Turtle Cove Kayak Tour

This tour will be a kayak trip to a small inlet on the Allegheny River called Turtle Cove. From the launch point, participants will paddle along the river’s edge while listening to the water’s sounds and looking at nearby sights. The tour will then continue onto Turtle Cove itself, where participants will notice sculptures created by the Cove’s visitors. These works have changed over time, manipulated by weather or others, adding to their artistic nature. Participants will consider the theme RECYCLE, REUSE, RENEW as they collaborate to make one new sculpture, calmly fine-tuning the site as they search for natural and unique findings from the inlet. Before the end of the tour, any non-recyclable trash not used for the sculptures will be picked up and brought back for disposal.

About the Kayak Tour Series

Shiftworks Community + Public Arts maintains a long-standing history of hosting and organizing walking tours for the public. To further expand this programmatic offering, Shiftworks commissioned Pittsburgh Creative Corps artists Erin Mallea and Monica Cervone McElwain to design and experiment with how tour-goers experience the region’s public realm.

This series of kayak tours was conceptualized by the artists and focuses on engaging audience members through artmaking, participant observations, listening activities, and walking.

About Monica Cervone McElwain

Monica Cervone McElwain is a mixed-media artist, who is constantly enticed by new materials and very experimental in her artmaking. She has recently been exploring needlepoint in her art as a textural layer that travels throughout. Colors and shapes at first look uncomplicated but then develop intricacies through the use of various layers of line, symbols, textures or patterns. She is an inspiring muralist and loves to create large pieces throughout the city of Pittsburgh. She is a busy momma of three, a roller derby enthusiast and full time elementary art teacher. “I am overall a passionate human being, I surround myself with what I love and want the world to see my art in a colorful and unique way.”

Additional Information

This is a beginner level kayak tour, appropriate for ages 18 +. Participants will spend approximately 10 minutes kayaking at an easy pace to Turtle Cove and approximately 15 minutes to return to the marina. Please note, kayakers should be skilled enough to launch their own kayaks and be able to get back on shore without assistance.

Attendees are required to wear life vests (which will be provided on-site), must participate in a short kayak safety training, and sign a waiver before the tour begins. Please arrive promptly at 9:00 AM to undergo the short training and prepare to launch. Tour-goers will be on the water by 9:30 AM.

Participants should be dressed appropriately for kayaking to, and spending time on, Turtle Cove. Please wear comfortable, quick-drying/active clothing that can get wet. It is recommended to bring a dry change of clothes to enjoy the marina and food after the tour. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Wear walking sandals or shoes that are comfortable and able to get wet, and are safe for walking on uneven terrain.  Be sure to check the weather conditions the morning of the tour and bring appropriate layers.

This tour will take place rain or shine. Please be prepared for any type of weather. If there is severe weather on the day of the tour requiring cancellation, participants will be notified by email 2 – 4 hours before the start of the tour.

Public restrooms are available at the marina.

Artist Monica Cervone McElwain will be bringing drawing paper, pencils, markers, and a polaroid camera for participants to use. We ask all attendees to NOT bring their own art materials so that we can be mindful of possible waste at Turtle Cove.

Directions and Parking Information

Tour-goers will meet at 10.7 Marina located at 314 Arch Street, Verona, PA 15147. Please plan to arrive promptly at 9:00 AM. There is free parking at 10.7 Marina.

There are no nearby stops for Pittsburgh Regional Transit.

Photography, Videography, and Other Documentation

Participants should be aware that photography, videorecording, and/or other documentation of the event by Shiftworks, other attendees, or the media may take place during the event. Participants will have an opportunity to indicate if they choose to opt out of being included in event documentation, and our team will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these preferences.

Accessibility

This tour is very physically engaging and requires participants to be able to enter and exit a kayak safely without significant assistance. Participants will need to be able to follow verbal and visual instruction. Due to the unique nature of the event, our ability to provide additional accommodations is limited. Please contact the organizer if you have any questions.

Cancellation and Refunds

In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, participants will be refunded to their original form of payment. All other sales are final.

Registration

There are two ticket types available for this tour: $30.00 with a kayak rental or $20.00 if bringing your own kayak. The button below will redirect you to Eventbrite where you will make your ticket selection and complete your registration.