“It’s the museum saying, ‘Hey, we see the art that you’re doing and we want to promote it here.’”
HERMAN PEARL, PearlArts Movement & Sound
It was a bluebird summer day, and the Carnegie Museum of Art sculpture courtyard was full — of people, of music, of dance, and, especially, of joy. This was no ordinary day. It was an Inside Out day: the free, outdoor summer series that celebrates Pittsburgh’s rich cultural landscape with live artist performances, artmaking, food, and drinks.
This day, the dancers were from PearlArts Movement & Sound, a Braddock-based, globally touring contemporary dance and music company headed by Staycee and Herman Pearl, who have been creating art together for decades. They’ve been married almost as long and have been performing at Inside Out since it launched in 2021. Typically, the duo opens the series with a genre-blending and -bending live music and dance art piece, and closes it with an energy-filled DJ set.
Taking their performance art to Carnegie Museum of Art was a next-level experience. “Our mission together, artistically, has always been to make immersive spaces,” says Staycee. “We use dance and sound to engage audiences in experiences that generate joy, creativity, and a sense of collective belonging.” Herman recalls one particular Inside Out evening appearance that drew hundreds of people. “You could feel this incredible energy in the courtyard—the community celebrating,” he recounts. “The space looked magical, all lit up. The whole experience was pretty beautiful, and a lot of fun.”
Inside Out began during the pandemic as a way to create safe, outdoor experiences for people to come together and connect, surrounded by art. “We were also thinking about how we could get resources for our regional artists and arts communities,” says Dana Bishop-Root, Carnegie Museum of Art’s director of education and public programs.
The program itself is a sign of “respect and trust,” Herman notes. “It’s the museum saying, ‘Hey, we see the art that you’re doing and we want to promote it here, we want you to bring your people and realize your vision.’”
Staycee and Herman look forward to creating new touring pieces for future performances. They’re also excited about providing residencies for up-and-coming artists, and discovering the best ways to serve the community from their newly inaugurated, purpose-built studio in Braddock.
“Inside Out is about connecting arts organizations and neighbors with the museum,” says Dana. “It’s an incredible opportunity to let art happen around you and to be a part of the art.”
