Art What You Got

Lauren Toohey and her Ducktopus

The devastating wind, the heavy drops of rain, did not deter us from having a wonderful time at the first arts festival in Polish Hill. Even through the disastrous weather, the bands kept playing.

How absolutely marvelous.

There was a taste of everything for the arts crowd; jewelry next to zombie art and across from hand-thrown pots, it was an amazing variety of works. It was nice to see some artists that usually wouldn't participate in a festival stepping out for Art What You Got. Too, this festival drew an atypical festival crowd. While there was the expected hipsters, there was also a grand attendance of neighborhood residents. The food at the festival was great, too. Who could turn down homemade halushki?

The festival was a grassroots effort, supported by members of the Polish Hill community and arts lovers everywhere. The city of Pittsburgh did their part -- Citiparks sent a sound system and manager. I thought the festival was unique for that and I am looking forward to next year's first annual Art What You Got.