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Kingdom of Smoke: History of Wilkinsburg by Rikke Foulke, Conservator

A Works Progress Administration mural titled “The Kingdom of Smoke:The History of Wilkinsburg”. indicates there may have been a time when the phrase “Kingdom of Smoke” connoted success and progress in industry. The 1940 mural by Harold Carpenter, was an artist based in Wilkinsburg. As a conservator whose goal is to preserve the history, I see a parallel between the title and the removal of 80s years of soot and dirt made by “The Kingdom of Smoke” to reveal the beautiful bright palette the artist originally intended for this public space. A conservator finds it interesting that 80s years of collected soot and dirt could be safely removed within 4 weeks of diligent care. Click here to read more...

Center for Civic Arts

Vision: to impact the quality of life and economic vitality of communities through arts and culture

MISSION: to employ the arts to envision a bright future by providing opportunities for civic action and social connections through public art, arts education, place-making, and cultural preservation.

Click here to see the transformation

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