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I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit

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We are the keepers not only of facts and objects, but also of stories. And it’s part of our mission to share these powerful stories with you — everything from history and artifacts to celebrating the work of our incredible volunteers and staff.

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Explore Six Featured Habitats

This hands-on exhibit explores the flora and fauna of six different habitats, including the desert, ocean, rainforest, sky, woods and city. You can discover the diversity and interdependency of life in the natural world, and foster an appreciation for its creatures. Harper’s collection of artwork highlights his favorite subjects and the printmaking methods he’s used throughout his career.

Discover the Art & Vision of Charley Harper

Step into an exhibit inspired by the iconic work of Charley Harper, known for his distinctive minimal realism and deep commitment to conservation. Through immersive play experiences and hands-on art-making activities, you’ll explore the beauty, diversity and interdependence of life in the natural world, while building a meaningful connection to nature.

Explore Vibrant Habitats Through Play

Surround yourself with colorful birds, animals and insects as you move through vibrant, interactive environments. Engage directly with nature-inspired activities, play hide-and-seek with woodland creatures, experiment with sound by creating your own natural soundscape using a bird call musical machine, and express yourself by acting like your favorite animals or simply choosing to “be wild” in your own unique way.

Interactive Highlights and Immersive Experiences

Discover a range of engaging exhibit features designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Interactive habitat poster kiosks bring Harper’s iconic artwork to life with multi-sensory interpretations of featured ecosystems. Explore the woodland ball run, where animals and insects are hidden throughout the landscape, or pause at the canopy calliope to compose your own symphony of bird calls using a playful musical machine.

Create, Imagine, and Be Wild

Discover the Be Wild Imagination Habitat where you can embody the spirit of Harper’s work by acting like your favorite creatures. Then head to the art studio to create your own masterpiece, experimenting with Harper’s signature art style. This is your space to imagine, create and celebrate the wild world around you!

The exhibit was developed by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Charley Harper Art Studio.

  • Charley Harper Art Studio logo mark