Founded by Sukanta Nag in 2021, Sharpsburg, PA-based Atithi Studios provides a welcoming space for individuals throughout the Pittsburgh community to come together, celebrate, and understand the rich diversity of various cultures. The studio nurtures artists and helps build community through exhibits and events throughout the year.
A Hindu Celebration Marks New Beginnings, Communal Joy and Renewal
Atithi Studios brought back the annual Hindu Holi Festival (the Festival of Colors) in April with an event that resonates with the values of unity, diversity, and the triumph of light over darkness. “Through this event, we aim to build a happier community by bringing people together from across the region to recognize new beginnings for all,” said Sukanta Nag.
The festival featured traditional food, music, dance, and live performances showcasing India’s rich heritage. Families also immersed themselves in the Throwing of the Colors, a fun way to recognize Hindu culture’s vibrant colors and spirit.
Celebrating Powerful Women
In May, Atithi Studios also proudly presented “earth:Woman,” an extraordinary exhibition curated by artist and photographer Adam Milliron, celebrating powerful women from around the world. It featured works in clay from female ceramic artists as a testament to their artistic vision and to their perseverance and voice in the creative world.
Highlighting the Plight of Migration through Art
In August, Atithi Studios featured the works of renowned Pittsburgh artist Michael Fratangelo in his Refugee exhibit – created to open the community’s eyes to the shared plight of refugees and immigrants inspired by the masses crossing the Mediterranean to Europe. To mark the exhibit’s opening, Atithi Studios held a community event, which included refugee-centric non-profits and Catholic and Jewish charities.
Bringing the Tastes and Sounds of Latin Culture to Life
Atithi Studios held a free day-long event in September to celebrate Latin culture, music, dance, and cuisine. The Latin Festival featured a lineup of diverse entertainment and activities reflecting the richness of the culture. “This festival is a celebration of the energy, creativity, and spirit that defines Latin American culture,” said Nag.
The festival included food trucks and vendors, live performances by various Latin artists, and a “Brazilian Carnaval” featuring vibrant costumes as well as samba rhythms and dances that transported the community of attendees to the heart of Brazil.
About Atithi Studios
Atithi Studios is a community-driven cultural center dedicated to promoting arts, music, and cultural exchange in the Sharpsburg neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, founded in 2021 by Sukanta Nag. The three-floor building is dedicated to nurturing artists and enriching the broader community of Pittsburgh with a public podcast and multimedia studio, private studios on the second and third floors, and a dynamic gallery that doubles as a flexible event venue on the first floor. www.atithistudios.com.
