New & Notable spotlights the accomplishments of those living & working in the northern communities of Pittsburgh, from new business hires to award-winning students.

Known colloquially as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield is a small but noteworthy East End neighborhood nestled between Garfield, Lawrenceville, Friendship, and Shadyside. The name pays homage to the flowers that once bloomed in the area. Today, a mix of longtime residents and a healthy influx of newcomers—about 9,500 people—call Bloomfield home.

“I had the idea for the store since high school,” said McGinley, owner of SoMe Artisan Wares and Jeweler’s Studio in Pittsburgh. “I was in art class and surrounded by so many artists when I was younger. They would always have their amazing artwork leaning on their walls in their basements, and no one was seeing it.”

When we read, we often connect with the storyline, as sometimes the situations in a book mirror our own lives or propel us to engage emotionally with the themes.

Mitch’s BBQ has been serving the Warrendale community delicious barbecue since 1992. You can find traditional items such as ribs, brisket, and mac and cheese, but their menu also surprises with pork belly bao buns, ramen, and tacos.

In Pittsburgh, one local nonprofit is turning music into a pathway for connection and confidence. Band Together Pittsburgh began when a chance invitation during a local gig led to the launch of a nonprofit where drums, DJ mixers, and open-mic nights become bridges to inclusion.

The curtain goes up, and the play begins. Caught up in the drama, it’s easy to forget that behind the production, a cast was selected, props were built, costumes sewn, lighting determined, and many, many lines were memorized—and none of it would exist without a story. That story was created by a playwright.

This year, Power’s nonprofit organization, Treasure House Fashions, celebrates its 25th anniversary—a milestone that represents not just business longevity, but a quarter-century of restoring dignity and self-worth to women facing their own transitions and crises.

The first thing you notice when you drive into Santa Ana, CA, is that vibrant murals line almost every wall. This creative, art-driven city features more than 200 murals in every shape and style, especially in the historic downtown area, which locals know as Calle Cuatro.