Community engagement and social justice
Sculptural art
Live Performance, including puppetry, theater, dance, music, etc.
Pittsburgh Creative Corps Artist Directory
Cheryl Capezzuti
Studio Capezzuti
Primary Discipline
Artistic Practice
Site-specificity determines materials used
play in peace with Amal Walks America, 2023. Cheryl Capezzuti served as the local creative director for this international public art project featuring Little Amal. Capezzuti created the flying doves (pictured) and collaborated with many community partners on this interactive project. Photo Credit: Renee Rosensteel.
Personal Graffiti, 2018, aluminum panels, spray paint, graffiti pens, clearcoat. Created in collaboration with the Falk Class of 2018 for the main stairwell at Falk Lab School. Metal panels fabricated by Division 7 Architectural Metals, installed by Pitt union tradesmen.
Memory Tree, 2022, etched copper, 12′ x 12.’ Created in collaboration with metalsmith Jan Loney and the Class of 2022 at Falk Lab School to create this permanent rooftop sculpture. Fabricated by Division 7 Architectural Metals and installed by Pitt union tradesmen.
Live Out Loud, 2023, mosaic staircase mural. Created in collaboration with mosaic artist Bob Ziller and the Class of 2023 at Falk Lab School. Installed by Bob Ziller with student assistance.
Interactive Art Station, 2019. During her residency at the Pittsburgh International Airport, Capezzuti connected with airport employees and travelers to collect discarded items and transform them into giant puppets.
About the Artist
Cheryl Capezzuti is a community-interactive public artist best known for her work in sculpture and puppetry. Her body of work includes large scale parades requiring 500+ volunteers to activate, gallery and laundromat installations of sculptural work and permanent, memory-driven artworks created by students. Community interaction is a mission-central part of her creative practice.
Photo by WDO Photography
Web
Accreditations, Certifications, and/or Awards
- Henson Foundation Arts in Education Grant Recipient, 2021;
- Artist in Residence Pittsburgh International Airport, 2019;
- Creative Director and Puppetmaker, First Night Pittsburgh Parade, 1998-present;
- Over 20 Artist in Residence grants through the PA Council on the Arts, 1998-2012;
- Community Artist Fellow, The Heinz Endowments, 2001;
- Numerous grants and awards over 20 years
Provides Fabrication Services to Other Artists
No
Teaching Artist
Yes, preschool and up
Joined the Directory
March 2022
Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
“I connect people from many walks of life through creative experiences using materials we typically discard.”
Cheryl Capezzuti
Contact the Artist
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Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
