“I wanted it to be a place where
I could create artwork and
simultaneously share my passions
and knowledge with the community,
fueled by the idea that creative
enrichment is beautiful and
fundamental.”
students. “It was an
absolutely wonderful
experience, and
I fell in love with
teaching,” she recalls.
“Before my time in
Italy, my goal was
to strictly pursue a
career as a fine artist,
and afterwards, I
found that teaching
was also one of my
passions and talents,
and I wanted to
continue doing so
alongside my artistic practice.”
Livorio returned to Pittsburgh and began pursuing her
painting career while working at The Warhol Museum. “It was
a very difficult decision to leave Italy in my late 20s, but I was
motivated to return to Pittsburgh to pursue my ambitions and to
be closer to my family,” she explains.
Livorio loved being an Artist Educator at The Warhol,
where she worked with other staff members to provide tours
of the museum and organize art workshops for kids of all
ages. She particularly enjoyed creating enriching museum
experiences for people with disabilities. “These were my favorite
workshops,” she says.
Simultaneously, Livorio taught classes at other local art
centers, and was giving private lessons to art and Italian students.
“As I worked these
different jobs, the
idea to start my
own art center was
percolating in my
head, and I began
looking for a new
art studio,” she says.
“I wanted it to be a
place where I could
create artwork and
simultaneously
share my passions
and knowledge with
the community,
fueled by the idea that creative enrichment is beautiful and
fundamental.”
The artist’s inspiration and reality collided when she found
“the barn” situated along Harts Run Road in July of 2014. By
January of 2015, Artissima Studio was up and running with
classes, workshops and fun art events.
Artissima Studio offers many programs for kids ages 2 to 18
and adults alike. For kids, there are toddler art classes, weekly
kids art classes (ages 4 to 18), summer art camps, fun creative
workshops, “kid+me art workshops” where caregivers make
art with their favorite kids, and art birthday parties. For adults,
Artissima offers art classes, workshops and guided open studio
courses. Livorio’s artwork and fine art prints are for sale, and
she is available to discuss commissioned artwork. Italian lessons
are also available. Additionally, Artissima Studio supports other
local artists through a craft boutique, selling locally made jewelry,
ceramics and candles.
“I decided to open Artissima Studio in Fox Chapel because
I loved the location. It’s a beautiful area, and I love the natural
context surrounding my business and its proximity to Hartwood
Acres,” Livorio says. “The absolute best part of my business is the
people and families who support Artissima. We have the most
wonderful artists and customers who walk through our doors,
and their wonderful energy, excitement and creativity adds so
much life and joy to the business.
“I believe that Artissima is a special addition to the community
because it is our mission to provide a valuable resource, a creative
outlet and a welcoming space dedicated to artistic enrichment
for everyone who walks through our doors,” she continues. “The
quality of all of our programs is extremely important, and I want
everyone to go away feeling more equipped with skills and richer
in confidence and spirit. I have surrounded myself by wonderful
and passionate teachers and local artists who help instruct and
develop our programs. I’m excited for the future, and I thank
the community for supporting the studio and always inspiring
me to strive for my best.”
Cara Livorio is currently preparing a large body of artwork for
an exhibition that will be opening at Artissima Studio in April of
2019, curated by Jeffrey Jarzynka. The studio is located at 3564
Harts Run Road, near Fairview Elementary School and across
the street from Jack’s Pizza & Hoagies.
For more information on Artissima Studio visit
artissimastudio.com, call 412.968.5858 or search social media —
Instagram: @artissimastudio, @caralivorio. n
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