Patterns of Meaning is an unprecedented collection of industrial artifacts,  paintings, and sculpture honoring the industrial era.  The collection features original foundry patterns dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s, paired with their blueprints and reimagined through contemporary art. Each piece connects the legacy of manufacturing innovation to the creative spirit that continues to drive progress today.

The Mission:  Honoring the Past, Impacting the Future 

Patterns of Meaning honors the workers and innovators who built the U.S. and the world.   By preserving and reinterpreting these industrial artifacts, the project demonstrates how lessons from the past can inform the technology and creativity of the present.

Through art, education, and collaboration, we aim to spark renewed interest in industrial trades and inspire the next generation to explore careers in making, design, and advanced manufacturing - all vital to the future of our workforce.

 

The Patterns of Meaning Initiative

The Patterns of Meaning Initiative expands the original collection into a national program that blends art, education, and workforce development in collaboration with METAL (Materials Education Training and Learning) - a national workforce education project led by IACMI, the Composites Institute.  This Initiative brings industrial artifacts, fine art, and hands-on learning together to ignite curiosity about modern manufacturing.

Through K–12 curriculum, traveling exhibitions, and public art experiences, the Initiative connects students, teachers, and communities to real-world industry stories. Students learn how creativity and technology intersect, seeing how the patterns of yesterday shape the possibilities of tomorrow.

      

 

Artistic Collaboration  

In addition to preserving historic patterns, the Patterns Artistic Team transforms them into new forms of expression. From large-scale paintings and sculptures to ceramic and glass design elements, the artists breathe new life into industrial heritage while celebrating the craftsmanship behind it.

Meet the Patterns of Meaning Artistic Team

 

 

 

The Exhibit

Patterns of Meaning’s permanent exhibition is located at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formerly Connelly Trade School. This space bridges Pittsburgh’s industrial past with its innovation-driven future, serving as a living classroom where students, artists, and industry leaders can connect.

 

Support the Work

Purchasing artwork through Patterns of Meaning directly supports the preservation of this historic collection and the artists involved.

Your contributions also help fund education and exhibition efforts that make the collection accessible to schools, communities, and partners across the country. Donors are recognized with special thank-you gifts, including cards, booklets, posters, t-shirts, fine art prints, and original artwork.

Contact us here to learn more about partnering with Patterns.

Stay in Touch

Join the Patterns of Meaning newsletter for updates on new exhibitions, education partnerships, and opportunities to support the Initiative.