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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• This 212-acre property with a log home is for sale in Slippery Rock for $2.2M.

• Upcoming $UICIDEBOY$ concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Andy Warhol

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."

— Sam Levenson

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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!

What year did the Pittsburgh Steelers win their first Super Bowl?

A) 1969

B) 1972

C) 1975

D) 1979

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic Pittsburgh event, occurring in 1758, marked a turning point during the French and Indian War is C) The Capture of Fort Duquesne.

News

💼Business

Gateway Center put back into special servicing as Hertz continues negotiations. (Link)

Board approves improvements at Allegheny County Airport. (Link)

🏒Sports

Penguins and hockey legend Jaromir Jagr expected to retire following this season. (Link)

Pirates snap three-game losing streak with 3-2 win over Cardinals. (Link)

🏦Finance

This 212-acre property with a log home is for sale in Slippery Rock for $2.2M. (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

⚾ Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Sep. 26th | (More info)

⚽ Birmingham Legion FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 GA-20
City Winery Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

🎤 $UICIDEBOY$
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Sep. 29th | (More info)

Family

📚 Sunday Storytime at Squirrel Hill
5841 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Sep. 29th | (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 “A smart Pittsburgh where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” 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

The Homestead Strike of 1892: A Turning Point in Labor History

The Homestead Strike of 1892 was one of the most significant labor conflicts in U.S. history, taking place at Andrew Carnegie's Homestead Steel Works just outside Pittsburgh. The conflict began when the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, one of the strongest unions in the country, protested wage cuts imposed by the plant's manager, Henry Clay Frick. Tensions escalated when Frick locked the workers out and hired strikebreakers, leading to violent clashes between strikers and 300 Pinkerton detectives hired to protect the plant.

On July 6, 1892, a full-scale battle broke out between the Pinkertons and the striking workers, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides. The Pennsylvania National Guard was eventually called in to restore order, and the strike collapsed within months. The defeat of the union marked a significant setback for organized labor in the steel industry and set a precedent for industrial conflicts throughout the country.

The Homestead Strike had long-lasting effects on the labor movement and the relationship between workers and industrialists. It showcased the growing tensions between capital and labor during the Gilded Age and highlighted the harsh conditions faced by workers in America's rapidly industrializing economy. Today, it is remembered as a key event in the history of labor rights in the United States.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987)

Andy Warhol, born Andrew Warhola on August 6, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, grew up in a working-class, immigrant family. His parents, Andrej and Julia Warhola, were Slovak immigrants who settled in the city’s industrial South Oakland neighborhood. From an early age, Warhol displayed an interest in art, influenced by his mother's creativity and her love for crafts. Warhol suffered from chorea, a nervous system disorder that left him bedridden for extended periods, allowing him to focus on his drawing skills and his love for popular culture, which would later define his artistic career.

Education and Early Influences (1945 – 1949)

After graduating from Schenley High School, Warhol attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), where he studied commercial art. His time in Pittsburgh was formative, as he absorbed the city’s industrial energy, blending it with his growing fascination for advertising, fashion, and celebrity culture. Warhol worked in various artistic mediums during these years, honing his skills in illustration and design. His professors recognized his talent, and after graduation in 1949, Warhol moved to New York City to pursue a career in commercial illustration. His Pittsburgh upbringing, however, left an indelible mark on his artistic vision.

Starting a Career in New York (1949 – 1955)

In New York, Warhol quickly found success as a commercial illustrator, working for magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Known for his unique blotted-line technique, Warhol’s illustrations combined whimsy with elegance, earning him a reputation in the fashion industry. During this time, Warhol’s fascination with consumerism, celebrity, and mass production deepened. He began experimenting with repetition and mass-media imagery, techniques that would later become central to his work in Pop Art. The connections he made in New York’s vibrant art and fashion scene helped Warhol transition from commercial art to fine art by the mid-1950s.

The Rise of Pop Art (1956 – 1962)

By the early 1960s, Andy Warhol emerged as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement, which sought to blur the boundaries between “high” art and “low” culture by drawing on everyday consumer items and media imagery. Warhol’s iconic works like the Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) and Marilyn Diptych (1962) epitomized his fascination with mass production and celebrity culture. His studio, known as The Factory, became a hub for artists, musicians, and cultural figures, cementing Warhol’s status as a revolutionary figure in the art world. The repetitive nature of his work, achieved through silkscreen printing, challenged traditional notions of art-making.

The Factory and Cultural Icon Status (1963 – 1969)

Throughout the 1960s, Warhol’s Factory became legendary not just for its artistic output but also for its eclectic and glamorous gatherings. It was here that Warhol collaborated with musicians like Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, as well as actors, models, and socialites. Warhol became a celebrity in his own right, capturing the zeitgeist of a rapidly changing America. His films, including Sleep (1963) and Chelsea Girls (1966), were avant-garde explorations of time and celebrity, further expanding his influence. However, this period also saw personal challenges, including a near-fatal shooting by Valerie Solanas in 1968, which profoundly impacted Warhol’s life and work.

Later Artistic Ventures (1970 – 1979)

In the 1970s, Warhol expanded his creative endeavors to include television, publishing, and performance art. He produced Interview magazine, which became a platform for his continued fascination with fame and celebrity culture. Warhol also embraced portraiture, creating works for wealthy patrons, celebrities, and political figures, solidifying his position as a high-society artist. Despite criticism that his later work was overly commercial, Warhol’s influence remained strong. He was one of the few artists who successfully bridged the worlds of commercial success and critical acclaim, challenging the boundaries of art throughout the decade.

Connection to Pittsburgh and Legacy (1980 – 1987)

Though Andy Warhol spent much of his adult life in New York City, his connection to Pittsburgh remained strong. In 1987, shortly before his death, Warhol’s legacy in his hometown was further solidified with the establishment of the Andy Warhol Museum, which houses the largest collection of his work. Located in Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the museum is a testament to Warhol’s influence on the global art scene and his enduring impact on American culture. The city of Pittsburgh has embraced Warhol as one of its most famous sons, celebrating his contributions to the art world and beyond.

The Shooting and Personal Reflections (1968 – 1970)

The shooting incident in 1968, when Warhol was attacked by radical feminist Valerie Solanas, left him physically and emotionally scarred. After multiple surgeries and a long recovery, Warhol’s life and work took on a more introspective tone. While his outward persona remained enigmatic, the shooting altered his approach to fame and personal interactions. The traumatic event is often cited as a turning point in his career, influencing his later, more subdued artistic style. Despite this, Warhol continued to produce groundbreaking art that maintained his signature focus on repetition and consumerism.

Death and Posthumous Influence (1987 – 2000)

Andy Warhol died unexpectedly on February 22, 1987, after complications from gallbladder surgery. His death marked the end of an era, but his influence on contemporary art, culture, and fashion only grew in the decades that followed. Warhol’s work has been exhibited in major museums worldwide, and his vision of blending commercial and fine art continues to inspire new generations of artists. His predictions about the intersection of celebrity, media, and consumerism have proven to be incredibly prescient, making Warhol one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century.

Warhol’s Enduring Legacy (2000 – Present)

Today, Andy Warhol’s legacy is stronger than ever. His works command millions of dollars at auction, and his influence is evident in everything from advertising to digital art. The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh remains a vital cultural institution, attracting visitors from around the globe. Warhol’s exploration of fame, mass production, and consumer culture continues to resonate in today’s world, where social media and mass communication dominate. His ability to challenge the status quo of art and culture has ensured that Warhol remains a relevant and revolutionary figure long after his death.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneer of the Pop Art movement

• Created iconic works such as Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Diptych

• Established The Factory, a legendary art studio and social space

• Influenced the art world with his innovative use of silkscreen printing and repetition

• Expanded into avant-garde filmmaking, publishing, and television

• Founded Interview magazine, a leading publication on celebrity culture

• The Andy Warhol Museum, established in Pittsburgh, houses the largest collection of his work.

Andy Warhol’s journey from his humble beginnings in Pittsburgh to becoming a global icon of contemporary art exemplifies his groundbreaking approach to culture and consumerism. His innovative techniques and fascination with fame left a lasting legacy in both the art world and popular culture. Warhol’s influence continues to shape modern art, and his connection to Pittsburgh is celebrated through the Andy Warhol Museum, ensuring his place in history remains secure.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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