In her first article, Rachel introduced the site and the project and outlined her first rule for collaborators contributing artworks—they must Honor What Was. Rachel set in place a trio of rules the first year, before any of the collaborative art was begun. For today’s piece, she reflects on the second rule—to build relationships with the raw materials. The process reflects a sense of place, exploring creativity, storytelling, and mosaic traditions. 

When Croatian artist Maxo Vanka visited Pittsburgh in 1935 and again in 1937, he saw a city entrenched in industry, steeped in a laborer’s Depression-era anguish, and budding with marvels that included countless churches and bridges and the recently completed Cathedral of Learning.

His sketches from his travels through the region showcase just how keenly he saw the beauty and the bereavement, observations that shine through in the murals he later created in St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale.

Hop on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour—a 90-minute excursion on Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. Sit back, enjoy the skyline, and see the sights as you discover how Pittsburgh’s unique history shaped the city we have today!

Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. With guidance from Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team, you’ll design and carve a bowl that is cast in solid aluminum. Take home your new, functional work of art at the end of the night. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage!

Join Rivers of Steel master urban artist Shane Pilster on a tour of the international collection of graffiti murals located at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Learn about the individual works of art and the overall history and culture of graffiti. After your tour, you’ll have a chance to try it for yourself! The hands-on experience will teach you the basics of aerosol painting and style-writing techniques. Then take home your completed paintings at the end of the workshop.

Create a unique work of art from aluminum! Using everyday materials, you’ll create a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand. While your mold sets, you'll get a brief tour of the Carrie Furnaces before returning to watch as Rivers of Steel’s foundry crew casts your artwork from molten metal!

Enjoy a special artist-led tour of the Mini Greens 2 installation in the Iron Garden when you take an Arts & Grounds Tour this summer. Hear from the artist and then experience the landmark through the lens of arts! This tour takes visitors behind the scenes to share the context of artworks onsite and to discover the stories that seeded their evolution!

This workshop is a great way to explore the metal casting process and try something new! No prior experience or artistic background necessary—just bring your creativity! Rivers of Steel’s experienced metal-casting team will help you create your own design, then step back and watch as the metal team pours molten aluminum into your mold. Take your casting home at the end of the workshop.

Rivers of Steel is excited to partner with the Mon Valley Alliance and Monongahela Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of a new pocket park during the City of Monongahela’s annual 4th of July Celebration. Join us for the parklet debut at 235 West Main Street in Monongahela between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on July 4, 2023, to see this colorfully reimagined downtown space. Then head on over to see the fireworks!

This exciting event coincides with the city of Monongahela’s annual 4th of July celebration downtown that includes food trucks, vendors, games, and live music followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Monongahela River. The event is hosted by the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts.

Join The Frick for an afternoon of jazz! Many Black Americans moving north during the Great Migration found new homes in New York City, and were part of the Harlem Renaissance that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Jazz music by greats like Duke Ellington and Thomas “Fats” Waller gave new life to Harlem, and the automobile brought those same iconic musicians to Pittsburgh to play in historic venues like the Crawford Grill. Now those same songs will ring out at the Frick in an event with music and more, as music historian Michael Lasser talks about this music and his accompanying singers brings it to life.