Riding along Great American Passage south of Smithton on my bike I came across an unusual sight — what appeared to be a jewelry store along the trail in the middle of nowhere. Next to it was a sign that said “Keep Out.” I had to see why. A man came from the other side of the sign and said that they were giving a tour. Tour of what? I asked, and was told it was a mosaic art gallery. Reservations were needed. I researched it and found out it was called The Ruins Project, and so I made reservations for a tour.
The owner, a renowned mosaic artist, bought a small house and adjacent studio and the land around it. It turned out the land had an abandoned coal mine on it. She turned the studio into her workshop and turned the out-buildings of the coal mine into an outdoor art museum. Along with herself, she has had artists from around the world do mosaics on the walls of the remains of the buildings.
Looking for something unique to do just an hour south of Pittsburgh? It’s well worth seeing. I’m not the biggest art fan in the world, but the beautiful art took my breath away. Do yourself a favor and book a tour.
Mike Stehney
West Deer