​Offroute Art, an inclusive nonprofit supporting local emerging artists ages 18–25, is excited to announce the Offroute Residency at Ketchup City Creative (KCC), a four-month takeover of the Sharpsburg gallery space running September 1 through December 31, 2026.

The partnership brings together two organizations built on the shared vision that art should be accessible, and that community grows stronger when artists are given real support and a public platform. Offroute's mission to champion the next generation of local talent aligns naturally with KCC's history of opening its space to emerging and mid-career artists, workshop leaders, community and to make the arts truly accessible to all.

"Ketchup City Creative already knows what it means to open a space up to a neighborhood. We're thrilled to bring that same spirit to emerging artists — Sharpsburg is about to get a front-row seat to some of the most exciting young talent Pittsburgh has to offer," said Kjerstin Pugh, founder and director of Offroute Art.

During the residency, Offroute Art will transform KCC into a hub for solo and group exhibitions by emerging local artists, paired with public programming and workshops built around each show. Artists themselves will take the lead in shaping the space by hosting their own classes, workshops, and meetups– all accessible to the local and great community. The residency will also serve as home base for Offroute's Fall 2026 Fellowship, in partnership with The Midwife Center, centered on building communities of care.

The residency responds directly to what Pittsburgh's emerging artists have said they need.  Many described losing access to studio space, equipment, and an artistic community after they leave school and that the professional art world can feel closed off and expensive to break into. "We're all trying to help each other become better artists," one Offroute artist shared, reflecting a preference for peer-led skill-sharing over top-down classes. The residency is designed as a space where local artists build community with each other, and Sharpsburg and greater Pittsburgh are invited in as active participants.

KCC, located at 612 Main Street in Sharpsburg, is a nonprofit-run art gallery and event space operated by ArtspirationPGH. 

Stay tuned for a full calendar of shows, events, and opportunities!