Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize
Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood
September 19, 2025 – January 17, 2026
In 1997, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in contemporary craft, with a focus on the theme of transformation. Named for Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael (1920-1998), the founder of Contemporary Craft, this biennial juried exhibition has built a significant international legacy. It highlights both emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of clay, glass, metal, wood and found materials—challenging traditional techniques and reimagining craft in innovative and thought-provoking ways. Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood features the work of 19 finalists, each exploring the expressive and technical possibilities of wood. Through techniques such as intarsia, marquetry, woodturning, carving, and sculptural construction, these artists transform raw material into compelling work. This group of artists demonstrate the craftsmanship through intricate detailing, and engage in bold conceptual inquiry, questioning the very nature of craft itself. Together, these diverse approaches highlight the versatility of contemporary woodwork, showcasing artists at all stages of their careers whose creative vision and technical excellence redefine the field, offering a compelling dialogue between material, technique and artist innovation.
Jurors
Christopher Kurtz, Artist & Founder of Christopher Kurtz Studio
Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director & Chief Curator of Museum for Art in Wood
Catherine Raphael, Daughter of Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael
Rachel Saul Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft
Yu-San Cheng, Director of Visual Engagement of Contemporary Craft
Pictured: Klara Knutsson, Change, 2025
39.5” x 59 1/8” x 1”
Marquetry, wood veneer
Artwork photo credit: Johan Linnander
2025 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize Winner:
Vivian Chiu
Honorable Mentions:
Jack Mauch
Edgar Orlaineta
Lifetime Contribution Award:
Ron Layport
Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood and the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize are made possible by Leonard J. Kreppel and the Lydon Innovation Fund.
General operating support for Contemporary Craft is provided by Allegheny Regional Asset District, The Heinz Endowments, Windgate Foundation, Cathy Raphael, Opportunity Fund, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, David Zeve, Anonymous foundation, The George G Fund, Giant Eagle Foundation, and by private donations.
