Artists, Recovery, Trauma: Thoughts on the Passing of Pittsburgh Artist Mac Miller

RIP Mac Miller, my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world. Pittsburgh as a whole and our arts community in particular lost a real one today.

Honestly, last year’s loss of beloved Pittsburgh artist Danny Montano was one of the first things that came to mind when I learned of Mac’s passing.

The 31st Magisterial District is home to the Penn Avenue Arts District, one of the largest concentrations of galleries, event spaces and artists in our region. Enjoying art is a daily ritual here. But for most it’s probably subconscious.

I think we really take for granted just how much art contributes to our quality of life. Warms this cold world. Helps us find meaning and get through every single day.

And I think we take for granted the artists who sacrifice so much, sometimes everything, just to help the next person smile, reflect, stand tall, persevere. I think we underestimate the toll that the artistic drive to give without wanting can take.

Artists, Recovery, and Trauma. There is so much to say, but right now we need to mourn and save the rest for another time when we’re all together and ready ✌️