The Sculptor Behind Pittsburgh's Iconic Statues

Susan Wagner's humble artistry brings the city's sports heroes to life.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:03pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition featuring a stark black silhouette of a baseball player rounding the bases, set against a high-contrast background of bold red and white geometric shapes, conceptually representing the iconic statues created by the unsung sculptor Susan Wagner.A sculptor's humble artistry brings Pittsburgh's sports heroes to life, even as her own story remains largely untold.Today in Pittsburgh

Susan Wagner, a sculptor based in Pittsburgh, has created iconic statues of local sports legends like Bill Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente. Despite her significant artistic contributions to the city, Wagner remains largely unknown to the public, preferring to let her work speak for itself. This profile explores Wagner's humble beginnings, her journey to becoming a renowned sculptor, and the challenges she faces as an artist striving for financial stability while pouring her heart into capturing the spirit of her subjects.

Why it matters

Wagner's story highlights the often-overlooked struggles of artists who dedicate their careers to public art and memorializing community icons. Her work has brought joy and inspiration to countless Pittsburgh residents, yet she remains unrecognized by many. This profile aims to shed light on the unsung heroes behind the city's most beloved statues and raise questions about the value society places on artistic contributions.

The details

Susan Wagner, a Pittsburgh-based sculptor, is the creative force behind several of the city's most iconic statues, including the 12-foot-tall bronze tribute to baseball legend Bill Mazeroski at PNC Park. Despite the impact of her work, Wagner remains largely unknown to the public, preferring to let her art speak for itself. Wagner's journey to becoming a sculptor was not without challenges - she grew up in a working-class household with little interest in sports, but displayed a natural talent for art from a young age. After graduating with a double major in art and anthropology, Wagner struggled to make ends meet as a painter and sculptor before her big break came when she won a competition to create a statue of Roberto Clemente. This experience set the tone for her career, as she strived to capture the spirit of her subjects rather than just their physical likeness.

  • As fans gathered to mourn the passing of Bill Mazeroski in 2026, Wagner quietly observed the scene, capturing photos of her own creation.
  • Wagner won a competition to create a statue of Roberto Clemente, a moment that changed the trajectory of her career.

The players

Susan Wagner

A Pittsburgh-based sculptor who has created iconic statues of local sports legends like Bill Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente, despite remaining largely unknown to the public.

Bill Mazeroski

A legendary baseball player whose 12-foot-tall bronze statue, created by Susan Wagner, stands at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Roberto Clemente

A beloved Pittsburgh Pirates player whose statue, created by Susan Wagner, helped launch her career as a renowned sculptor.

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What’s next

Wagner's story raises thought-provoking questions about the value society places on artistic contributions and whether artists like her should have to sacrifice financial stability to pursue their passion. As the city of Pittsburgh continues to celebrate its sports heroes, the spotlight may eventually shine on the unsung sculptor behind these iconic statues.

The takeaway

Susan Wagner's story highlights the often-overlooked struggles of artists who dedicate their careers to public art and memorializing community icons. Her humble nature and unwavering commitment to capturing the spirit of her subjects have left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh, yet her own contributions remain largely unrecognized. This profile aims to shed light on the unsung heroes behind the city's most beloved statues and spark a conversation about the value of art and the artists who create it.