Portals was created to bring the community together through accessible publicly-displayed fiber works to celebrate the 25th iteration of this benchmark exhibition #fi2025
The Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, in partnership with Contemporary Craft’s Public Art Fund and CitiParks, is proud to launch Portals, a dynamic public art initiative celebrating connection, creativity, and community through fiber.
Portals transforms everyday public spaces into vibrant expressions of collective artistry through the accessible medium of fiber. Conceived and led by artist Cheryl Hopper, this project has inspired nearly 300 individually handmade portals, crafted by Guild members and Pittsburgh community participants alike.
Visitors and contributors can experience Portals at a growing list Pittsburgh-area sites including Contemporary Craft, Brew House Arts, Creative Citizens Studio, Arsenal Park. Ormsby Park, Blue Slide Park, Schenley Park Gazebo at Flagstaff Hill, Mellon Park, and local businesses like Otto Finn, Crystal Bead Bazaar, La Gourmandine, and Clarissa’s Boutique.
These radial fiber forms are crocheted, knit, woven, embroidered, or made with mixed-media techniques, and are mounted on circular bases like hula hoops or irrigation tubing, bringing color and joy to indoor and outdoor public spaces across the region.
Meet Cheryl Hopper!
@cheryl.hopper.9279 is the mastermind and lead artist behind @portals_fgp ! Cheryl is also the membership chair of the @fiberartspgh and she’s an integral part of FGP Exhibitions including all the wonderful programs around the @fiberartinternational
“Portals is grounded in the idea of interconnection and finding commonality through hands‑on creation and shared visual language,” says Cheryl Hopper, lead artist and visionary behind the project. “This is a free, inclusive, and community-centered project inviting you to celebrate creativity, togetherness, and public art.”
Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who have helped create and install portals!
Installation is ongoing, but we are no longer accepting new portals. De-installation is scheduled for August 1. Pick-up date and location TBA
In the meantime, get out there and enjoy Pittsburgh’s beautifully transformed public spaces!
