Quantum Theatre brings Hamlet to the Carrie Blast Furnaces this August. | |
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Carrie the Muse
The Carrie Blast Furnaces can be an inspiration—and they certainly were for Quantum Theatre in 2019 when they performed King Lear at the landmark site. For years now, people have continued to mention to us how exceptional that experience was. King Lear may be Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, but Hamlet is often regarded as his—or simply the—greatest play of all time. (Editor's note: It's my favorite.) So, if that's the case, you won't want to miss Quantum's next production directed by Jeffrey Carpenter, running August 4 – 27 at the Carrie Furnaces.
Carrie can be your inspiration, too. Tomorrow is the once-a-year Sunset Photo Safari at the Furnaces—let the changing light guide you to new perspectives of the landmark. If photography is not your medium, how about trying some spray can art? The Graffiti & Style-Writing workshop on August 5 includes a tour of the curated graffiti artworks onsite, and participants get to pick up some techniques during the painting session afterward.
Our featured workshop this week is the Aluminum Casting Session. If you have a minute, watch the new video that highlights the steps in the process. Of course, there's The Doodle Bowl Experience, also an aluminum-based workshop. The difference between the two? The doodle bowl is carved from a mold, a reductive process, whereas in the Casting Session, you start with clay—an additive approach—and then you build a mold. Like the doodle bowl, the Scratch Block Aluminum Casting workshop at the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop begins with a mold you carve. All three are fun and take inspiration from our region's aluminum heritage!
Before you go, we welcome you to read our latest Community Spotlight story, which features Grow Pittsburgh’s Urban Farmers in Training program.
There are also a few notable events coming up in our Things to Do in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area section, including a new tour at the Homewood Cemetery and a daylong festival at the Pump House. WILDNESS: JADED BLOCK PARTY with Rivers of Steel will feature performances, live music, and AAPI vendors sharing art, food, and services.
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A teen with the Braddock Youth Project shows off the just-picked white onions at Braddock Farms. | |
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FEATURED STORY
Community Spotlight—Grow Pittsburgh
| This week, we examine the impact of Grow Pittsburgh’s Urban Farmers in Training program, which connects teens to their communities through local food systems—and we offer a preview of the organization's annual Garden Get Down! | |
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FEATURED WORKSHOP
Aluminum Casting Session
Monday, August 14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
| This is your chance to 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. It's a great introduction to the metal-casting process—no experience necessary! | |
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PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Sunset Photo Safari
Sunday, July 30, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
| Join Rivers of Steel at dusk for a unique photo safari that explores the Carrie Blast Furnaces during twilight. Witness the beauty and subtlety of the site as only seen through half light and capture your own piece of the drama to take home. This safari is recommended for those with prior experience shooting low-light subject matter, but it is open to novice and experienced photographers alike. | |
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PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Photo Safari
August 13, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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The interplay of light and seasonality at the Carrie Furnaces offers endless perspectives of this industrial muse. Take inspiration from wide vistas or delicate details at this at this National Historic Landmark site. Choose your own adventure on this photo safari! | |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
The Doodle Bowl Experience
Sunday, August 6, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Join us for this special, Sunday afternoon experience.
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!
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SPECIALITY TOUR
Arts & Grounds Tour
Sunday, August 13, 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
| 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 discover the stories that seeded their evolution! | |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Scratch Block Aluminum Casting at the Machine Shop
August 13, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop, Rices Landing, Greene County
| This workshop is a great way to explore the metal casting process and try something new. No prior experience or artistic background necessary. You'll create your own design with the help of Rivers of Steel's experienced metal-casting team, then step back and watch as they pour molten aluminum into your mold. Take your casting home at the end of the workshop. | |
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THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
WILDNESS: JADED BLOCK PARTY with Rivers of Steel
Saturday, August 12, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., The Pump House at the Waterfront
| JADED presents WILDNESS, a daylong festival at the historic Pump House featuring performances, workshops, live music, and AAPI vendors sharing art, food, and services. Come out and celebrate women and queer AAPI folks through events and workshops— uplifting the work of local filmmakers, writers, artists, and activists. | |
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THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Walking Tours of the Homewood Cemetery
Saturdays, August 5 – November 4, 10:00 a.m.
| Join Jennie Benford, long-time historian for the Homewood Cemetery, as she leads a new tour of Section 9. As you enjoy a lovely walk through the cemetery's beautiful, historic grounds, you'll hear stories that reference amazing people, unusual monuments, poetry, Valentino, and an early discrimination lawsuit with a surprising outcome. (Registration required.) | |
Help preserve our region’s industrial and cultural heritage! Your tax-deductible contribution will help 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.
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