Alloy Pittsburgh is a unique visual and performing arts project co-founded by Pittsburgh artists Sean Derry and Chris McGinnis. The project was developed in collaboration with the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area and the Kipp Gallery at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Alloy Pittsburgh offers 15 artists from the greater Pittsburgh region the opportunity to develop temporary site-based artworks for the Carrie Furnace National Historic Landmark.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

The Residency: Part One

PROCESS


The quest for artistic creation and innovation very rarely traverses a direct path. Exploration exists at the heart of the Alloy Pittsburgh on-site residency at Carrie Furnace and it happens through many varied experiences. During the past month the Alloy artists spent time forging pathways through the rich past and deep history of the built environment that they will adopt as their exhibition space in the months to come. 



 

Documentation is an essential part of process for many artists. The on-site residency provides a unique opportunity for artists to intimately explore the scale and surroundings of the site.



To gain a fuller understanding of historical and environmental context, Alloy artists listened to lectures presented by Edward Muller, professor of history and former director of the Urban Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh, and eco-artist Ann Rosenthal, whose research focuses on the intersection of art, industry and the environment. 



The rich history of the Carrie Furnace can be retold by those who experienced its previous purpose and power first hand. Jim Kapuska and Bill Sharky, former workers at the site, met with artists to resurrect the past sights, sounds, and smells now distant to the vacant grounds. 






Finally, through conversation and shared experience, the residency offers artists a chance to establish relationships and inspire one another. 


*A special thanks to Andrea Petrillo for all the photos! 

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