A Beltzhoover native’s mural on a basketball court in the Pittsburgh neighborhood is the city’s latest investment in public art.
The mural, called “Home Court Advantage,” is painted onto the court at Upper McKinley Park. It was done by New York-based artist Janel Young, who grew up in the neighborhood.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh awarded a $15,500 grant to complete the project, according to a city press release. Young enlisted the help of area youth from the group Voices Against Violence and they created it over two weeks in September.
Young posted a video of the evolution of the court to her Instagram account.
“It feels incredible to give back to my community in this way and involve several generations of residents in the process,” she said in a statement. “I’m proud that my neighborhood has made history with this project. That’s our home court advantage.”
Young was joined by city officials Wednesday in a ribbon-cutting at the court.
URA Deputy Director Diamonte Walker said the installation works well with the URA’s aim to spur economic and community development.
“Janel Young is not only an artistic talent but her ability to navigate the public sector really impressed our staff,” Walker said in a statement.
This is the city’s first “art court,” according to Young.
“Investing in public arts brings vitality to city neighborhoods,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement.
