PANELS: Encore Closing
PANELS returns for a special closing reception on Friday, May 29 from 6pm–9pm as part of the Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Presented by Shane Pilster (Do What We Love®), Big Phill (Collections in Black), and Fil Agren (Gallery AFK), PANELS explores the intersection of graffiti, hip-hop, and comic art through original works, installations, rare archival material, and immersive environments built specifically for the historic downtown space. Originally launched as a three-day pop-up exhibition during NFL Draft weekend, the show quickly became one of the more talked-about independent art experiences surrounding the citywide events.
The exhibition highlights the shared visual language between graffiti and comics, from lettering and character design to movement, storytelling, and cultural identity. The show features contemporary works alongside historic artifacts tied to hip-hop, comics, advertising, and Pittsburgh cultural history, many of which have rarely or never been publicly exhibited. Artists and organizers transformed the raw, partially restored industrial-era building into an environment that feels equally rooted in the past and present.
The May 29 closing reception will give visitors one final opportunity to experience the exhibition during one of Downtown Pittsburgh’s busiest cultural nights. Additional artwork, installations, collectibles, books, prints, apparel, and limited-edition items will remain available for purchase throughout the evening. Participating artists, collectors, and special guests are expected to attend.
The exhibition highlights the shared visual language between graffiti and comics, from lettering and character design to movement, storytelling, and cultural identity. The show features contemporary works alongside historic artifacts tied to hip-hop, comics, advertising, and Pittsburgh cultural history, many of which have rarely or never been publicly exhibited. Artists and organizers transformed the raw, partially restored industrial-era building into an environment that feels equally rooted in the past and present.
The May 29 closing reception will give visitors one final opportunity to experience the exhibition during one of Downtown Pittsburgh’s busiest cultural nights. Additional artwork, installations, collectibles, books, prints, apparel, and limited-edition items will remain available for purchase throughout the evening. Participating artists, collectors, and special guests are expected to attend.
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