Our Values

• Everyone has the right to access the arts, culture, and creative expression. The arts are a catalyst for personal and community enrichment, education, and enjoyment. 
• AEU believes in the power of people. Hazelwood neighbors can grow together and prosper through creativity, self-determination, enjoying experiences, helping each other, and collaboration. Hazelwood neighbors nurture sincere joy.
• Even when we encounter roadblocks, AEU always finds a different route. AEU always tries to think outside of the box. AEU never gives up and strives for long- term positive impacts in the community. 
• Everyone is welcome. AEU meets people where they are and embraces different perspectives and unique experiences. AEU tries to accommodate the needs and wants of anyone who desires to collaborate in the program. We always remember that experiences are better together.
• AEU always appreciates feedback. AEU embraces questioning, reflection, and know-how.
• AEU believes in a balance between working hard and having a good time while enjoying experiences.

History of the Project

Arts Excursions Unlimited (AEU) was the result of a year long residency at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood under the Office of Public Art’s Artist in the Public Realm Residency program. Artist Edith Abeyta worked with Hazelwood residents to develop a creative project based on a year’s worth of one on one conversations, group discussions, art activities, and numerous meetings. An arts excursion program was born from the ideas of the community. 

AEU has grown over five years to also include the Satellite Studio, a maker space in Hazelwood that provides residents open studio time and coordinated projects, and the United Hazelwood Design Team, who plan and connect with neighborhood beautification opportunities. 

This program is generously supported by the collaboration of the artist, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood and Office of Public Art staff, Hazelwood residents, and funding by The Heinz Endowments.

Edith Abeyta, Artist

Edith Abeyta is a visual artist living in North Braddock, Pennsylvania. She combines post-consumer goods, particularly clothing, and participatory gestures to form temporary installations and sculptures that explore collectivity, labor, and exchange. She frequently collaborates with other visual artists, poets, scholars, and the public.

Abeyta’s other residencies include the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, the University of Burapha, Thailand, Pilgrim School, Los Angeles, and Windward School, Los Angeles. She was awarded a fellowship from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research in 2007. She has received public art commissions from the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Her work has been exhibited at the Lakenhal Museum Lieden, the Netherlands, Burapha University Gallery, Thailand, Long Beach Museum of Art, and the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles.

Contact Us

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Edith Abeyta
edithabeyta@gmail.com
(412) 295-1795