American Icons: Legends and Truths
How are the stories of American icons told through art?
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the History Center invited members of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators to express what America means to them in works of art. Some were inspired to portray the lives of our nation’s founders, as well as legendary individuals who shaped the course of history.
These works, featured in the My America: An Illustrated Experience exhibition, played with the notion of how we remember people from the past, blending history, legend, and myth to shape creative portraits that share more than just an individual’s likeness.
Moderated by Chief Historian Anne Madarasz, artists featured in the My America exhibit will share their work and discuss the creative techniques they used to interpret the subjects of their art.
- Lorrie Anne Minicozzi “My America: The Grains of Sand in Mountain Majesty”
- William Panos “American DaVinci; American Allegory; and A Tale of Two Marthas (and one Snoop)”
- Kathy Rooney “Art Rooney’s Hope Harvey Football Team, c.1925”
- Rick Antolic – “Mister Rogers”
Explore the artists’ work on view in My America in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery prior to the program.
Admission
Admission is free for History Center members and $5 for non-members.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available upon request. Please contact us at [email protected] in advance to request accommodations.
This program is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.
America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.
Heinz History Center programs commemorating America’s 250th anniversary are supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Visit PA, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).