Phipps and Pittsburgh CAPA Partner for Summer Flower Show

By Heather Poling

Guests have continued to be wowed by our Summer Flower Show, Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter! As many fans know, Billy Porter is a Pittsburgh native and the spectacular fashion designs paired with horticultural displays featured are inspired by Billy’s local roots and array of accomplishments. Alongside iconic Pittsburgh landmarks and personalities are showcased designs and artwork from Billy’s local alma maters, including the magnet high school for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). Read on to learn how CAPA contributed to our Summer Flower Show!

Although he started singing at a very young age in church, Billy Porter stated that when he started attending CAPA, “[It was] as if I found my tribe. It was pure joy.” Billy returned to Pittsburgh in 2021 to film his directorial debut, what he considered to be a love letter to Pittsburgh, “Anything is Possible.” During filming at Phipps, a collaboration began and the idea for the unique and stunning “Flowers Meet Fashion” was conceptualized.

Phipps Associate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino, said that during the planning process for the summer show, it became clear that showcasing the talent, craftsmanship and skill of the CAPA students should be a priority. Much like the film, Jordyn thought featuring the young talent the city has to offer was paramount. Jordyn reached out to CAPA so that the Phipps planning team and the school administrators could work together. The working group decided on the theme of patterns and art in nature since it allowed for more flexibility and inclusivity with younger students. Students worked with teachers from CAPA as well as independently on their projects, the results being an eclectic collection of ceramics, mobiles, metal and paper sculptures.

A total of 120 students, from grades 6-12, have their work currently featured in Phipps Gallery room. The students collaborated with Jordyn on both the design and the plant choices for the room, with the aim being to provide visitors with the sensation of a meadow. Plants chosen included willowy Blue Chill Sage, Globe amaranth and Cosmos mixed with scrubby geraniums, ferns and creeping lily turf. Walking into the Gallery room is a stark contrast from the bold, fashion forward exhibits in throughout the rest of the conservatory; it is peaceful and imaginative like walking into a fantastical natural landscape. The music becomes ambient and colorful plexiglass clouds float overhead while sculpted paper flowers 4’ tall and whimsical ceramic creatures populate the room.

Practical guidelines were put into place for the student’s projects. The materials had to stand up to the rigors of living in a glasshouse, including heat, humidity and the occasional watering. And while the pieces needed to be durable, they also were required to be environmentally friendly, utilizing the Living Building Challenge standards. No Red List materials were allowed to be incorporated into the projects; these are considered “worst in class” materials, chemicals and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem.

Along with the art pieces, original music performed by Antithesis, CAPA’s contemporary music ensemble, is played within the space to enhance the overall ambience. Smaller breakout groups, with names including Spring Roll and Maize, composed as well as performed and recorded four different musical performances. The music is eclectic and calming, adding another layer of depth to the natural feeling and charm of this room. To truly appreciate the thought and care put into the music and the art pieces, guests are encouraged to take a moment and listen. Melissa Perlman, Principal of the high school says, “At CAPA, one of our core objectives is to empower our students, enabling them to see the impact of their work, their creations, their voice and their music within the larger community” and this thoughtful display certainly achieves that goal. Stop in today and experience it all for yourself and remember the tremendous talent that exists in our city.