Local artists getting creative to stay afloat after physical cancellation of Three Rivers Arts Festival

PITTSBURGH — "I think it's important to capture the city as it is right now."

Dave DiCello, a Pittsburgh photographer known for his iconic pieces, isn't letting the physical cancellation of this summer's Three Rivers Arts Festival stop him.

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He, along with many others, were disappointed to hear the city’s decision amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not only a huge economic boost for Pittsburgh, it’s the bread and butter for many local artists.

DiCello spent the last year creating pieces for the wildly popular 10-day festival. So, he is getting innovative -- creating a wider range of products he can sell online.

“I’m going to set up a virtual arts fest on my Etsy store. Right now, my Etsy store is all made-to-order prints. I’m going to start having my matted prints and coasters and puzzles will be here in a couple weeks,” said DiCello.

He’s also heading downtown with his camera and a respirator to capture historic images he believes the community needs to see – symbols of unity in hearts dotted on buildings.

The city of Pittsburgh is already feeling the economic pinch from COVID-19. With the arts festival canceled, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops are also missing out.

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