For some Western Pennsylvania residents who don’t get out this way much, “Bridgeville” is more a vague mental concept than an defined geographical area.
Bridgeville is the name of an interstate exit. Or maybe Bridgeville is where the K-Mart and Rax used to be. Wait, is Bridgeville a part of South Fayette?
But for anybody who has visited—or at least driven through—the community lately, it would be hard not to leave with the lasting impression that Bridgeville is that place with the fun and funky statues peppered around town.
This began back in 2022, when Elizabeth “Bitsy” Bellaver and her husband Guy Bellaver moved to Bridgeville after many years in the Chicago area, where they were involved with a public arts group. (Guy is a sculptor, and Bitsy runs a business consultancy.)
They decided that their new community would do well with its own arts organization, and thus Public Art Bridgeville was born. The group quickly made a splash by installing statues around town, including some quirky, eye-catching pieces created by artists from across the United States, and some extremely life-like sculptures by the late Seward Johnson of New Jersey. Some of Johnson’s sculptures require double-and-triple takes to verify that they are indeed bronze, and not flesh-and-blood.
Soonafter Public Art Bridgeville collaborated with the public library to host art shows and ongoing indoor exhibitions, including two Society of Sculptors exhibitions, and a show celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
In April 2023, a new round of outdoor sculptures were placed around Bridgeville. If you’ve been anywhere around town, then you have seen the man with the lawnmower in front of Sarasnick’s Hardware (a piece called “Hell, Time to Go Fishin,” by Johnson) or the little girl swinging from a stop sign on Bower Hill Road (called “Waiting to Cross”). Those pieces will remain on display throughout the borough until the end of February.
This spring, in April 2024, Bridgeville will get its third round of outdoor sculptures, featuring works by artists from with the community and across the country.
About the Public Art BRIDGEVILLE Project
The goal of the Public Art BRIDGEVILLE Project is to celebrate public art, and private art sited in public places, and to add to it. The arts included initially in this project are visual art and music. We will work to include performing art, such as dance and theater, in the future. More Information: PublicArtBRIDGEVILLE.com
About the Bridgeville Public Library
The BPL serves the people of its area by helping them develop the literacies and connections that support individual achievement and strengthen the bonds of the community. By providing access to ideas and imagination through its educational and informational resources and enrichment programs, the BPL is a cornerstone of the community it serves. More information: BridgevilleLibrary.org
About the Borough of Bridgeville
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, located in Allegheny County, is nestled between bridges to the north and south and surrounded by Chartiers Creek. With a population of approximately 5,300 residents, its small town feel is appealing to growing families and empty nesters, as well as young professionals. More information: BridgevilleBoro.com