Saturday, December 2, 2023

If you are a regular reader of this newsletter, you may have noticed that community collaborations are a consistent theme. That is because embedded in our mission is a commitment to uplifting communities throughout the eight-county National Heritage Area—work that is only truly effective when you partner with your neighbors. That said, it's not only in our nature to work collaboratively, but also we highlight the successes of those partners, often through our Community Spotlight series of articles. And you, dear readers, help complete the cycle when you take a moment to read about these happenings. Thank you!

As we began to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, we came to the realization that we have worked with about seventy-five partners this year alone. Please take a moment to watch our Year-in-Review video, which shares the stories of those efforts, along with news about what our plans are for 2024 and beyond.

You may have already seen the video if you received our Give Big Pittsburgh message. We are so grateful for the support we received from our community this Giving Tuesday! If you, too, would like to support our efforts this season, please donate here.

That said, the most popular way that folks support Rivers of Steel is by attending one of our programs. While most of our tours will return in the spring, blacksmithing sessions are happening throughout the winter, and you can purchase tickets for a variety of workshops now to give as a gift!

Of course, we are always thankful for the commitment from all of our readers throughout the year—staying informed of what's happening in your neighborhood and region is vital to the health of these communities.

So on that note, we're happy to shine this week's spotlight on Hazelwood, where local organizations, artists, and residents are working together to share the neighborhood's stories through beautiful, public artworks. Two of the works highlighted are Braids of Hope, pictured below, which debuted in October, and a new work Crossing Beacon that is being installed this week—with a community celebration to follow on December 9.

Be sure to scroll down for a giveaway surprise from our friends at VisitPITTSBURGH, followed by a message from one of our community partners this year.

Thank you for your support and engagement now and throughout the year!

Youth with the Industrial Arts Workshop apply the first layers of paint for the Braids of Hope multimedia artwork, seen here in August. Image courtesy of Heather Mull Photography.

FEATURED STORY

Hazelwood's Community Artworks

Public art, by definition, is intended to be for the people. However, even when it is considered site-specific, it is often not of the people. That is not the case in Hazelwood, though. Over the last several years, newly-created public artworks have been shaped by the views of Hazelwood’s own residents. Now, on the eve of a new sculpture’s installation, Julie Silverman takes a look at the constellation of community stakeholders who are working together to beautify their neighborhood.

PROGRAMS

Rivers of Steel Experiences!

While tours and workshops have mostly wrapped up for the 2023 season, we're happy to share that many of our arts workshops for 2024 are open for registration now. In past years, we've had many requests to make our metal arts, photography, and graffiti arts workshops available early, as folks have found them to be fun experiences to share as a holiday gift—and we are happy to oblige!

Be My Neighbor Day 2023 - Highlights, WQED Education

IMPACTFUL COLLABORATIONS

A Message from Our Partners



WQED and Rivers of Steel, programming partners for Be My Neighbor Day 2023

"WQED is deeply committed to supporting our communities by sharing their stories and uplifting their work. We rely on partnerships with organizations like Rivers of Steel, which are deeply embedded in their community, to help us tell that story and to create content, resources, and experiences that resonate with and support the community that they know so well. It is through partnerships like this that we can work WITH the community FOR the community." — Liz Kostandinu, Project Manager, WQED Multimedia

Support Rivers of Steel's work in communities throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Your tax-deductible contribution will help champion community collaborations and ensure that Rivers of Steel can continue to offer vital, engaging, community-based arts, education, and heritage programs for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.

STAY CONNECTED

Catch up with Rivers of Steel!

Read our most recent newsletter or prior updates.