Workforce Development Shows Off Its Creative Side at PIT

Metal sculptures on display at Pittsburgh International Airport are an imaginative fusion of art and workforce development.

Eight teenage participants in Industrial Arts Workshop’s (IAW) Summer Welding Bootcamp created the miniature works of art (known as maquettes). They were inspired by conversations with a community partner and represent themes such as vulnerability, resilience, beauty and community. One display includes a cardboard prototype, showing the creative process as students go through several rounds of group critique.

“I’m always blown away by the creativity from students and staff at IAW as they utilize art to create connections between youth and careers in our region,” said Keny Marshall, Allegheny County Airport Authority Manager of Arts & Culture. “PIT and the Art in the Airport program are excited to showcase these maquettes… literally sculptural sketches that become large-scale public art projects in our region.”

Summer Welding Bootcamp is a 10-week program that teaches welding and other metalworking techniques to students ages 14 to 18. Students go on weekly field trips to arts and trades organizations in the Pittsburgh area, hear from guest speakers and complete a large public artwork collaboratively with a community partner. Skilled welders are in growing demand in the region.

The Industrial Arts Workshop, a Hazelwood-based nonprofit, empowers Pittsburgh-area youth and adults at the intersection of arts, community development and workforce readiness. Through the creative process of hands-on sculpture design and welding, students develop skills and have experiences that help prepare them for the workplace.

Located on the second floor of the landside terminal near the airport entrance, sculptures including flowers, watering cans, handshakes, salutes and human figures to show students’ creativity and welding abilities. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

IAW’s core programs – After School Welding Lab, Summer Welding Bootcamp and Weld Scholars – expose teens to welding and other trades while they are still in high school.

“It’s exciting to see the IAW artwork at PIT,” said Adam Bowser, Allegheny County Airport Authority Workforce Development Manager. “Executive Director Tim Kaulen and his team at IAW run a good program that focuses on educating individuals on the arts and trades and how they are similar.

“The Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Workforce Development team looks forward to collaborating with the IAW staff and students in the new year to help empower the individuals of the Pittsburgh region with unique programming and experiences.”

The latest art projects are on the second floor of the landside terminal, greeting travelers as they enter the airport via the walkway through April.

The sculptures include flowers, watering cans, handshakes, salutes and human figures to show students’ creativity and welding abilities.

“My Grandma told me to try new stuff to see if I like it,” Javal, one of the students, said. “I learned that I do like welding. I also learned a new skill that can help me somewhere in my life.”

The Allegheny County Airport Authority and the PIT Art in the Airport program elevate the visitor and staff experience with art installations and performances by regional, national and international artists.