Poptastic! History Center to host virtual happy hour with Pop Artist Burton Morris
Morris will discuss his Pittsburgh roots and his artwork that makes the ordinary extraordinary
The Senator John Heinz History Center will host a virtual happy hour with Burton Morris on Wednesday, July 29 at 6 p.m.
The Pittsburgh born and trained pop artist is widely known for his bold depictions of everyday objects and cultural icons, from a cup of coffee to the Statue of Liberty.
His artwork has been featured in national advertising campaigns and on the popular television sitcom “Friends,” as well as in the History Center’s 2014 exhibition Poptastic! The Art of Burton Morris.
As part of the museum’s History at Home online offerings, virtual attendees can sip on the beverage of their choice while enjoying a fascinating discussion with Morris about his Pittsburgh roots, his use of pop art to create modern day art icons, and his unique approach to portraiture.
Morris’ 2009 portrait of Andy Warhol entitled “Andy Warhol Nightstand” features only objects that might have sat on the pop art pioneer’s bedside table. Currently on loan from Morris, it is one of several works of art the History Center has added to the Smithsonian’s Portraits of Pittsburgh: Works from the National Portrait Gallery exhibition, on display through Jan 3, 2021.
This program is free (though donations are graciously accepted) and will be presented via Zoom. Pre-registration is required at heinzhistorycenter.org/events.
The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, presents American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in the city’s Strip District and are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The History Center’s museum system includes the Sports Museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in historic Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa. in Washington County. More information is available at www.heinzhistorycenter.org
