When Arts Landing opens in the spring of 2026, visitors will discover seating unlike any other—benches shaped by the traced handprints of Pittsburgh's centenarians. These benches won’t only offer a place to rest and take in the view; they will be a tribute to the elders whose lives, labor, and legacies have helped build the soul and structure of the city.

Acclaimed citizen artist vanessa german is the artist behind this public art project, called Lifted. Recently, she visited a senior center to collect handprints and engage in intergenerational exchange. Both vanessa german and Anastasia James, Director of Galleries & Public at the Cultural Trust, share their experience:

vanessa:

"I was incredibly moved by our first public engagement. I held the hands of people whose lives were the stories I'd heard for years; the great floods, WW2— I met teachers and dancers and a man who built the school in McKees Rocks. Everyone was so proud of their lives and overjoyed to be part of this project! It was deeply moving— I was surprised by this, how much it meant to everyone to participate and to share part of their lives and stories with us. Thank you to the staff and families— your energy was infectious and invigorating!"

Anatasia:

“On Friday, May 30, I had the privilege of traveling to the Masonic Village alongside acclaimed contemporary artist Vanessa German to meet with more than 20 centenarians. We began the visit by sharing an overview of Arts Landing, followed by Vanessa’s presentation about her project.

We then spent time with each resident individually, tracing their hands and listening to their remarkable life stories. The participants were deeply moved to know that their handprints would be incorporated into a new public artwork at Arts Landing.

It was one of those rare and meaningful moments where you step away from the day-to-day responsibilities of arts administration and truly immerse yourself in the creative process. Being present for this experience was incredibly moving and is a memory that I will always treasure.”