Pull the rope and feel the weight of digital objects on the screen at Everything Dolly. See if you can pull the objects closer—until they vanish. Try to catch them as they dance and march away!  

Everything Dolly is an interactive artwork that lets you feel the weight and force of objects from a video game world, bringing digital experiences to life in a tangible way. It creates a meaningful connection between your physical actions in the real world with what happens in a virtual space. How else can we bridge the divide between the real and the virtual? 

Chong Xu is just an artist who is obsessed with ANY kind of representation of reality that is unable to be grabbed and, in the flux, technology, metaphor, language, signs and sensing. Chong insists his art is diving into the gap of symbols by misusing them, replacing them and enlarging them. 

Learn more about Chong Xu:
chongxu.art

Turn the crank on Feed the Frog! to make the frog’s tongue move and feed it soft, larger-than-life spotted lantern flies. Lantern flies are an invasive species that have spread throughout Pennsylvania, becoming a common feature of our local ecosystem. This playful interaction shows how animals eat other creatures to help keep nature in balance. Notice how you can see the lanternflies glow inside the frog’s belly! Can small creatures have a big impact on our environment? 

Britt Ransom is a Pittsburgh-based artist who uses digital tools to create sculptures and installations that explore insects, the environment and how humans connect with the world around us. 

Learn more about Britt Ransom:
brittanyransom.com

What if an ice cream truck was actually made of ice cream? Hop on board Sweet Treat for a fantastical ride through a magical, melting world. Explore the ice cream cave inside, peek through the windows, plop into a melting seat and follow the dripping walls. How many crystals can you find inside? 

Saige Baxter is a Pittsburgh-based artist inspired by childhood nostalgia and food to create familiar experiences.  Using color, texture and imagination she invites all ages to explore whimsical play together. 

Learn more about Saige Baxter:
saigbaxterdesign.com

The Tough Art summer residency is offered every year.
Learn more here.