Director, Casey Droege, took a moment to write down her thoughts on the future of the arts in the wake of this past November.

“Like so many of you, we are recouping from a pretty bad election hangover. As we try to regain our bearings, I can’t help but imagine the worst case scenarios. Still, I’m finding some strength as I look at what we’ve built already and to this arts community that we are woven into.

The thing that keeps giving me a little peace is the idea that we’ve already built a business that does things differently. We’ve come this far by working around broken systems and pushing for better. We are adept at pivoting and finding the loopholes and figuring out ways to keep our heads above water.

I’m tired- but I’ve been tired for a while, and I’m not giving up. Our team at CDCP is not giving up. We’re resting, replenishing and figuring out ways we can keep moving forward. We will continue to find ways to build our arts economy and support our arts community. We will question the existing structures, we will find ways to create supportive platforms, and we will generate income for artists and arts workers. We will take breaks as needed and we will probably complain - a lot. But I hope that our team’s work will help strengthen this arts ecosystem and make a positive impact during turbulent times.”

We’re looking forward to making a positive impact with you in 2025 and beyond.

Happy New Year!
The CDCP Team

CDCP and WCDC Present: A Fine Art Portrait Session with Majestic Moments

CDCP and WCDC are excited to host two days of photographic portrait sessions with exhibiting artist Mo’Ney Thomas. Mo’Ney and Donnell Pearl will be at the Lohr Gallery as Majestic Moments, photographing portraits in front of a custom backdrop. This workshop will be free. Registration will be required for timed portrait sessions.

Imagine a portrait that captures more than just your likeness—a masterpiece that reflects your inner beauty and timeless style. Majestic Moment’s fine art portrait sessions are meticulously crafted to create enduring images that will be cherished for generations.

With expert lighting, a stunning backdrop, and a touch of artistry, they will transform ordinary moments into extraordinary works of art. The mission of Majestic Moments is to create portraits that not only showcase your authentic beauty but also evoke emotions and tell your unique story. So come dressed to impress and be ready to have some fun, relax and experience the magic of Majestic Moments!

WCDC's Lohr Gallery
725 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Photographs will be shared through an online gallery sent by email, within 3-4 weeks of the shoot at the latest. To sign up, click the button below.

CDCP is seeking an exhibition attendant!

Exhibition Attendant Position 

Casey Droege Cultural Productions (CDCP) 
Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) 

Location: Lohr Gallery, 729 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 
Hours: Temporary (November 2024–June 2025), Part time (12–5pm Saturdays) 
Starting Rate: $15/hr 

CDCP is an artist-run/woman-owned business dedicated to building the Pittsburgh arts community by offering accessible, quality art experiences that connect the local and the global, encourage the growth of a local arts economy, and build a diverse arts audience. 

The Art All Over program is a collaboration between WCDC and CDCP to transform the WCDC headquarters in the newly renovated Lohr Building into a gallery-level display space. Launched in 2020, the initiative will celebrate and promote the many accomplished artists who live in the Wilkinsburg area. 

Position Description: 

CDCP is seeking an attendant to help oversee gallery space and welcome visitors to special exhibitions. The position has a specific schedule of Saturday shifts from 12 – 5pm, beginning November 2024 through June 2025 (except for scheduled holiday closures). We are looking for candidates who will help to create a warm and inclusive art space. Some contemporary art knowledge is appreciated along with an interest and involvement with community engagement. Additionally, excellent people and communication skills are necessary, as well as the ability to work independently. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Greet customers when they walk through the door and ask if they need assistance  

• Supervise artwork in the space and maintain a clean and safe environment 

• Support events and programming in the space 

• Learn basic biographical information about the artists and their work; actively engage with visitors to answer questions and provide additional information about CDCP, WCDC, or the work in the space 

• Day to day administrative tasks as assigned  

• Operate the Square Point-of-Sale app for any artwork sales 

• Stay attuned to visitor experience and create a welcoming environment 

Knowledge and Skills Required:  

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills. You will interact with both the public and artists on a regular basis and should feel very comfortable talking with people 

• Hard-working, responsible, punctual, flexible to last-minute changes, disciplined and self-motivated, able to take direction and learn new skills 

• Able to work independently 

• Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail 

• Ability to move and lift artworks up to 40 lbs 

• Experience with Square Point-of-Sale is a plus 

Position is open until filled. To apply, please send the following to CDCP Finance and Operations Director Candace Opper at candace@caseydroege.com

• Letter of interest 

• Resume 

CDCP x WCDC Present: Mo'Ney Thomas

CDCP x WCDC Present: Mo’Ney Thomas

Artist Reception: Saturday, November 2, 12-5pm

On view: November 2, 2024-February 15, 2025
Gallery hours: Saturdays 12-5pm

We’re thrilled to have Mo’Ney Thomas be our second exhibiting artist for the ‘24-’25 season of Art All Over.

Mo’Ney Thomas aka Majestic Mo is a Pittsburgh-born and raised professional photographer, artist, creative director, and founder of Majestic Moments. After being introduced to photography at the young age of 5 years old, Mo’Ney has used the medium for therapeutic as well as commercial purposes and believes it has the power to heal. Inspired by Claude Monet and Teenie Harris, Mo’Ney’s photography combines vibrant colors and surreal imagery with candid moments of everyday life.

WCDC's Lohr Gallery

725 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Programming for The Art of Democracy

Make sure to check out these events that are a part of The Art of Democracy series of exhibitions. Click below to learn more and register.

The Art of Democracy: Resiliency Impacted Screening
Thursday, October 17th, 5:00-6:30pm
Free

The Art of Democracy: Archiving Memories
Saturday, October 19, 1:00-2:30pm
Free

An evening of music, poetry, and peace with Diarra Imani
Wednesday, October 23, 6-9pm
Sliding scale, $0-20

The Art of Democracy: Pole-2-Polls Workshop Series

The Art of Democracy: Pole-2-Polls Workshop Series

at the Manderino Library at PennWest California and Brew House Arts

Join us for two free workshops as a part of our programming for The Art of Democracy: Whose Choice? Exhibiting artist Penny Matter will lead two making workshops where participants will make yard signs encouraging voter participation. Each event will also feature community discussions lead by reproductive rights organizations in Western PA.

Transportation may be available to those who need a ride to California, PA. To learn more about and register for the event at the Manderino Library at PennWest, California, click the button below.

To learn more and register for the event at Brew House Arts, click the button below.