Join our inaugural art contest! 

The Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics is seeking artists of all ages and skill levels to create artwork for display at the Closing Ceremonies, on September 13th. In partnership with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas Art, with support from the Clean Pittsburgh Commission and the City of Pittsburgh, we invite all residents to submit original artwork celebrating community or imagining their neighborhood of tomorrow. 

Parameters for the contest include:

• Original artwork only (no AI) 

• Digital or physical media 

• 2D only but all art types/ materials welcome (e.g., photo, spray paint, ink)

• 11x14  inches in size, landscape/ horizontal orientation please

• If using words/text, positive messaging is ideal 

• Deadline for submissions: Thursday, September 4, 2025

If in need of art supplies for this opportunity, contact Johno’s ART Studio (Maria’s Ideas Art) for a complementary art supply package including a canvas!

Art kits can be picked up during studio business hours: Tues. & Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-6.

🏎️ Free parking in the colorful lot! 🚌accessible by PRT routes 48, 51, and 54.

Contact: By email: maria@mariasideas.com or studio phone: (412) 481-4208

Submitted artwork will be displayed in a gallery at the Garbage Olympics Closing Ceremonies at Velum Fermentation at 2120 Jane St. in the South Side Flats on Saturday, September 13th, online at PGHGO.org/ART, and featured in bus shelters City-wide after the event. 

Submissions will be accepted both online at the link below and at Johno’s ART Studio / Maria’s Ideas Art at 1705 Arlington Ave. at the top of the South Side Slopes in the Hilltop from August 14th  - September 4, 2025.