TACT

Teen Apprentice in Craft and Technology

The TACT program will begin with its fifth cohort of 8 teens from the Pittsburgh region in January 2026. For eight consecutive weeks, they will explore the intersection of Craft and Technology while working in Contemporary Craft’s Studios. This cohort will be led by local artist and educator Teresa Audet and focus on working in the Windgate Wood Studio. By the end of the program all participants will be certified to use the Rabbit Laser Cutter, Windgate Wood Studio, and will have completed a capstone project of their own design to be displayed in a TACT showcase!

The program consists of weekly workshops, open studio time, pro-session talks, and dinner provided by Contemporary Craft. Bus transportation on Pittsburgh Public Transit is also provided.

Workshops

Participants will meet at Contemporary Craft one night per week for eight weeks after school in our Studios. They will learn how to design digital files to run the Rabbit Laser, and work in the Windgate Wood Studio.

Open Studio

TACT participants are encouraged to work in the Studios in a supervised but self-guided environment to work with the tools and equipment outside of scheduled workshops.

Pro-sessions

Several TACT sessions will include a guest presenter Pro-Session. Presenters will include university professors, professional artists, and engineers who work with craft and technology.

Capstone

Throughout the program, participants will begin working on a project of their own design using the technology and tools at their disposal that will be featured at a TACT Showcase event.

Program Dates

TACT will occur on the following Tuesday nights in 2026:

January 6
January 13
January 20
January 27
February 3
February 10
February 17
February 24
March 3
March 10 (snow make-up day)

Schedule

After school – 5:00pm – Open Studio
5:00pm – 5:30pm – Dinner and Pro-Session
5:30pm – 9:00pm – Workshop

Eligibility

Any student in grades 9-12 with a strong interest in craft.

Cost

The TACT program is FREE for all participants and includes dinner during each session.

Transportation

Bus passes for Pittsburgh public transit will be provided for students upon request.

Questions

Please contact Libby Scutt, Community Programs Manager, with any questions at lscutt@contemporarycraft.org.

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