Throughout Marc Fogel’s 3½ years of imprisonment in Russia, members of Pittsburgh’s arts community rallied together to bring attention to the cause of the Butler native.
They hosted the “Make a Marc” event in spring 2023, which included 90 artists and 1,000 visitors.
In September, they participated in an event at the University of Pittsburgh’s Frick Fine Arts Building.
And just last month, 50 artists collaborated to paint individual squares that, placed together, form a portrait of Fogel’s face.
Massoud Hossaini | TribLive
Malphine Fogel, mother of Marc Fogel, who spent 3½ years in prison in Russia, speaks at the Butler Art Center during “The Unveiling of HOME” art event Saturday, Feb. 15, to welcome her son.
All of it was done to ensure that the public, the government, the world was still working to secure Fogel’s return to the United States.
“It all started with a simple idea that a collaboration of artists, family, politicians, the media … to get the word out, and they used the energy from our shows to make that happen,” said Tom Mosser, the Pittsburgh artist who led much of that work.
“And we did it.”
Many of the artists, supporters and Fogel’s loved ones gathered Saturday evening at the Butler Art Center and Gallery for the unveiling of “HOME,” the 50-square portrait, to celebrate Fogel’s return to the United States on Tuesday.
“This is a testament to art and collaboration,” Mosser said. “That’s all a testament to teamwork and family, and a mother’s strength and love, and a sister’s strength and love, to get him home.
“And the power of art and the power of community to make this happen.”
Massoud Hossaini | TribLive
During the event, Sasha Phillips (left) announced the creation of the Marc Fogel Art Advocacy Award, to be given out annually to an artist who works to be “something greater than themselves” and strives for freedom. Tom Mosser (right) is the inaugural winner.
Fogel’s nearly 96-year-old mother, Malphine Fogel, attended the event, as did his sister, Lisa Hyland, who lives in O’Hara.
Malphine Fogel of Butler Township said she spoke to her son Saturday morning from San Antonio, Texas, where he is being medically evaluated and participating in a program to reintegrate back into society.
“He sounded so much better this morning,” she said. “They’re treating him really well. They lack for nothing.”
Fogel, who is with his wife and sons in Texas, is expected to return to Western Pennsylvania soon, his mother said.
Malphine Fogel said she continues to be amazed at the outpouring of kindness and well-wishes the family has received.
“We are just so grateful for the love and support you’ve shown,” Malphine Fogel told the crowd. “He would be so embarrassed, but he would be so grateful.”
Mosser and Sasha Phillips, an artist and attorney who worked with the Fogel family since shortly after he was taken, pulled the black cloth covering down to reveal the large portrait.
“Welcome home, Marc,” Mosser said, as Malphine Fogel, who is featured prominently as an angel in the center, stood before the piece, applauding.
“I think the piece behind me fits in there perfectly,” Phillips said. “It’s about justice. It’s about justice being served.”
Paula Reed Ward is a TribLive reporter covering federal and Allegheny County courts. She joined the Trib in 2020 after spending nearly 17 years at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where she was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team. She is the author of “Death by Cyanide.” She can be reached at pward@triblive.com.
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