Saturday, May 1, 2021
Things to Do with Rivers of Steel this May!

With tours of the Carrie Blast Furnaces starting today and tours of the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop beginning tomorrow, it's starting to feel a bit normal around here. But normal certainly doesn't mean boring when it comes to Rivers of Steel programs—the May line-up of activities has some special treats!

At the top of the list, we're excited to announce the return of the Hardest Working River Tour. This excursion on the Explorer riverboat debuted last fall and the reception was so positive that we decided to bring it back as a special seasonal offering.

If you are looking for something hands-on, we have an array of arts workshops for you! No experience is required—so try your hand at graffiti lettering during our virtual Remake Learning workshop or check out the upcoming Aluminum Casting Session and the Photo Safari at Carrie.

If it's a date night or a chance to catch up with friends outdoors that you are looking for, come on by for the Carrie Carpool Cinema. This month features samurai films paired with graffiti demonstrations and music from a live DJ, along with the Fudge Farm food truck!

Bonus mentions: Rivers of Steel is collaborating with the city of New Kensington, Olde Towne Overhaul, and others to develop a public mural project as part of the city’s effort to reimagine downtown New Kensington. The project, entitled Murals on a Mission, has its kick-off event on May 15—stop by and share your ideas for what should be created.

And if you are looking to explore the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, we recommend Touchstone Center for Crafts' plein air painting workshop with artists Ron Donoughe and William Pfahl on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Enjoy!
The Explorer riverboat passing the Carrie Blast Furnaces on the Monongahela River.
FEATURED PROGRAM
Hardest Working River Tour
Saturdays, May 16 & 22 and Sundays May 17 & 23—various times
The Hardest Working River Tour is back! Offered for the first time last fall, this special seasonal tour returns this spring for two weekends only in May!

Journey with Rivers of Steel up the Monongahela River and hear the stories about how this mighty river helped to shape Pittsburgh’s early commercial and industrial success, helping to define the city we have today!
FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Remake Learning Days: Basic of Graffiti Lettering
Saturday, May 8, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join Shane Pilster, Rivers of Steel's graffiti arts curator, as he demonstrates how to create comic book-style graffiti lettering from your own handwriting. Best suited for kids in grades 6 to 12, or adults who just want to be creative!
METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Monday, May 10, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Explore the metal casting process—no experience required. Learn how to create a unique pattern from everyday materials and carve it into resin-bonded sand that is then cast in aluminum!
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Sunday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Let the Carrie Blast Furnaces be your muse! Sign up for a photography session and roam the site of the National Historic Landmark. Take inspiration from the wide vistas or the delicate details. Choose your own adventure on this photo safari!
DRIVE-IN MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22
Explore the hero’s journey with this pair of samurai movies featuring Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: the Way of the Samurai on Friday and Shogun Assassin on Saturday.
Be sure to arrive early for live graffiti painting and DJ sets on both nights before the films get started. Plus, mini-tours this weekend will highlight the murals and graffiti artworks onsite!
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.