Mural promoting love in Aspinwall revealed

A mural project designed to spread love and positivity in Aspinwall has been completed.

Spearheaded by the advocacy group Aspinwall Neighbors, the mural called “Love, Aspinwall” at the Field Avenue playground pavilion was unveiled Nov. 12.

A core group of 16 volunteers, under the direction of artist and resident Alison Zapata, put paint to masonry every weekend since early September. They were assisted by numerous helpers along the way.

“This is the love from Aspinwall and to Aspinwall,” said Aspinwall Neighbors President Sarah Shaffer. “I was at many of the sessions and paintings, and it was a really great experience. I love the finished product. We had about 100 people at the unveiling, and the feedback been very positive from everyone we’ve heard from.”

Its design was crafted from input at Aspinwall’s Big Night Out on Aug. 11.

The artwork on the side of the building facing the ball fields features plants, a blue bird and the name of the borough painted in a cursive purple font on its center, in front of a heart.

Pillars around the pavilion have a purple base and were painted yellow — each featuring a single flower more than 5 feet tall.

The project cost about $7,700 including materials, artist and administration fees, and signage.

The Arts in Education Partnership of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, contributed $2,684.

Aspinwall Neighbors also received $2,000 from The District Association, a nonprofit that funds local beautification projects in the Fox Chapel area. Aspinwall Neighbors funded the remaining $3,000.

Sherwin Williams along Freeport Road donated primer and other materials. Borough public works crews primed the pavilion for painting.