Jenna Boyles Artwork Reveal at Bakery Square
In July 2025, I was invited to photograph a public art installation at Bakery Square. The piece, titled “Pittsburgh Highlights,” was created by Jenna Boyles, an artist based in Penn Hills. The event marked the fifth installment in Bakery Square’s Public Art Program and was hosted in front of City Kitchen.
About the Installation
The artwork spans two stories and was created using reused and found materials, including aluminum cans, plywood, and various objects that were repurposed into sculptural textures and painted elements. Boyles described the piece as a celebration of local landscapes and community, highlighting Pittsburgh’s bridges, rivers, and natural environments.
According to the official blog from Bakery Square, the project was completed with help from students at PPS Lincoln PreK–5 and the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh. These students contributed by stamping painted textures and assembling collage-style features into the final mural.
More background on Jenna Boyles and her creative approach is shared by Carnegie Mellon University, where she is a teaching artist. Her work often focuses on sustainability and everyday materials, something clearly visible in this installation.
My Focus as a Photographer
This shoot gave me the chance to focus on how art interacts with public space. I took wide shots to show the scale of the piece against the Bakery Square architecture, and tighter shots to highlight the textures and material contrasts. I also captured the moments of engagement, like students pointing to their contributions or community members stopping to observe.
My goal was to document the connection between the artwork and the public space around it. The use of reflective and recycled materials made lighting an important element to capture, especially as the sun shifted across the mural.
Closing Thoughts
Photographing this reveal was a reminder of how public art can bring people together. Boyles and the students built something that reflects both the identity of Pittsburgh and the value of creativity rooted in community. I’m grateful to have been part of recording that moment.