A new installation at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art highlights the ongoing influence of western Pennsylvania’s industrial history through a selection of artworks, both historical and contemporary. Titled “Steel Valley Visions: An American Legacy,” the installation brings together pieces from the museum’s earlier exhibition “Born of Fire: The Valley of Work” alongside recent acquisitions and key loans.
“The Big Steel Era in western Pennsylvania captivated artists throughout that time as well as today,” said Dr. Erica Nuckles, Director of Learning, Engagement, and Partnerships at The Westmoreland, who curated the exhibition. “A century after its peak and decades after most of the mills and mines have gone quiet, the Steel Valley continues to inspire artists as it remains a powerful symbol of American ambition, resilience, and transformation.”
The museum’s permanent collection is recognized for its emphasis on industrial scenes. Over twenty years ago, The Westmoreland organized an exhibition focused on this subject that later traveled internationally. Since then, the collection has grown to include works reflecting both industrial landscapes and stories about workers—including immigrants and migrants—who contributed to America’s Industrial Revolution.
In “Steel Valley Visions,” visitors can view familiar works by artists such as Aaron Harry Gorson, Otto August Kuhler, Francis Komperda, Virginia Cuthbert, and Aaronel deRoy Gruber. The installation also features pieces by contemporary artists like Marie Watt, Stephen Towns, Sophie Glenn, and Alan Shepp.
One highlight is Marie Watt’s sculpture “Skywalker Greets Sunrise VI,” recently added to the museum’s permanent collection through a gift from Dawn and Chris Fleischner after acquisition from Catharine Clark Gallery. This steel I-beam piece pays tribute to Mohawk skywalkers who built New York City skyscrapers—a tradition that continues today. Watt is a member of the Seneca Nation whose work addresses themes such as community and Indigenous knowledge. In September 2025 she was named a recipient of the 30th Heinz Award for the Arts with an unrestricted $250,000 cash prize; her art is also held in collections at institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The exhibition includes interactive elements such as a listening lounge with music from the Big Steel Era and spaces where visitors can share their own connections to Steel Valley history. An immersive experience related to the show is scheduled to launch at the end of January 2026.
Support for “Steel Valley Visions” comes from organizations including the Hillman Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It focuses on American art with particular attention to artists from southwestern Pennsylvania while offering free general admission year-round. For more details about current exhibitions or visiting hours—which vary seasonally—the public can visit https://thewestmoreland.org/.
