If you’re into contemporary crafts Pittsburgh has great local options for you to get your fill of the arts. From ceramics and glass to photography and art installations the city has you covered like a glaze on kilned clay.
Contemporary Craft
Now at home in Upper Lawrenceville, Contemporary Craft is “where art comes to life”. Since 1971 they have supported international, national, and regional artists and have shared cross-cultural perspectives in their innovative exhibits. In addition to the exhibits they also have hands-on workshops, programs, and even a store.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
At the Pittsburgh Glass Center you can take classes, explore their contemporary glass gallery, and even watch live hot glass demonstrations. Artists from around the world often create and teach at the center. “Glass Art: We teach it. We create it. We promote it. We support those who make it.”
Ceramics Studios
For those looking to be fully hands-on in their contemporary art experience you can go the ceramics route. The city boasts many studios where you can pick out a piece of pre-made pottery, paint it, and finish it up with a “bake & take”. Some have special events or private group options. A few offer additional art options like hands-on clay throwing, canvas printing, and mosaics. Lots of options around town for you – here are a few studios that are kiln it: Katie’s Clay Studio, Fireborn Studios, Kiln-n-Time, and Clay Cafe.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts
At Sweetwater Center for the Arts you can find nearly 400 classes, workshops, and lectures every year in the visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts. Beginner to experts will have options throughout the year to enjoy classes in ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, jewelry and metalsmithing, fiber arts, and traditional crafts. There are also exhibits featuring local, regional, national, and international artists.
Silver Eye Center for Photography
In the heart of the Cultural District on Penn Ave, Silver Eye Center for Photography embraces “the power of contemporary photography as a fine art medium” via original exhibitions, educational programming, and a space for artists to create and connect. Their focus is on supporting the work of emerging, mid-career, and under-recognized artists.
Mattress Factory
Since 1977, the Mattress Factory has promoted “art you can get into”. Through contemporary art installations, video, and performance art the Mattress Factory features works from regional, national, and international artists. They have a residency program that allows artists to create artwork that is unconventional, challenging, and thought-provoking.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Pittsburgh’s first museum of contemporary art, the Carnegie Museum of Art has been feeding our eyes and minds with art exhibitions since 1896. The museum houses a wide-range of art – painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, architectural casts, and video. The extensive collection at the CMOA can even be accessed virtually.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.