The Society for Contemporary Crafts

The mission of the Society for Contemporary Craft is to engage the public in the creative experience as expressed through contemporary craft.The organization seeks to move viewers beyond familiar frames of reference and challenge them to think in new ways about art, while also raising standards of excellence in the field.
 

The education programs promote creativity as a central component of everyone's life through tours, workshops, classes, demonstrations, studio tours, and weekend study trips. With the June 2001 opening of the new Education Center — the studio — a wide variety of classes and workshops are offered in three fully equipped studios.

The Store features one-of-a-kind and limited production work such as jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, books, and more, a favorite source for unique gifts as well as for serious collectors.

It is situated in Pittsburgh's colorful Strip District, a wholesale food market filled with ethnic food stores, sidewalk vendors, specialty shops and restaurants, is the region's most popular destination neighborhood and an exciting stop for out-of-town visitors.

Founder Betty Raphael, 1977

For the past 30 years the SCC has taken a leadership role within the region in building public awareness of contemporary craft through high quality exhibitions and educational outreach programs. Through its growing national and international connections and its Store, the organization plays a key role in marketing national and regional contemporary artists.

In 1986, the Store became the Society for Contemporary Crafts and moved to a central location in Pittsburgh's Strip District in order to reach a broader audience. In July 2001, the organization completed a major expansion that more than doubled the facility, taking it from 7,000 to 16,000 square feet. As a result, SCC now comprises two exhibition galleries; a distinctive retail store for artist-made works; an education center with three large classrooms; and an art-handling annex complete with loading dock to receive, house and prepare traveling exhibitions.

For 31 years, SCC has contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of art through its innovative programs and activities. Since 1986, SCC has organized 145 exhibitions featuring work by more than 1,200 artists; produced 43 catalogues; offered hundreds of workshops, seminars and other public education programs; established a satellite exhibition space in a highly trafficked downtown location; and established a permanent collection and four different community outreach programs.

As one of the few art institutions in the region which does not charge admission, SCC offers free quality art experiences to the widest possible public, including under-served audiences for whom an admission fee would be a barrier.