Contemporary Craft, the venerable local arts group that moved to a new home in Upper Lawrenceville in 2020, is expanding its footprint there.
The nonprofit, which teaches and exhibits contemporary art in traditional craft materials such as ceramics, textiles and metal, announced Tuesday it had closed on the former Hunter Saw Building, across Butler Street from its current gallery, studios and shop.
The building is a former historic tool factory that later had a second life as an event space. The move will double Contemporary Craft’s square footage and permit it to expand its fibers and metal programs, bring back a woodworking studio and build a new blacksmithing studio. The group will also add a small gallery to showcase the work of regional artists — a complement to its existing gallery, which highlights the work of national and international artists.
The idea, according to the group, is to create “a craft center in the heart of Pittsburgh.”
“Our expansion will not only serve our regional community, but it will also allow us to grow our national and international programming,” said executive director Rachel Saul Rearick in a statement. “I’m honored to be at the organization during this period of growth, and I have so much gratitude for the dedication of our staff and board. We’re excited to make Pittsburgh the heart of craft.”
The purchase was made after a study indicated the group needed about an additional 11,000 square feet to meet immediate and future growth, according to a news release.
The newly added building, with 13,000 square feet, will be known as the Contemporary Craft Timmons Studios. The organization, founded in 1971, is also publicly launching a $4.5 million capital campaign.
