Pittsburgh Review

Fans at PPG Paints Arena have been captivated by a new art installation created by Wicked Pittsburgh, situated at section 101. The 8'x8' piece celebrates the partnership between Highmark and the Penguins Foundation in revitalizing the historic Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Hunt Armory.

Kenya Boswell, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs at Highmark Health, expressed her admiration for the artwork, stating that it represents "a spirit of collaboration and the transformative power of sports." She highlighted how the Hunt Armory has become a welcoming space for community activities since its transformation from an "empty shell" in 2021.

Yvonne Maher, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, emphasized the facility's role as a diversity arm. She noted that their programs invite those unfamiliar with hockey to engage with the sport. During the 2023-2024 season alone, around 28,000 community members visited the ice rink.

The installation reflects local hockey programs and non-profits supported by free community ice times at Highmark Hunt Armory. Contributions came from various groups including Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Tigers and Chatham University women’s hockey.

Wicked Pittsburgh founder Mike Schwarz described collecting sticks from different teams as integral to the project. He explained they opted against buying new sticks to support local teams instead.

Muralists Max Gonzales and Shane Pilster collaborated on this project after creating over 100 pieces together previously. Gonzales shared his connection to hockey through Carnegie Mellon University and his appreciation for its progressiveness as a sport.

The team worked intensively over twelve months to complete this unique artwork. Pilster remarked on how efforts across states culminated in this final week before unveiling.

Steve Kelley, Penguins Senior Vice President of Partnerships, hopes that fans will be inspired by this installation to continue supporting their mission at Highmark Hunt Amory.