Sculptural art
Site-specific and integrated art
2-D art, including murals, mosaic, photography, etc.
Pittsburgh Creative Corps Artist Directory
Marlana Adele Vassar
Primary Discipline
Artistic Practice
Murals
Painting/works on paper/printmaking
Site-specificity determines materials used
Homewood Harvest, 2019-2020, acrylic, polytab and spray paint on brick and metal walls, 6 panels: 85 sq ft each, photo by Marlana Adele Vassar
Starshine, 2018, acrylic, ink, resin on wood, 5′ x 4′, photo by Marlana Adele Vassar
The Young Explorers, 2018, enamel on wood, installed on brick, 10′ x 11′, photo by Marlana Adele Vassar
Soothing Succulents, 2019, digital vector illustration
Black Lives Focus installation, 2021, original artwork reproduced on outdoor panels, 2 panels: 6′ x 9′ each, photo by Marlana Adele Vassar
About the Artist
Marlana Adele Vassar is a Pittsburgh-area artist and University of Pittsburgh alum (2006). Largely self-taught as an artist, Vassar’s philosophy of balancing style and substance has attracted a diverse audience to her work. She weaves symbolism, surrealism and rich storytelling into figures and patterns, resulting in works that are personal yet open to interpretation.
Vassar began her career as a graphic designer with the intention to move into game design, however, a series of personal events turned her focus to the world of fine art. Since 2008, her work has been featured nationally in museums, galleries, and public projects. Known for her lavish style and attention to detail, Vassar has earned numerous accolades for her works. Her most recent accomplishments include public projects with the City of Pittsburgh and Oasis Community Kitchen, along with several private commissions.
Artist statement:
My artistic philosophy is a balance of style and substance. Whether I am translating community stories or recounting my own, my goals are to keep strong designs, color and aesthetics in mind while incorporating meaningful images and vivid storytelling. I primarily focus on symbolism and surrealism with lush environments in my personal and public works, and include figures when I feel that human representation is necessary. While my public projects are site-specific and adjusted to reflect the communities they are placed in, each of my designs contain imagery and ideas that are relatable to many viewers.
Photo by JABS/Marlana Adele Vassar
Web
Accreditations, Certifications, and/or Awards
- BIPOC Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm – Grant Award Recipient, 2021/2022
- Gateway to the Arts – Tall Grant Recipient, 2013;
- August Wilson Center Fellowship Award Recipient (Visual Art), 2013;
- Artist of the Pike award– The Melega Museum, 2011;
- Artfully Crafted – 1st Place, 2008;
- Art of I – 1st Place/Patron’s Choice, 2007;
Provides Fabrication Services to Other Artists
No
Teaching Artist
Yes, all ages
Joined the Directory
March 2022
Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
“I love the creative challenge of collaboration, interaction and finding new ways to mesh my style with a community's vision.”
Marlana Adele Vassar
Contact the Artist
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Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
