The world of craft has always been a bridge between art and everyday life, connecting people through creativity and tangible expression. This connection is at the heart of a significant development for Contemporary Craft, an organization that has been at the forefront of innovative craft for over five decades. Thanks to the generosity and vision of Cathy Raphael, a new chapter in the organization’s history is unfolding with the creation of the Raphael Endowment.
A Family Legacy in Crafts
Cathy’s relationship with Contemporary Craft dates back to its earliest roots. Her mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Rockwell Raphael, started The Store in Verona as a project of Riverview Community Action, creating a space that not only sold crafts from across the country but also housed The Sociable Workshop, where local artisans designed and created their work.
After completing her BA in metalsmithing from Syracuse University, Cathy returned to Pittsburgh and immersed herself in the creative environment. For 12 years, she worked as both a resident jeweler/designer in The Sociable Workshop and as a salesperson in The Store. During this time, The Store became a destination for craft enthusiasts from far and wide, showcasing the power of crafts to bring people together.
“Most of us did crafts as kids in school or at play. Many of us continue to create craft objects beyond childhood. For that reason, crafts are a relatable art form — from the functional to the purely aesthetic,” Cathy reflects.
The Vision for the Future
When asked about her vision for Contemporary Craft’s future, Cathy expresses excitement about the unknown possibilities. “The trajectory from The Store in Verona to Contemporary Craft in its permanent home in upper Lawrenceville has been impressive,” she notes. “Each director has brought a new perspective and vision expanding the possibilities and offerings — both for the public and for artists.”
This evolution, which Cathy describes as “extraordinary — and beyond what I could have imagined,” is precisely what the Raphael Endowment aims to support. While the specific shape of Contemporary Craft’s future remains to be seen, the endowment ensures that the organization will have the resources to continue innovating and serving the community for generations to come.
Rachel Saul Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft, highlights the significance of the Raphael Endowment: “Cathy Raphael’s generous gift of an endowment is transformative for our organization. It will allow us to build on the history and strength of our organization and the field; while offering the stability to continually explore creative approaches to contemporary craft, engage with critical social issues, and support artists. Cathy’s commitment to this creative community reflects a profound belief in the power of craft to inspire, provoke thought, and bring about change. We are eternally grateful for her visionary support.”
A Call to Action
The Raphael Endowment for Contemporary Craft represents more than just financial support; it’s an emblem of craft’s connection to all of us and a powerful example of how one person’s dedication can reach across decades to foster creativity that brings us together in unique and profound ways.
For Cathy, creating this endowment is deeply personal. “I have been a supporter of Contemporary Craft for over fifty years. Ensuring this incredible organization continues long beyond my lifetime is meaningful to me,” she shares. Her commitment to supporting craft artists and securing the future of Contemporary Craft is an inspiration, and she invites others to join her in this mission.
Join Cathy Raphael in supporting the future of Contemporary Craft with a gift to this new endowment. Your contribution to the Raphael Endowment will help ensure that this vital organization continues to thrive and make a difference for years to come.
