Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Unveils Renderings of Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square
Pittsburgh's Newest Light Installation to Transform Mellon Square During the Heart of the Holiday Season
PITTSBURGH – OCTOBER 14, 2024 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy today announced the debut of Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square, a one-of-a-kind light installation set to transform the historic downtown green space into a vibrant, must-see destination throughout the holiday season. Opening on Light-Up Night, November 23, this dazzling display will immerse visitors in a magical experience that runs through mid-January.
The Parks Conservancy, with support from the Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation, has partnered with the City of Pittsburgh, Shiftworks, a local non-profit known for curating public art displays, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to bring this project to life.
‘Aurora,’ designed by Pittsburgh-based artist, Joshua Challen Ice, features hundreds of diamond-shaped panels, which shift their hues as they catch the breeze or respond to the touch of passersby. Arranged in an argyle pattern, these panels echo the terrazzo design of the park’s ground, as though the iconic diamonds have come to life, lifting off and floating in the air.
Supported by a gently undulating truss structure, the panels form a flowing ribbon that arcs above the park, creating archways that invite visitors to walk beneath and experience the changing light from within. The installation rises and dips as it bounces across pathways, stretches over the central fountain, and weaves through trees and gathering spaces, soaring more than 25 feet high at its peak.
“Whether experienced from afar or up close, ‘Aurora’ invites all who visit to pause, reflect, and engage with the park in a new, dynamic way—adding an extra layer of brightness and wonder to the heart of Pittsburgh,” explains Ice.
‘Aurora’ will be a feast for the senses, accompanied by an array of holiday activities and experiences, including cozy heated igloos, a hot cocoa booth, and whimsical "holi-sleighs." Live musical performances and holiday choirs will enhance the lighting display, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with Mellon Square and the art itself.
"This installation is about more than just holiday lights—it's about capturing the magic of the season and creating moments of joy for everyone who visits," said Catherine Qureshi, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "By bringing the community together, we're celebrating Mellon Square as a downtown oasis that shines even brighter during winter. We're excited to offer an immersive experience that invites residents and visitors alike to feel the warmth and wonder of the holidays in a whole new way."
Mellon Square, initially constructed in 1955 as the first public space built over a parking garage, is a Modernist masterpiece that underwent a complete restoration in 2014. The Parks Conservancy's desire to preserve this iconic space continues with ‘Aurora,’ an initiative designed to enhance economic growth and activate the downtown area during the colder months.
With the generous support of The Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation, ‘Aurora’ is set to be the marquee holiday attraction in downtown Pittsburgh, offering a unique blend of art, light, and festive cheer. Leaders from both organizations expressed their enthusiasm for this project.
"We're happy to support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's efforts to enliven this important public space, and the holidays Downtown," said Kathy Buechel, Executive Director of the Benter Foundation.
“Downtown Pittsburgh is the epicenter of our community,” Sylvia Fields, president of Eden Hall Foundation, said. “‘Aurora’ will be a unique and interactive public artwork for all ages that celebrates and elevates Downtown’s offerings during the colder months, making Mellon Square Park a year-round destination for residents and visitors of the city.”
For more information about the light installation and other events happening at Mellon Square this holiday season, please visit pittsburghparks.org/msq.
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About Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement to restore and improve the city’s park system to its full potential. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $145 million and completed 23 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.
About Joshua Ice:
Joshua Challen Ice is a sculptor and installation artist known for transforming public spaces with immersive, interactive artworks that engage both the environment and the people who encounter them through light, movement, and interactive design. Inspired by the built environment and everyday objects, Ice reimagines these elements to create engaging public sculptures that invite viewers to see their surroundings in new ways. His installations encourage interaction and exploration. With a background in lighting design and entertainment technology, Ice’s work blends artistic creativity with technical precision, resulting in immersive environments that connect people to the space around them. His installations are carefully crafted to respond to their surroundings, often incorporating architectural features or responding to natural elements. Ice’s work has been exhibited in a wide range of settings, from galleries like SPACE Gallery and The Sculpture Center to public spaces in Pittsburgh and beyond.
CONTACT:
Alana Wenk
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
412.527.0020
awenk@pittsburghparks.org