Serendipity. Noun: the facility or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.

The Double Dog Gardens is a unique endeavor that came together through a series of fortunate coincidences, transforming a piece of land into an inspiring landscape. It all began when the St. Joseph Church land presented itself, offering the perfect setting for a vibrant garden. Soon after, two large-scale sculptures found their way here, lending structure and personality to the space. To complement the sculptures, native trees will be thoughtfully planted, creating a natural sanctuary that merges art, nature, and community. What began as chance is evolving into a celebration of the unexpected beauty that comes from spontaneous creativity.

Thank you, John & Mary Guide, Philip & Jean Salvato, Bob Podurgiel, The Vitale Family, LaMarr Kemp, Sr., Paul Marcinizyn, Cody Stroud, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

The Land

St. Joseph German Catholic Church stood on the 140’ x 60’ lot from 1880 to the 1990s. The church's cornerstone was laid on September 21, 1879, and the new St. Joseph Church was dedicated on January 1, 1880. This church lasted for a decade before it gave way to a larger structure. The new church, with a school attached, opened its doors on December 15, 1891.

With minor modifications over the years, the church continued to serve the Carnegie community for another eight decades. It was rebuilt twice, endured floods, held a golden jubilee, and countless festivals, baptisms, and weddings until it was torn down in the 1990s. The lot sat vacant until 2023 when it was officially purchased from the Catholic dioceses.

The Sculptures

Permanent collection of Anthony R. Vitale.

Movement. Steel. Carnegie native Anthony R. Vitale (1924-2006) has combined those two seemingly contradictory tones to create fluid, balanced sculptures. “Movement allows the viewer to participate in my art directly.” Whether watching the wind propel a large outdoor piece or an individual’s hands carefully positioning the sections of an indoor work, the sculpture becomes something different at any given moment.

Anthony was an established Metal Artist whose works can be found in collections nationwide. Some of his significant works and exhibits include Art Reflects the Dynamics of Steel, 2nd Exhibition of Contemporary Steel, Sculpture 9/89 Pittsburgh, and Aquarius, a 28-ft. sculpture at Riverview Park on the North Side. His work can be found in churches throughout the Pittsburgh area, such as St. Vladimir Church in Arnold, St. John the Baptist Munhall, St. Paul Cemetery South Side, and Holy Trinity in Carnegie.

The Garden

Focusing on native Pennsylvania trees, plants, and flowers.

The region around modern-day Carnegie, Pennsylvania, was once home to the Talligewi Indians, an ancient tribe known for inhabiting the Ohio Valley and surrounding areas long before European settlers arrived. Their presence and relationship with the land set the foundation for the region’s ecological heritage.

Planting Pennsylvania’s native trees continues this legacy, providing critical habitats, stabilizing soils, and supporting wildlife. They contribute to the natural beauty and resilience of the state’s landscapes and ensure the health of ecosystems and communities alike. By preserving and planting these native species, we honor the region’s natural and cultural history, bringing the land full circle.

Volunteers needed!

Join the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy on Saturday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to noon as we plant trees at Double Dog Studios at 317 2nd Ave Carnegie, PA 15106. Come out to help plant trees and learn about different types of native trees, proper tree-planting practices, and tree care. All are welcome to volunteer at this planting, which will be held rain or shine.