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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rugby partner details plans for premium hotel in Gulf Tower redevelopment downtown.

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates match

• A deep-dive into the life of John Kane

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

— Arthur Ashe

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

The Allegheny Observatory, known for its astronomical research, is located in which Pittsburgh park?

A) Schenley Park

B) Point State Park

C) Riverview Park

D) Highland Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Pittsburgh-born actor who starred in "Singin' in the Rain" and co-directed the film is B) Gene Kelly.

News

💼Business

Velo.AI will equip POGOH bikes with sensors as part of $15M DOT program to improve road safety. (Link)

Rugby partner details plans for premium hotel in Gulf Tower redevelopment downtown. (Link)

🏒Sports

Latrobe businesses report boost from Steelers training camp. (Link)

Renovations underway at Penn State's Beaver Stadium ahead of start of upcoming season. (Link)

🏦Finance

Heinz Endowments awards nonprofit $250,000 to support Black-owned small businesses. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Thu, Aug 22nd - Sun, Aug 25th | (More info)

⚾ Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Wed, Aug 26th - Fri, Aug 28th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 The Script
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Monday, Aug 19th | (More info)

🎵 The Collection
Crafthouse Stage & Grill, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Aug 21st | (More info)

Family

👶 Free Community Baby Shower - Carrick
201 Parkfield Street, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Aug 20th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “An architecturally symmetrical Pittsburgh” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1997: The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the Pittsburgh-born artist, opens.

In 1997, The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the Pittsburgh-born artist, opened its doors to the public. Located at 117 Sandusky Street in the North Side, the museum holds an extensive permanent collection of art and archives from the iconic pop art figure, Andy Warhol. Since its opening, the museum has facilitated a proliferation of rigorous Warhol-related scholarship, research, and curatorial innovation, vastly broadening our understanding of the profound artistic and cultural impact of one of the most complex, influential, and mythologized cultural figures of the 20th century.

The museum's collection includes more than 1,000 prints, 4,000 photographs, and 900 paintings, making it the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. In addition to its impressive collection, the museum also hosts lectures, exhibitions, and events that provide visitors with an immersive experience into the world of pop art. The Andy Warhol Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Andy Warhol and his significant contributions to the art world, making it an absolute must-visit for art enthusiasts and admirers of Warhol's work.

The Andy Warhol Museum has become a cultural landmark in Pittsburgh, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and work of Andy Warhol. As the first museum dedicated to Warhol since his passing in 1987, it continues to honor his legacy and influence, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the art and vision of this pioneering artist.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

John Kane (1860–1934): Painter of primitive-style works.

John Kane, a self-taught painter, was born in West Calder, Scotland, in 1860. At the age of 19, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kane worked as a laborer and house painter, and it was during this time that he discovered his passion for painting.

Kane's Artistic Journey and Primitive-Style Works

In the early 20th century, John Kane began to paint scenes of Pittsburgh, including industrial landscapes and domestic settings. His style, characterized by its simplicity and directness, is often referred to as primitiveor naïve.Kane's paintings captured the essence of everyday life, portraying scenes with a unique charm and authenticity.

Recognition and Artistic Breakthrough

Despite his lack of formal training, Kane's paintings gained attention for their raw and unpretentious quality. In 1927, his work was exhibited at the Carnegie International, marking a significant milestone in his artistic career. This recognition led to increased interest in Kane's art and established him as a notable figure in the art world.

Connection to Pittsburgh and Local Influence

John Kane's connection to Pittsburgh is evident in many of his paintings, which depict the city's landscapes and urban scenes. His work reflects the industrial character of Pittsburgh during the early 20th century, capturing the spirit of the city and its working-class residents. Kane's art continues to be celebrated and cherished in Pittsburgh, where his legacy lives on.

Legacy and Impact on the Art World

John Kane's primitive-style works have left a lasting impact on the art world, inspiring future generations of artists. His ability to capture the essence of everyday life and his unique approach to painting have earned him a place of distinction in American art history. Kane's legacy as a self-taught painter continues to be revered and studied by art enthusiasts and scholars.

Exhibit and Biographical Drama

In recent years, John Kane's life and art have been the subject of a biographical drama and museum exhibits, bringing renewed attention to his work. The exhibit Pittsburgh’s John Kane: The Life & Art of an American Workman at the Senator John Heinz History Center showcases Kane's life and artistic contributions, further solidifying his place in Pittsburgh's cultural heritage.

Key Achievements of John Kane:

• Self-taught painter known for his primitive-style works depicting Pittsburgh landscapes and urban scenes.

• Recognition at the Carnegie International in 1927, marking a breakthrough in his artistic career.

• Legacy as a pioneering figure in American art history, inspiring future generations of artists.

John Kane's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of art to capture the essence of everyday life. His connection to Pittsburgh and his influence on the art world continue to be celebrated, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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