About the Exhibit
For nearly a century, Frick Park has been one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved public spaces, a place where the wild and the urban intertwine. Each visitor engages with the land in their own way—shaped by history, personality, emotion, and relationships. The people of Frick Park along with winding trails, towering trees, and quiet meadows hold countless stories, memories, and connections.
Much like children who gather wildflowers, rocks, and leaves as treasures, artist Virginia Christman collects the essence of a place through botanical photography, capturing its spirit in the botanical details found there. From wellness programs to engagements, ecological restoration to playful summer camps, 14 members of the PPC shared stories of their lives in Frick Park while walking with Virginia, elaborating on their personal connections to the place—both as Pittsburghers and as stewards of the land. These guided walks between February and May 2025 inspired a series of photographs that offer a glimpse into Frick Park as seen through the eyes of those who nurture it.
Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of Through Your Eyes on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We would love to see Frick Park Through Your Eyes, too! Just like you might do for a fun class reunion, dig up (or print out!) photos of you and yours in Frick Park over the years. We will have a table at the event where you can place your albums or pictures for others to enjoy.
Meet us in the Frick Environmental Center, Living Room & Art Gallery
Artwork on display will be for sale by the artist with a portion of the proceeds going to the parks, helping us continue to care for the green spaces that spark creativity and connection.
About the Artist
"I am a loud-laughing photographer and illustrator living and working in Pittsburgh, PA with my partner and two children.
I spent the last 10 years of my working life as a hospital and university Chaplain—witnessing the pain that sickness, loss, and death inevitably bring into our lives. It was difficult work, but it ushered me into a new appreciation of the details of beauty and joy in my day to day. The wonder of watching a hummingbird building, nesting, and hatching a family over several weeks of lunch breaks gave me what I needed to share more hours with the dying. Getting dive-bombed by a mockingbird on the tired afternoon walk to my car woke me up, scared me, and then made me laugh so hard it hurt. A surprise burst of winter cherry blossoms whispered to me, 'Life wins' even on a difficult day of goodbyes.
The details of the natural world became sustenance to me in a new way over those years of hospital life. Now as a working artist, I get to connect with all of you who also obsess over the glorious details—the farmers, gardeners, campers, hikers, lovers of place, lovers of endless vistas and endless lines on the undersides of mushrooms.
What botanical details do you want to preserve with a piece of custom-made art? In a brief commission call, we can solidify your ideas for a personalized photograph of a park, a garden, a farm, or a bouquet that holds significant meaning for you or someone you love." - Virginia Christman
