CDCP x The Future is Black x WCDC Present: a Poetry Workshop led by Deondra Lovett

Date: September 19, 2026

Time: 1-2pm

Join poet Deondra Lovett for The ABCs of Innate Poetry, a creative writing workshop inspired by Vania Evangelique’s photography. Through the practices of Awareness, Being (Presence), and Capturing, participants will slow down, look deeply, and explore how visual art can awaken memories, emotions, imagination, and language. Participants will be invited to spend intentional time with Vania’s photography before transforming their observations and personal responses into poetry. The workshop will culminate in a ekphrastic free-verse poem inspired by the exhibition. No previous poetry or creative writing experience is necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to notice. 

This is a free event. RSVP is required to attend. Click the button below to sign up.

CDCP x The Future is Black x WCDC Present: An Artist Talk by Vania Evangelique

Date: September 5, 2026
Time: 1-3 pm

With her work highlighting the beauty in the mundane, Vania will talk about how writing and photography are integral in her process of finding moments of reflection and tenderness in her everyday life. She’ll discuss how these creative methods lead to pensive moments, sparking glimmers of intimacy that can be found by being present with oneself. Enjoy light snacks and drinks as we get to know Vania and her process more.

This is a free event. RSVP is required to attend.

CDCP x The Future is Black x WCDC Present: Collage Workshop led by Rachel Equity

Date: August 22, 2026
Time: 1-3 pm

Join Rachel Equity for a day of making collages using unconventional materials. Inspired by the meditative quality of Vania Evangelique’s photography, we will construct abstract dreamscapes. Rachel will guide participants through the thought process behind collaging and how to express pensive feelings through materials like printed images, cardboard, glue, and paint. We encourage participants to bring their own materials as well if desired, but all necessary materials are provided.

This is a free event and all ages are welcome to participate. RSVP is required, please click the button below to register. Participants will take home their original artwork inspired by both Evangelique and Wilkinsburg.

"Picture This" on view starting Saturday, November 8 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

We're thrilled to celebrate the opening of Picture This, a photography exhibition celebrating intergenerational connections, opening to the public at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center on November 8.

Picture a neighborhood where generations don’t just coexist, they connect! Join Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh and Casey Droege Cultural Productions for Picture This. Featuring vibrant photos by renowned Pittsburgh photographers, audio recordings, and engaging activations, this new exhibition reveals the power of connecting across generations. Picture This: A Photo Exhibit Celebrating Intergenerational Connections August Wilson African American Cultural Center 980 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

On view: November 8, 2025 – February 1, 2026

Open to the public:

Thursday: 3pm-6pm
Friday: 3pm-6pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Intuitive Watercolor Painting: Embracing Uncertainty Workshop

Intuitive Watercolor Painting: Embracing Uncertainty Workshop

Saturday, August 23rd
12-3pm
Free + All ages
WCDC’s Lohr Gallery

Join us on Saturday, August 23 from 12-3 pm at the WCDC's Lohr Gallery for a special workshop about tapping into your intuition to find expressive potential with the help of watercolor paints. In this WCDC workshop join artist Jessica Peña Heberle for a hands-on workshop that explores watercolor and mixed media as a tool for self-reflection and storytelling. Using watercolors, charcoal, colored pencils, and graphite, we’ll slow down and give form to parts of ourselves and memories by using color, texture, and organic shapes.

This free workshop is open to all levels and ages—no experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment! All materials will be provided. RSVP required to account for materials. Click the button below to reserve a spot.

The City of Pittsburgh and American Rescue Plan Act Support for Artists Grant

Overview

The City of Pittsburgh, with funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is launching the Support for Artists Grant Program, to be facilitated by Casey Droege Cultural Productions. These ARPA funds are meant to support the recovery of the City’s arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Support for Artists program specifically supports the economic recovery of individual artists. Through this program, 75 one-time grants will be awarded at levels of $500, $1,500, and $3,000. 

Twenty-five artists will be selected for each grant amount and will receive a one-time deposit. Grants will be awarded to individual artists working in any and all disciplines who have experienced a disruption to their income stream due to the COVID-19 pandemic as of March 3, 2021 or later. Individual artists must currently be residents within the City of Pittsburgh municipal boundary (see map). Selected artists may be required to provide financial evidence in the form of tax statements or pay stubs. Throughout the course of this program, the City of Pittsburgh is required to follow all federal ARPA guidelines and all other applicable law. Artists are responsible for personal tax implications associated with an award.

Applications for the grant program will open on May 5, 2025, and will be due by 11:59 PM EST on June 16, 2025. Awarded grantees will be identified through a two-step process involving an eligibility assessment followed by a lottery system, all conducted by a review committee. Awarded grantees will be notified by September 1, 2025.

To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, click the button below.