Artist Baron Batch selected as resident artist to new gallery in SouthSide Works
Artist Baron Batch will bring his works to life on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
Batch has teamed with SomeraRoad, the ownership group redeveloping the SouthSide Works, to be the artist for “The Residency,” an initiative that features an interactive gallery with a focus on community programming.
The gallery is expected to open this week, according to its Facebook page.
Batch, a former running back for the Steelers, launched his Studio AM Brand in West Homestead as a gathering place.
He has relaunched with WH Digital, a digital and technical agency that’s a co-op of local freelancers.
“What WH Digital has done is connect the dots and help properly organize and communicate the core values of our many collaborative projects,” Batch said in a statement. “Then we took it a step further and brought these projects together under the Studio AM + WH Digital umbrella in a way where they all truly connect through concepts like ‘The Residency.’ ”
Batch is known for leaving pieces of his art around Pittsburgh and posting images of them on social media. The art is free to the first person who finds it.
WH Digital’s marketing director Maddi Love said in a statement that they will be announcing programming and events a few different ways.
“Some will be laid out in advance and others will be something we just throw out there, spur of the moment and, of course, we always encourage anyone who’s interested to just pop into the gallery,” she said.
This type of collaboration fits in with the new model for live-work-play centers that SomeraRoad is working to create, director Jonathon Reeser said. They plan to develop green spaces and add retail and dining options.
Reeser said when he was introduced to Batch, it was evident he wanted to do something for Pittsburgh and his South Side neighborhood.
“Engaging with Batch will help lead the conversation with art as the great connector,” Reeser said. “We wanted to the same thing. We want something special for the South Side and we thought this residency program would be a wonderful way to kick off our relationship.”
The new space on Sidney Street is Batch’s to use, Reeser said. Batch will also be involved in contributing artistically to public art on SouthSide Works’ property.
“It’s up to his creative mind what he wants to do with it,” Reeser said.
“I want to see people doing good things and creating good things here,” Batch said in a statement. “If I can help that along and bring everyone together in the process, that’s what I’m all about.
“In general, on a national level, city planning needs to have more of a cultural focus — it’s sorely lacking,” he said “We’re flipping the script on how people engage and connect with these types of spaces. This is the new way.”
“The Residency” will host rotating shows of Batch’s artworks and a series of community-driven events from painting to art exhibits to live music.
“Baron’s input has been invaluable and the addition of his creative energy on property is going to be transformative,” Reeser said. “SouthSide Works is poised to be a true center for community, culture, and innovation.”
SomeraRoad took over SouthSide Works in early 2020. He said the office space at the former movie theater site should be open by July. The New York-based commercial real estate investment and development firm said it targets off-market acquisitions previously impaired by loan defaults, partnership disputes and bankruptcy.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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