Living Canvas III

Juror Statement

The human figure is more than muscle and bone. It carries our history, identity, and feeling. For the exhibition, The Living Canvas: An Exhibition of Figurative Art, artists will bring this understanding of the body to life.

In our current world where bodies are often judged, dismissed, or objectified, drawing from life is quietly radical. Every mark put to paper says: “You are here. You matter”. This exhibit honors that seeing and continues the vision that Mia St. Clair set into motion. As an artist, model, and founder of The Living Canvas, Mia’s work has changed how we view life drawing. That spirit, of presence and trust, will echo throughout this year’s selection.

Now in its third year, The Living Canvas is a vital Pittsburgh exhibition, not only for showcasing technical excellence, but also because it values process, inclusion, and the lived reality behind each pose. The body is not a still object. It is a living canvas, full of nuance, strength, and story.

Juror Experience

Nicole Capozzi is the director of BoxHeart Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Pittsburgh. Established in 2001, Capozzi creates accessible, community-connected exhibitions that celebrate both mastery and innovation. With over two decades of curatorial experience, she has organized numerous exhibitions and represented artists at national and international art fairs, including Aqua Art Miami and the LA Art Show. In 2026, BoxHeart will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a legacy built on the trust and tenacity, creativity and community that has defined BoxHeart for a quarter century.