Brew of Steel
12-oz Iron City, Pittsburgh, PA

The steely vision of this photo reflects O'Dowd's iron willpower in bringing his vision to life. Set on a rusty balustrade overlooking the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, "Brew of Steel" exemplifies the spirit of a city -- and an artistic movement -- too tough to die.

Unlike "Remember the Alamo," "Brew of Steel" was initially rejected by residents of the city in which it was set. Pittsburghers felt that the use of a beer in an aluminum can was an affront to the town and its great steelmaking tradition, and the work's title only rubbed salt in the wound. Howls of protest accompanied the unveiling of "Brew of Steel" in 1989, and O'Dowd was forced to evacute the town under cover of darkness.

Local feelings were assuaged when it was pointed out that very few beers are sold in steel containers, with aluminum or glass usually the preferred delivery medium. O'Dowd also smoothed ruffled feathers by donating all proceeds from the work to the Retired Steelworkers Entertainment and Happy Hour Fund, a local "charity."


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