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Contemporary Craft gallery and studios in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA • Est. 1971

Making Art
Accessible
Through Craft

Pittsburgh's preeminent craft arts center — free gallery exhibitions, working studios, artist residencies, and a curated store celebrating makers worldwide.

54+
Years of Craft
150+
Artists in Store
Free
Admission Always
On View & Coming Soon

Exhibitions

Browse All Exhibitions
What We Do

Three Ways to Engage

Gallery visitor experiencing contemporary craft exhibitions at Contemporary Craft Pittsburgh
01
See
Free gallery exhibitions presenting international, national, and regional craft artists. Three distinct gallery spaces, always changing.
Explore Exhibitions →
Students working in Contemporary Craft studios learning hands-on craft skills
02
Make
Eight fully-equipped studios in metals, blacksmithing, wood, weaving, fibers, paper, dye, and laser cutting. Beginner to mastery.
View Studios →
Handcrafted artwork and jewelry available in the Contemporary Craft store Pittsburgh
03
Buy
Over 150 craft artists represented. One-of-a-kind ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber art, furniture, and more. Shop in person or online.
Visit the Store →
Hands-On Making

Eight Working Studios

Contemporary Craft's studios offer workshops at every level — from beginner-friendly to mastery — across eight fully-equipped studio spaces at our Lawrenceville campus.

Metals Studio
Jewelry making, fabrication, and metalsmithing. Also features the Rabbit Laser Studio for precision cutting.
Blacksmithing Studio
Brand new forge and anvil space celebrating the strength and artistry of blacksmithing — Pittsburgh's industrial heritage reimagined.
Windgate Wood Studio
Woodturning, joinery, and woodworking fundamentals. From pens and bud vases to furniture foundations.
Weaving Studio
Floor looms and tabletop looms in the Fleischner Family Fibers Loft. Drop-in weaving and multi-week series.
Fibers Studios
Knitting, crochet, spinning, embroidery, needle felting, and more. Beginner basics through sculptural fiber work.
Paper & Book Arts
Joomchi, bookbinding (non-adhesive and traditional), handmade paper, and mixed media paper arts.
Beth Wainwright Dye Lab
Natural and synthetic dyeing for fiber arts. Color exploration, tie-dye, botanical prints, and dye plant cultivation.
Rabbit Laser Studio
Precision laser cutting and engraving. Certification required — sessions available monthly or by private appointment.
Register Now

Upcoming Workshops

  • Mar
    5
    Needle Felting: Bird of the Month — American Robin
    with Erin Carlson
  • Mar
    7
    Introduction to Drop Spinning: Beginner Basics
    with Laura SanBoeuf Paris
  • Mar
    7
    Introduction to Crochet: Beginner Basics
    with Sarah LaVoie
  • Mar
    7
    Introduction to Knitting: Beginner Basics
    with Emily Sciulli Ventura
  • Mar
    7
    Intro to Metal Chasing & Repoussé
    with Leah Mazza
  • Mar
    14
    Metal Clay Charms
    with Donna Penoyer
  • Mar
    14
    Early Spring Floral Design
    with Soren Soto of Galleria Botanica
  • Mar
    14
    Joomchi Paper
    with Rae Gold
  • Mar
    14
    Introduction to Woodturning: Pens
    with Matt Iannacci
  • Mar
    18
    Woodworking 101
    with David Bielewicz
  • Mar
    21
    Intro to Metals: Brass Bookmark
    with Vicki Branagan
  • Mar
    24
    Woodturning: Bud Vase
    with Hanna Dausch
View All Workshops & Register
Need Help?
Scholarships & Private Lessons

Full and partial tuition scholarships are available for all workshops. Apply at least two weeks before your desired class.

Private lessons available in Metals, Fibers, and Wood. Contact Allison Jones to arrange.

Apply for Scholarship
Group Programs — Birthdays, corporate team building, or special events. 3-hour custom workshops from $55/person + materials. Min. 8 students. Contact thestudio@contemporarycraft.org
Artist Support

Artists-in-Residence

Contemporary Craft's residency programs support artists at all career stages with free studio access, CC staff mentorship, and the opportunity to create a body of work while interfacing with Pittsburgh's vibrant craft community.

National Program
National Artists-in-Residence

For artists living outside 100 miles of Pittsburgh. Four-month residency positions (Fall and Spring). Free furnished housing in a four-bedroom home plus private studio access.

  • Free furnished housing, 3-minute drive from CC
  • Private studio + access to all community studios
  • Supported media: metals, jewelry, blacksmithing, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, wood
  • Fall 2026: Aug 31 – Dec 20 • Spring 2027: Feb 1 – May 23
  • Juried selection — application via Opportunities page
Learn & Apply →
Regional Program
Regional Artists-in-Residence

For artists within 100 miles of Pittsburgh. Two 3-month residency positions per quarter. Free studio access during all open hours plus a small monthly materials stipend.

  • Free studio access all open hours
  • Monthly materials stipend
  • Two positions per quarter
  • All craft media supported by CC studios
  • Inclusive environment — all backgrounds encouraged to apply
Learn & Apply →
Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder's Prize Transformation exhibition at Contemporary Craft Pittsburgh
Transform­ation
Since 1997

Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder's Prize

A biennial juried $5,000 prize honoring emerging and mid-career artists working in craft media. Each winner receives an exhibition, catalogue, and professionally produced video — celebrating the cutting edge of glass, wood, metal, clay, and found materials.

2025 Vivian Chiu — Wood
2022 Lauren Kalman — Multidisciplinary / Glass
2017 Melissa Cameron — Jewelry
2013 Linda Swanson — Ceramics
2009 Christian Burchard — Wood
2007 Mark Zirpel — Glass
1997 Sibylle Peretti — Glass (inaugural)
About the Prize
Shop Handmade

The CC Store

Representing over 150 craft artists from across the country, our Store features handcrafted, functional, and decorative artwork — each piece made by human hands. When you buy here, you directly support a working artist.

Ceramics Jewelry Glass Fiber Art Furniture Metals Paper Wood Mixed Media

Gift certificates available in-store or for our online shop at contemporarycraftstore.com

Shop Online Learn About the Store
Handcrafted glass artwork for sale in the Contemporary Craft store Pittsburgh
Handmade jewelry earrings available at the Contemporary Craft store
Annual Out of Hand gala and craft sale at Contemporary Craft
Outreach

Community Engagement

Craft is one of the most democratic art forms — practiced by people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Our community programs reflect that belief.

01
Partners in Craft
Four nonprofit organizations per year receive free access to CC studios to design and implement craft-based programming for the communities they serve — reaching those who may not otherwise have access.
Learn More
02
Zack Twenty-Five
An apprenticeship program through Allegheny County DHS matching Transition Age Youth (ages 20–25) with Pittsburgh artists as mentors. Pairs create work sold through the CC Store.
Learn More
03
Affinity Groups
Community gatherings built around shared craft interests — including Loom Club for weavers at any level. Open to all who want to connect, learn, and make together in our studios.
Join a Group
Join Us as We Imagine More

We're close — so close — to completing a transformation that will shape the future of Contemporary Craft. With less than $100,000 left to raise, every gift brings the final pieces to life.

  • Activating our new Blacksmithing Studio — hands-on access to this dynamic craft
  • Broadening educational programs across fibers, wood, metal, and more
  • Elevating regional artists through a dedicated new gallery in the Raphael Building
Support Imagine More
Contemporary Craft gallery and studios interior in Lawrenceville Pittsburgh
Our Purpose
"To engage the public in creative experiences through contemporary craft."

Established in 1971 by Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, Contemporary Craft was founded on the belief that artists working with traditional craft materials were developing a unique vocabulary — opening new avenues in contemporary art. Over 54 years, that mission remains at our core.

Support Artists
Providing vital support for craft artists at every career stage through exhibitions, residencies, and retail.
Public Education
Filling critical gaps in hands-on craft education for all ages and backgrounds.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Sharing diverse global perspectives through multicultural exhibitions and programs.
Build Community
Using art and making as tools to forge genuine connections within Pittsburgh and beyond.
Read Our Mission
Our Team

Staff & Board

For general inquiries: info@contemporarycraft.org or 412.261.7003

Rachel Saul Rearick
Executive Director
Leslie Riker
Associate Director
Yu-San Cheng
Director of Visual Engagement
Allison Jones
Director of Programs & Residencies
Mandy Wilson
Director of Marketing
Sydney Leslie
Store Curation & Collections Manager
Jamie Boyle
Fibers Program Manager
Vicki Branagan
Metals Studio Coordinator
Herb Gordon
Grants & Development Manager
Justin Lin
Art Handler & Facilities Manager
Kathryn Shriver
Communications Coordinator
Libby Scutt
Community Programs Manager

Board of Directors

Alexander Neal Chair
Melanie Claxton Vice Chair
Jenee' N. Oliver, Esq. Secretary
Mary Ellen Johnson Treasurer
Nina Marie Barbuto
Lisa Belloli
Alex Co
Cappy Counard
Darla Cravotta
Derek Dauphin
Jim Denova
Rich Fitzgerald
Gretchen Givens Generett
Susan Golomb
Christopher Guignon
Tracy Johnston
Mounir Kashkoush
Risé Nagin
Matt Neistein
Vernelle A. A. Noel
Michele O'Leary
Patricia A. Sheahan, Ph.D.
Minette Vaccariello
Lorene Vinski
Bradley Wilkins
Come See Us

Visit & Contact

Hours
  • Monday10 AM – 5 PM
  • Tuesday10 AM – 5 PM
  • Wednesday10 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday10 AM – 5 PM
  • 3rd Thursday10 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Friday10 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday10 AM – 5 PM
  • SundayClosed
FREE ADMISSION • Always
Locations
Raphael Building
5645 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Main Gallery, Store, Metals & Laser Studios. Accessible entrance.
Timmons Studios
5688 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Fiber & Wood Studios. Accessible entrance on 57th Street.
Get Directions
Contact
Phone
Transit
Port Authority routes 87, 91, 93
Parking
Street parking on 57th St & Butler St. Accessible parking in front lot — call ahead.
Digital
Free Bloomberg Connects audio guide with exhibition tours — available on the app.