Frank Curto Park

Courtesy of Brian Crawford

1 October 2019

Website:
https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/beta/our-parks.html

Telephone Number:
(412) 255-2539

Location:
2300 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Description:

Frank Curto Park, nestled between Downtown and Polish Hill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, alongside Bigelow Boulevard, stands as a vibrant city park adorned with an array of sculptures. Named in honor of Frank Curto, a revered horticulturist with a longstanding career at the city's bureau of Parks and Recreation, the park serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for green spaces.

Over the years, Frank Curto Park has evolved into a haven for contemporary urban art, attracting renowned artists and community initiatives alike. In 1977, John Henry's striking yellow metal abstract sculpture, "Pittsburgh," became a notable addition to the park's landscape.

In 1999, Stephanie Flom, a research fellow at Carnegie Mellon's STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, spearheaded the Persephone Project, aiming to intertwine art with environmental consciousness through gardening. The project transformed Frank Curto Park into an art garden, breathing new life into the previously underutilized space.

Subsequent installations further enriched the park's artistic landscape. In 2002, Lily Yeh's captivating circular garden, adorned with the towering "Goddesses Adorned" sculptures crafted by Joe King, became a focal point of the park. Gail Simpson's "Broken Hardscape" sculpture, unveiled in May 2005, and Dan Ladd's living sculpture of sycamore tree arches, added to the park's allure and charm.

Frank Curto Park emerged as the central hub for the ArtGardens of Pittsburgh initiative, featuring community-based art gardens curated by local artists like Paul Bowden and Jorge Myers. These "Magic Penny Gardens," named after the folk song by Malvina Reynolds, symbolize the spirit of generosity and community enrichment that defines the park's essence.