A Shared Vision for Art and Industry

On June 22, 2025, the Energy Innovation Center transformed into a showcase of automotive artistry with ICONS Pittsburgh - a curated collection of vintage vehicles.

ICONS transformed the space into a celebration of design, heritage, and motoring history. Far from a typical car show, ICONS presented these vehicles not just as machines but as sculptural masterpieces.

Hosted in the Patterns of Meaning Exhibit Hall, the event highlighted a shared philosophy: that objects of industry, when thoughtfully designed and carefully preserved, become art.

ICONS brings together collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts who recognize the aesthetic and cultural value of vehicles from the past. These aren't just cars; they are stories cast in chrome, steel, and leather. Much like the wooden foundry patterns at the heart of Patterns, these vehicles reflect the ingenuity and artistry of their makers.

At Patterns of Meaning, we see industrial artifacts as visual keys to understanding history, manufacturing, and the future of design. ICONS approaches automotive heritage in much the same way. By placing vintage automobiles in this way, they invite the public to see not just a machine but a moment in time that has been preserved and elevated.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Mario Lemieux Foundation, supporting cancer research and patient care initiatives.

ICONS Pittsburgh was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors:

• Henderson Brothers

• Chubb

• Bentley Pittsburgh

• Mosites Motorsports

• Corkboard Media

• Tröegs Independent Brewing

• My Preferred Insurance & Home Solutions

• JFab Consulting

• Oakmont Bakery
  
  

Want to hear more about upcoming events, exhibitions, and stories from Patterns of Meaning? Sign up for our email list here.

Images Courtesy of Corkboard Media and ICONS Pittsburgh