Saturday, June 5, 2021
Uniquely Pittsburgh

Rivers of Steel has not cornered the market on things that are "Uniquely Pittsburgh"—but it is kind of our thing. In telling the stories of our region's industrial and cultural history, we explore the evolution of our region's past and invite ideas for how we can build a stronger future.

Today's newsletter offerings all tap into that theme. From Suzi Bloom's article Where Environmentalism Meets Historic Preservation and our big announcement of a new riverboat tour to this month's metal arts workshops or our new Teen Photo Adventure, each featured item is firmly rooted in a sense of place that is unique to this region.

And without further ado, we welcome you to join us for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. This 90-minute riverboat excursion sets out to answer the question "What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?" Blending the big stories of region's development with a number of the lesser-known ones, this tour was written with locals in mind.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, many folks are exploring places and attractions closer to home," said Brianna Horan, Rivers of Steel’s manager of tourism and visitor experience. "So we crafted this experience to ensure local audiences would be just as entertained and educated as those visiting from farther away.” Check it our for yourself!

Twice each summer, our metal arts crew goes all in. June is one of those times. In addition to offering our regular Aluminum Casting Session and Doodle Bowl Experience workshops, more in-depth instruction is offered in both aluminum and iron. The Sculptural Aluminum Casting is a three-day event, as is Intro to Iron Casting. The Weeklong Iron Intensive attracts metal artists from across the country, as well as locals.

The Teen Photo Adventure is also a brand new workshop at the Carrie Blast Furnaces that offers hands-on instruction, followed by a review session, targeted for teens aged 14 through 17.

Oh, and you might want to check out our monthly Graffiti and Style-writing tour and workshop, happening Saturday, June 19th. Registration is limited on this one.

We hope that you are ready to join us for one of these unique activities in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!
A couple takes in the view of Pittsburgh's First Side from the Explorer riverboat..
FEATURED PROGRAM
Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour
On Friday, June 18, Rivers of Steel will launch a new tour on the Explorer riverboat—the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. Embrace the opportunity to take in beauty of our skyline and riverbanks while gaining a new perspective on how our region's past shaped the city of today.
Men fish by the Carrie Blast Furnaces.
FEATURED STORY
Where Environmentalism Meets Historic Preservation
To coincide with World Environment Day (which is today) Suzi Bloom, Rivers of Steel’s director of education, reflected on our region’s industrial and ecological history, exploring the intersection of environmentalism and historic preservation—as well as just what the impact of our work as a National Heritage Area means for future generations. 
METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
June 8 – 10, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Create three-dimensional sculptural forms in cast aluminum—while learning patternmaking, mold making, and casting. Workshop participants are able to customize their own designs from pre-made forms or they can build ones entirely from scratch!
METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Sunday, June 13, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join the metal artists at Rivers of Steel for this in-demand workshop. Located in the Power House of the Carrie Blast Furnaces, this event allows for a social experience, with enough physical distancing to keep you comfortable. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage!
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Sunday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (with additional review session)
Led by experienced professional photographer Cara Gaetano, this new teen photography workshop for youth ages 14 – 17 at Carrie Blast Furnaces covers the basics of camera work in digital photography, methods for capturing a great photo, composition, various perspectives, textures, and so much more!
DRIVE-IN MOVIES
Carrie Carpool Cinema—America's Pastime
June 25 & 26, 8:00 to 11:30 p.m.
Step up to the plate and slide into summer for a weekend of baseball films—A League of the Own and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. Featuring star-studded casts, everyone gets their chance at bat in these fictional stories about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and barnstorming Negro League players.
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.