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Arts & Entertainment

Rivers of Steel Art Exhibit Continues at Point Park

A collection of 25 works represents the history of the steel industry in Pittsburgh.

Whether you were born and raised in Pittsburgh or just moved here, the steel industry has touched your life.

To celebrate the region's rich history of steel, Point Park University and the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area are featuring a display available for viewing by the public at the school's Lawrence Hall Gallery at the corner of Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies, Downtown. The exhibit, which originally was scheduled to close Dec. 30, has been extended until March 15.

“Interest in the Rivers of Steel exhibit featuring pieces from a variety of places has been high,” Mariann Geyer, vice president for external affairs at Point Park University, said in an email. 

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The exhibit features a diverse selection of paintings, lithographs, photographs, and sculptures by some of the region’s most respected artists. Works date from nearly 100 years ago through the present and include pieces from the Rivers of Steel that rarely travel. John Tomayko, owner of Tomayko Arts and member of the Point Park University Board of Trustees, organized the exhibition partnering with the Rivers of Steel and others.

The oldest piece in the exhibit, dating from 1928, is titled “Great Battle of Homestead” by Edwin Rowe from the Rivers of Steel Collection. Two paintings by Aaron Henry Gorson on loan from the Duquesne Club and the University of Pittsburgh depict steel mills from the Hot Metal Bridge looking toward the old Jones & Laughlin steel mill. Other notable works in the display include those by Clyde Hare, John Shryock, Frank Vittor, Robert Qualters, and Mark Perrott.   

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Because many of the pieces are from the Rivers of Steel archives and are not often seen at public exhibits, this is a very special opportunity to enjoy a wide range of art focusing on the steel heritage roots in the region,” said Geyer.

Nearly half of the works on display are by contemporary artists, including Ron Donoughe’s “Company House” and Susan Wagner’s bronze “Tribute to the Steelworker”. Photographs of local steel mills from the 1980s complete the exhibit’s timeline, taking it through the waning of the steel industry in this area.

Rivers of Steel and all exhibits in the school's gallery are free from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the Lawrence Hall Gallery information line at 412-392-8008.

Created in 1996 by the U.S. Congress, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area encompasses eight counties and is committed to preserving, interpreting, and managing historic, cultural, and natural resources related to the steel and related industries. Tours of selected sites and exhibits are available and more information can be found at www.riversofsteel.com.

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