From the Ground Up: Centre County Works

Selections from the Steidle Collection of American Industrial Art

The limestone, iron ore, coal, sand, and water that shape Centre County’s landscape underlie the area’s industrial history.  From iron furnaces to rolling mills, coal mines to quarries, brass works to bricks ovens, and more the Steidle Collection of American Industrial Art from the Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Museum & Art Gallery, Penn State, depicts scenes of industry and workers painted by artists during the early- to mid-20th century. The founder of the collection Edward Steidle, Dean of the School of Mineral Industries (1928-1953) built the collection to preserve the history of the these industries as well as to build awareness of the importance of minerals to human existence. The Steidle Collection is widely recognized is a remarkable intersection of art, industry, and education. Works from the collection are regularly exhibited in the EMS Museum & Art Gallery, the EMS Library, and museums across the country.

This exhibit is curated by Dr. Julianne Snider, Director Emeritus, and on loan courtesy of Dr. Chris Widga, Director, EMS Museum & Art Gallery.