In 2020 Rivers of Steel began a partnership with the city of New Kensington, Olde Towne Overhaul, as well as other local business and community representatives to develop a public mural project in as part of the city’s effort to reimagine downtown New Kensington. The collective effort entitled Murals on a Mission has steadily gathered momentum in recent months and garnered important seed funding f
rom the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to launch the first few murals in the summer of 2021. The long-term vision for this project spans 24-36 months and includes expanded mural formats, visiting artists programs, interactive experiences through technology and community driven events that bring people to downtown New Kensington for educational experiences. Lead Artist Bio:
Mural artist and designer Shane Pilster has made a name for himself, not only as the Graffiti Art & Community Outreach Coordinator for Rivers of Steel, but also as one of Pittsburgh’s most respected advocates for local graffiti culture and its important role in reshaping the future of this region. Bridging his expertise in graffiti and urban arts with community involvement, he prides himself in also being an educator, advocate, mentor, and well-rounded creative individual. He’s worked all across Pittsburgh with various organizations, while pioneering graffiti educational programming, workshops, guest lectures, and painting murals. Within the last two years he has painted several murals on site, worked with the youth, conducted workshops, assisted in design projects, and made some amazing friends for life. He is currently working with several building owners across all of Pittsburgh, to paint murals that push his skills and bring awareness to graffiti culture and style in a positive way. The love and support he has received over the last decade of doing public art and education in the region has been amazing. And though there are a lot of uphill battles due to the medium, he will strive to create and work within the community. https://riversofsteel.com/artist-profile-shane-pilster/
About Rivers of Steel:
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical & 21st-century attractions—offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working on the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations. Rivers of Steel's Graffiti Arts program has partnered with various organizations across southwestern Pennsylvania to create new public murals. They range from local talent to national and international visiting artists. https://riversofsteel.com/experiences/exhibitions/public-art/
