Imagine More: Art, Community, Creativity, Education, Exploration, Making, Perspectives

Contemporary Craft is more than an organization; it is a community—woven together through the conversations in our gallery, skills learned and friendships forged in our studios, and connections made when holding an artist-made object. 

 We believe in the power of art to change lives. 

We see this change every day in our Gallery, Store, and Studios, and harnessing the power of these connections, Contemporary Craft is expanding as we enter our next chapter as a preeminent urban craft school experience.

Since expanding into the former Hunter Saw building—now the Timmons Studios—we’ve more than doubled the size of our campus. In March 2025, we opened new studios dedicated to fibers, paper, and wood; expanded our metals studios; hosted a ribbon‑cutting celebration; and held our first Out of Hand gala across both buildings. And there’s still more to come! 

SUPPORT IMAGINE MORE

 

Be Part of What’s Happening at Contemporary Craft

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, your support can help bring the final pieces to life.

Every gift gets us one step closer to:

  • Activating our new Blacksmithing Studio, expanding hands-on access to this dynamic craft
  • Broadening our educational programs across fibers, wood, metal, and more
  • Elevating regional artists through a dedicated new gallery space in the Raphael Building

Whether you give $25 or $25,000, you make this work possible. Let’s build this future—together.

GIVE NOW

 

See Yourself at Contemporary Craft

Looking for a meaningful way to make a lasting impact? Our Imagine More campaign offers a variety of naming opportunities that recognize you—or someone you wish to honor—as a champion of craft and a key supporter of Pittsburgh’s next chapter as a hub for creativity, education, and community connection.

Whether it’s an anvil, rug loom, forge, or a bike rack, naming something is a powerful way to support hands-on experiences for generations to come.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN NAME

Be a Piece of CC’s History!

Support a stunning new permanent art piece by artist Kim Fox, to be installed in the main entry of Timmons Studio! Inspired by the building’s history as a saw factory and the beauty of craft materials, this piece will feature wood and metal elements arranged in a striking sawtooth quilt pattern.

We’re excited to share that all $250, $500, and $1,000 sponsorships have been claimed! There’s still time to be part of this meaningful project—limited pieces remain at the $100 level.

All sponsors will be recognized on a permanent map of supporters, ensuring your name becomes part of CC’s legacy.

There are limited pieces available—don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to something lasting. Join us in celebrating craft, history, and community!

Reserve your piece today!

 

 

Case for Support

IMAGINE: An Urban Craft Center in the Heart of Pittsburgh

With more than 50 years of innovative programming, Contemporary Craft is already known across the region and country as an artistic asset. With the interest in craft and the demand for more education and exhibition opportunities, it is time to IMAGINE MORE.

After completing a months-long research project and a space allocation audit, it was determined that the organization was at a deficit of nearly 9,000 square feet to meet immediate demand, and there was roughly another 2,000 sq ft needed to address growth planning. The Timmons Studios will offer Contemporary Craft an additional 13,000 square feet, which will enable CC to become one of the most desired craft experiences in the country.  

How can you help us IMAGINE MORE?

Contemporary Craft’s staff and Board believe deeply in this expansion—not just as a physical growth, but as a lasting investment in our mission, our community, and our future. 

This is where you come in. 

What part of our work moves you? Whether it’s free exhibitions, accessible studio programs, operational support, or the excitement of building out a brand new blacksmithing studio—your gift will make a difference. 

DONATE TODAY

To learn more about how you can partner with Contemporary Craft to IMAGINE MORE, please contact CC Executive Director, Rachel Rearick, at rrearick@contemporarycraft.org or Associate Director, Leslie Riker, at lriker@contemporarycraft.org.

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These are exciting times at Contemporary Craft as we expand our facilities to better serve our regional and national craft community. This magnificent renovated building will enable Contemporary Craft to expand their level and quality of programs and services to provide a more comprehensive array of crafts exhibitions, education and residencies, pushing the organization to a nationally recognized level. It’s my honor to lead this critical campaign to support my favorite arts organization and strengthen the Pittsburgh arts community.  

David Zeve Campaign Chair

Campaign Committee

Chair – David Zeve
Judy Barie
Carol Brown
Michelle Browne
Chris Clarke and Heather McElwee
Melanie Claxton
Alex Co
Cappy Counard
Darla Cravotta
Domenic Dozzi
Dawn and Chris Fleischner
Leslie Fleischner
Leslie H. Fleisher
Gretchen Givens Generett, Ph.D. and William O. Generett, Esq.
Susan Golomb
Christopher Guignon
Mary Ellen Johnson
Mounir Kashkoush
Sallyann Kluz
Leonard J. Kreppel

Elsa Limbach
Kate L. Lydon
Janet Lee McCall
Maggie McDonald
Kathleen Mulcahy
Risë Nagin
Alexander Neal
Michele O’Leary
Alison and Paul Oehler
Cathy Raphael
Rachel and Katie Rearick
Keith Recker
Susan and Brian Sesack
Madeline Spuck
Loretta Stanish
Natalie Sweet
Lorene Vinski
Beth Wainwright
Bradley Wilkins
Susanne Wilkinson
Brian Wongchaowart

"

We are delighted to share the news of this strategic expansion which affords space for sustained growth, right in our own Lawrenceville neighborhood. Expanding CC’s sought-after educational programs further raises our national profile as a destination for craft, and as a valuable resource in our region. I am so proud of the ways that our fantastic staff and community have rallied to support this incredible opportunity in a short period of time.

Alexander Neal Contemporary Craft Board Chair