Contact: Rebecca Malena 412.255.0564 x29
rmalena@ventureoutdoors.org

(Pittsburgh, PA – June 22, 2007) – A giant 12-foot flathead catfish has been released into Pittsburgh waters.

After its northward migration from the 2006 Arts Festival at Point State Park to the Children’s Museum, it has set up habitat at North Park Lake, where it will remain to represent the often-overlooked clean and bountiful waters in and around the city.

With a body that spans the length of a tow-truck bed and a weight of about 800 pounds, this replica is an outstanding sculpture on loan to Venture Outdoors by local artist Tim Kaulen.

Spawned from Kaulen’s creativity, this catfish is just one of many projects inspired by the figurative depth of Pittsburgh rivers. Its placement at North Park is in an area where Kaulen believes it will be appreciated.

“I wanted to draw attention to the rivers as a habitat and an unrecognized resource,” Kaulen said. Since the catfish was originally built for the Arts Festival, Kaulen wanted it to act as an attraction point for visitors who may “never even ponder the rivers.” “I receive great inspiration by the numerous elements that make up and support the character of a region, particularly those in Pittsburgh, where my interest in the urban landscape has been nurtured for over 18 years.”

Kaulen’s works are generally made out of recycled metals and plastics. This mammoth underwater vertebrate was an exception as it is constructed from mortar-based stucco cement and was built within two weeks in a total of 60 hours.

"I've caught many catfish, and I identify with them to be complete survivors and a pretty amazing little beast that we have in abundance,” Kaulen said.

“With the changing landscape of this former steel city, my interests too have undergone some changes and growth, and as Pittsburgh develops and strengthens its cultural identity, my work as an artist is advancing to a new stage that encompasses broader ideas and goals,” Kaulen said.

The catfish has made its appearance at North Park just as a special summer discount has been implemented at Kayak Pittsburgh North, operating out of the North Park Boathouse. For a limited time, visitors to Kayak Pittsburgh will receive a $5 discount for their first hour of rental in any boat from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Venture Outdoors, a non-profit organization, seeks to transform the Pittsburgh region into a place where the outdoors is an integral part of our culture, identity and lifestyle. Venture Outdoors does this by increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity. This in turn creates a sense of community among participants, an increased awareness of the region’s excellent quality of life, and a better understanding of and deeper appreciation for the environment and wilderness among the residents of and visitors to western Pennsylvania.

For more information on Tim Kaulen and his art, visit www.kaulen-art.com.

For more information on Venture Outdoors, visit www.ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564.

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