Works by Aaron Gorson, Words by Maxwell King
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
Through November 9, 2025
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art presents Works by Aaron Gorson, Words by Maxwell King, an exhibition highlighting the industrial landscape paintings of artist AARON HARRY GORSON accompanied by insightful text by author Maxwell King. Featuring a selection of works on loan from private collections, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Aaron Gorson’s popular depictions of Pittsburgh’s steelmaking industry.
The text included in the exhibition is drawn from King’s research into Gorson’s life and career, which he will expand upon in an upcoming biography on the artist, Fire in the Night Sky (Lyons Press, spring 2026). An excerpt from the biography is presented within the exhibition, providing a preview of the publication. Maxwell King has authored two other biographies, one on self-taught artist John Kane and a New York Times-bestselling book about Mister Rogers.
“It was such a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to work with The Westmoreland on this exhibition of the work of Aaron Gorson, and to appreciate—as Gorson did—Pittsburgh’s great steel-industry legacy,” stated King. “I moved from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh almost exactly 100 years after Gorson made the same journey; both of us fell in love with the culture, character, and creativity of western Pennsylvania.”
In addition to providing the written commentary for the exhibition, King selected the paintings featured and assisted with choosing the arrangement of the works. On October 23, King will give a lecture on the exhibition with further insights into Gorson’s life and artistic practice. Registration for this event will be available through the Museum’s website in mid-May.
“We are delighted to present this exhibition showcasing Gorson’s works from private collections, as well as one from our own collection, and to pay tribute to the strong steelmaking history of our region,” commented The Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO Silvia Filippini-Fantoni, PhD. “We enjoyed the partnership with Max on this project and look forward to hosting his lecture this fall, as well as the publication of his forthcoming book.”
About Aaron Harry Gorson
Aaron Harry Gorson (1872–1933) was a Lithuanian-born American artist who found his calling in capturing the industrial transformation of Pittsburgh. Initially trained as a portrait artist in Philadelphia, Gorson was drawn to the dynamic energy of Pittsburgh’s steel mills and became famous for his paintings of nighttime scenes depicting the glowing riverside mills. Aaron Gorson is considered one of the foremost industrial artists of his time.
About Maxwell King
Maxwell King is the former editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer and president of the Heinz Endowments. He is the author of the poetry collection "Crossing Laurel Run", a biography on self-taught artist John Kane "American Workman: The Life and Art of John Kane", and the New York Times-bestselling Mister Rogers biography "The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers". King also served as chairman of the board of the National Council on Foundations. His most recent job was president of The Pittsburgh Foundation.
The works in the exhibition are on loan from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Duquesne Club, and several other private collections.
THE WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
221 N Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
Works by Aaron Harry Gorson, Words by Maxwell King
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, Pennsylvania
February 19, 2025 — November 9, 2025
