The Glasshouse Gains Graffiti

By Alexa Sinatra

This fall, each room of the glasshouse highlights a different genre of music, with flora and décor to match! Walking into our Serpentine Room you’ll not only hear but feel the boundless beats of hip-hop music. To accompany these tracks, you’ll see blooms bursting with colors like hot pink, orange, yellow and more. Eye catching flora and hip-hop hits aside, a hip-hop themed room wouldn’t be complete without vibrant graffiti!

Hip hop music originated in 1973 in the Bronx, New York City. As it began gaining popularity, the four pillars of the genre became known as MCing, DJing, breakdancing and graffiti art. Graffiti began being associated with hip hop music in the 1980s and according to the Museum of Graffiti, “For hip-hop artists, graffiti is not only inspirational but symbiotic. The two mediums can support each other and give those who listen to the music or view the art a transcendent experience.”

Every seasonal flower show, Phipps looks at ways it can collaborate with local organizations to create the best guest experience possible.  When thinking about the desire to incorporate graffiti into the hip hop room, Phipps Marketing and Communications Manager Abby Krick suggested Rivers of Steel. Abby interned with them during college and had studied under their Sr. Director of Programs & Regional Partnerships, Chris McGinnis, so it was clear to her that they would be a perfect fit for this project!

Chris McGinnis says, “Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions—offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more.” Rivers of Steel even offers a hands-on graffiti tour where attendees can learn about the international collection of graffiti murals at the Carrie Blast Furnaces and then try making graffiti themselves!

Mural Artist Scott Brozovich says, “The process for creating graffiti can vary but mostly starting out with an idea. Then loosely sketching out that idea (or sometimes not) on paper.” This is then followed by filling in that sketch with spray paint using an array of techniques to create gradient effects and engaging designs. When it came to collaborating with Phipps, Scott says, “Our thought process for this event was really leaning hard into both sides. The graffiti side but also the floral side. We really wanted to create something fun for people to look at but that tied in heavily to both themes.” From concept to final construction, the process of creating the graffiti panels took around 40 hours!  

As you walk through the Serpentine Room, you’ll be tempted to bounce to the music while admiring the myriads of colors and patterns – both in the flower beds and the one-of-a-kind- graffiti panels.

Feeling inspired? Create your own Phipps-inspired graffiti at home!

Photos © Paul g. Wiegman