Pittsburgh will be woven into every aspect of the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held Downtown and on the North Shore from April 23-25. On Tuesday, the NFL announced locally inspired art that will add another dimension to the ‘Burgh representation throughout the event.
Two artists with local connections will have art on display. Pittsburgh-based mixed media artist Kim Fox will create an installation that will be set in the Player Walkway, and Pittsburgh native Burton Morris will bring his pop art style to a 32-piece work that will adorn the Prospect Green Room.
That way, draft picks will have a piece of Pittsburgh with them as they enter NFL history.
“The NFL Draft is an opportunity to celebrate both the next generation of football talent and the city hosting this moment, and we do that through art, creativity and storytelling,” said Marissa Solis, NFL senior vice president of global brand and consumer marketing, in a release. “By partnering with local artists and weaving the city’s rich sports and cultural identity into Draft celebrations, we’re excited to bring Pittsburgh to life in a visually dynamic way throughout the weekend.”
Fox’s installation will include interpretations of all 32 NFL team’s masks, integrating reclaimed wood, vintage maps and other found items in a quiltlike pattern to highlight the individuality of the different clubs and cities. Make sure to take a closer look for the hidden symbols of each city within the finished piece.
Morris has combined the NFL’s wide range of team colors into 32 separate pieces, all mounted as one on a steel frame (for the Steel City, of course). To give it some pop, the full piece will include authentic team helmets from each team.
The NFL will also spotlight Pittsburgh’s rich arts and culture scene in other ways, including with a large-scale light projection on the Wyndham Hotel that will begin on April 23 and will feature Western Pennsylvania sports icons, Steelers history and important moments from the current draft. They have also partnered with the Andy Warhol Museum’s Youth Workfroce Program for a pop art studio on the Red Carpet.