Touchstone Center for Crafts

2025 Events
2025-05-03 00:00 - 2025-12-06 23:59 (America/New_York)
Get ready for an incredible lineup of 2025 events—stay tuned as we unveil the exciting details! Please check back as more events are being added.

2025 Event Schedule

Tuesday, January 21 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.Scholarship Benefit Dinnerat Eleven Contemporary Kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

February 21-232025 American Craft Made BaltimoreBaltimore, MD

March 26-29NCECA Formation ConferenceSalt Lake City, UT

Saturday, May 3 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Veteran Obsolete Exhibition Preview and Luncheon(private event)at Touchstone Center for Crafts

May 30-June 1Forging Connections: SNAG x SIBsat Touchstone Center for Crafts

Saturday, June 7 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Gallery Reception and Meet the Artist: Geoffrey Bowton, Veteran Obsoleteat Touchstone Center for Crafts

Select Saturdays, May–OctoberTouchstone by the Falls Ohiopyle Community Pop-Up Events: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 27, October 11at 1 Sherman Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470

Saturday, December 6 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Winter Showcaseat Touchstone Center for Crafts

2025 Exhibitions
2025-05-01 00:00 - 2025-12-20 23:59 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
No Address Found

2025 Exhibition Schedule

Bea Campbell Gallery

Visitors are welcome to stop by the galleries during our scheduled gallery hours. Gallery hours are subject to change; please verify before your visit.

May-July 26Veteran ObsoleteArtist: Geoffrey Bowton

August 2-October 4Born in FireFeaturing SPARC (Smiths for the Promotion of Accessibility, Representation, and Community)

August 2-October 4The Figure in CraftNational Juried Exhibition

October 11-December 202025 Touchstone Members Juried Exhibition

October 11-December 20Ten X Ten X TenAllegheny Metals Collective 10th Anniversary Exhibition

Campus Clean-Up Week
2025-04-28 09:00 - 2025-05-02 12:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
Help us tidy up our campus by clearing sticks, debris, and tackling simple cleaning tasks. This year, we’ve spread the clean-up opportunities across the week from April 27 to May 2, making it easier for you to choose the day(s) that work best for your schedule.

How to Participate: To confirm your participation, please complete the Campus Clean-Up Commitment Form and Waiver through the link below. We will follow up with a reminder and any updates 1-3 days prior to the event.

COMPLETE THE FORM

We look forward to your participation!

Campus Clean-Up Kickoff
2025-04-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
Kick off Touchstone’s Campus Clean-Up Week with a special volunteer session on Sunday, April 27! Help us tidy up our campus by clearing sticks, debris, and tackling simple cleaning tasks. This year, we’ve spread the clean-up opportunities across the week from April 27 to May 2, making it easier for you to choose the day(s) that work best for your schedule.

Complimentary Lunch (Sunday Only): Enjoy a meal from our Community Pizza Oven as a thank you for your efforts on Sunday, April 27.

How to Participate: To confirm your participation, please complete the Campus Clean-Up Commitment Form and Waiver through the link below. We will follow up with a reminder and any updates 1-3 days prior to the event.

COMPLETE THE FORM

We look forward to your participation!

American Craft Made Baltimore
2025-02-21 10:00 - 2025-02-23 18:00
American Craft Made is the largest juried craft fair on the East Coast, attracting more than 10,000 dedicated collectors and enthusiasts. It features nearly 400 accomplished artists and makers alongside demonstrations, talks, and hands-on experiences.

Touchstone is participating in the School-to-Market program, showcasing work by former interns and others connected to Touchstone. Stop by to meet Erika Broas, Stacy Larson, Taylor Mezo, and Nate Weiss and explore their craftsmanship. We’ll also be featuring pieces by Dan Brockett and Anna Koplik.

About American Craft Made 2025: Now in its 48th year, the 2025 event will feature a juried selection of work from makers at all career stages and across a wide range of mediums—including ceramics, glass, jewelry, metalwork, clothing, furniture, and basketry. Visitors will have the opportunity to get to know the creators behind their favorite pieces while discovering innovative work that celebrates longstanding craft practices and pushes the boundaries of what craft can be.

Single-day tickets and weekend passes can be reserved in advance here, or purchased onsite at the box office.

About the Artists

Artists Representing Touchstone

Erika Broas is a multidisciplinary artist, who most often can be found making metal objects and jewelry. She graduated with a BFA in metals in 2015 from Grand Valley State University, in Allendale, MI. Broas has been working as an independent jeweler since 2021, focusing on fabrication, stone setting, and forging gold, sterling silver, and steel. Alongside teaching workshops at Eastern US craft schools, they do freelance collaborative work with artists, design and create custom pieces for clients, and make production works for their jewelry line, Erika Blair.Touchstone 2018-2019 Small Metals Studio Intern2023-2025 Instructor

Stacy Larson is originally from Minnesota, and currently an Artist-in-Residence at LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln, NE. She received an MFA in Ceramics from West Virginia University and her BFA in Ceramics and Jewelry from Syracuse University. Stacy recently concluded two years of board service as the Student Director at Large of NCECA. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and in galleries throughout the United States.Touchstone 2017 Ceramics Studio Intern2018-2023 Office & Gallery Coordinator2024 Artist-in-Residence

Nate Weiss is a metalsmith residing in Johnstown. His metalworking education was self-directed starting in 2013, learning from craft schools such as Penland, Touchstone, and Peter’s Valley. Nate has worked as a professional metalsmith for several years, doing anything from architectural ironwork, to goldsmithing. This has allowed for him to cultivate a unique skillset, the influences of which can be seen in his work. Focusing on traditional forging techniques, with an interest in benchwork, Nate’s aim is to create one of a kind objects that are dense with detail and ornamentation in an effort to elevate ordinary objects to ceremonial.Touchstone 2018-2019 Blacksmithing Studio Intern2022-2024 Instructor

Artists Work on Display

Dan Brockett has been creating handwoven baskets from willow grown on his 12-acre property, Foggy Blossom Farm, in Leechburg, PA since 2018. He is a self-taught weaver focused on sharing the sustainability, functionality and natural beauty of his material. He teaches basketry workshops throughout the United States that focus on traditional European weave patterns and techniques.Touchstone 2023 Open House Demonstrator2024-2025 Instructor

Anna Koplik received her BFA in Jewelry from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where she discovered her love for metalwork and forging. After graduating she shifted her focus to blacksmithing and began traveling, working at crafts schools and as a journeyman architectural smith, teaching blacksmithing workshops, and going on adventures whenever possible. Her personal work focuses mainly on tool and utensil making, and combining functionality with a refined, delicate aesthetic. Anna has worked at a variety of shops, including Atlas Forge, Caleb Kullman Studio, and Spirit Ironworks, as well as taught at various craft schools such as Penland School of Crafts, Touchstone Center for Crafts, and John C. Campbell Folk School.

Touchstone 2016-2017 Blacksmith Shop Technician2018-2019 Artist in Residence2018-2025 Instructor

Unable to Join Us

(due to unforeseen circumstances, Taylor Mezo is unable to participate)

Taylor Mezo is a ceramic artist from Illinois, currently living in Pittsburgh PA. She works primarily in sculptural and functional ware, using red earthenware to create vessels utilizing a mixture of wheelthrowing and handbuilding techniques. In December 2019, she graduated with her Bachelors in Fine Arts from Governors State University. Recently, Taylor has participated in residencies at Penland School of Craft, the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft. Taylor was recently named one of Ceramic Monthly’s 2022 Emerging Artists.Touchstone 2020 Ceramics Studio Intern2022 Open House Vendor

Scholarship Benefit Dinner
2025-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Eleven, 1150 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, United States
Due to the generosity of big Burrito Group, this evening gathering of friends and delicious food at Eleven Contemporary Kitchen will support of Touchstone’s Scholarship Fund. Guests will meet and mingle with Touchstone’s executive director and event hosts, plus learn more about the organization and get a sneak preview of upcoming programs and a special exhibition.

Eleven Contemporary Kitchen1150 Smallman St.Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Intern Exhibition Reception - Tessellate: Fitting Together
2024-12-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
Please join us during the Winter Showcase & Holiday Sale to celebrate the accomplishments of our 2024 seasonal interns.

Participating Artists:

Andrew Welton

Ren Higuera

Morgan Winter

Zachary Morphew

Roxy Bridges

Art Gibson

Anissa White

Chloe Miller

Please note: Some interns may not be present.

Learn more about the Exhibition

2024 Seasonal Interns

Winter Showcase & Holiday Sale 2024
2024-12-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
Step into a world of creativity at Touchstone’s annual Winter Showcase & Holiday Sale! Discover unique, handcrafted gifts by over 80 regional and national artists, including Touchstone instructors, interns, staff, and friends. Our expanded gallery and retail space feature a stunning array of one-of-a-kind pieces, perfect for treating yourself or finding that special gift for loved ones.

Give the Gift of Craft: a meaningful way to support the vibrant talent within our community. Each piece crafted by an artist tells a story, showcasing dedication, creativity, and skill. When you buy a handcrafted item, you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind gifts but also investing in the livelihoods of artists who bring beauty and inspiration to our world.

While you shop, take part in fun make-and-take activities, enjoy light refreshments and appetizers, and browse limited-edition Touchstone merchandise. Be sure to visit our 2024 Intern Exhibition, Tessellate: Fitting Together, celebrating the incredible work of emerging artists who have refined their craft with us throughout the year.

Though our studios are closed for the season, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant art experience exclusively in our galleries. Bring your friends, family, and fellow art lovers for a memorable afternoon filled with art, creativity, and the holiday spirit!

Save the date and spread the word—it’s a holiday event you won’t want to miss!

Private Event - Deer Lake Happy Hour: rescheduled for Dec. 3, 2024
2024-12-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
Due to the weather forecast, this event has been rescheduled from November 22 to December 3.

This is a private event for residents of the Deer Lake community located in Wharton Township, Fayette County, PA

Residents of the Deer Lake community are invited to bring a friend and join us for a happy hour of chatting, refreshments, shopping for handmade items, and special one-night-only discounts!

Please register in advance.

REGISTER NOW

Tissue Farm Holiday Artisan Fair 2024
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Tissue Farm, 446 Latrobe Ave., Confluence, Pennsylvania, 15424, United States
Shop for the holidays and support local & regional artists & craftspeople!

Tissue Farm is located just 30 minutes from Touchstone in Confluence, PA

This is the perfect opportunity to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or treat yourself to something special.

List of artisans include:

Art by Avalon from Addison PA

Artwork on the Run // Craig Peterson

Jody Best from Confluence PA

Childers Fabric Art: Fabric Landscapes from Confluence PA

Conrad Hamather from Ohiopyle PA

Noel & Travis Cowles from Confluence PA

Fernwood Soap from Grantsville MD

LG Leather Goods from Grantsville MD

Plant Palace Botanicals and Sundries from Confluence and Acme PA

S.K. Woodworks from Addison PA

Sticks & Bones Knits from Confluence PA

Touchstone Center for Crafts from Farmington PA

Turkeyfoot Valley Schools Art Dept

Address: 446 Latrobe Ave., Confluence, PA 15424

Learn More

ACRE Uniontown Information Session
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Fayette Launchbox, 2201 University Drive, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, 15456, United States
Bridgeway Capital’s Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE)

Are you a creative business based in Uniontown, PA? Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator (CBA) is bringing creativity-driven economic development to a community near you.

Additional cohorts are available in Oil City, PA and State College, PA.

More information at acrepartners.org

Creativity is the key to building stronger, more sustainable communities. That’s why the CBA created ACRE, the Alliance for Creative Economies, to foster and support creative entrepreneurship, helping to drive economic growth and create meaningful change.

Join the information session to learn more about ACRE and how to join the next cohort in Uniontown.

Address: Fayette Launchbox, 2201 University Dr., Lemont Furnace, PA 15406

RSVP TODAY

Union Trust Makers Market
2024-11-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Union Trust Building, 501 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219, United States
Join us for a pop-up holiday shopping event in the beautiful Union Trust Building in downtown Pittsburgh. You’ll find a curated selection of handcrafted items from Touchstone Center for Crafts’ Retail Gallery, alongside works from other talented regional artists.

Address: 501 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Fayette Gives Day
2024-11-07 08:00 - 20:00
About Fayette Gives

Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County that aims to build a stronger Fayette by engaging the community in philanthropy and supporting local charities. During this fundraising marathon, the public donates to participating charities and special incentives are offered to promote the excitement and impact of charitable giving. Fayette Gives provides an opportunity for charities to gain exposure, and it invites everyone to be a philanthropist in a community-wide effort to give back.

Make a secure donation online at fayettegives.org on Thursday, Nov. 7 between 8am-8pm in support of Touchstone Center for Crafts.

FAYETTEGIVES.ORG

Free Your Mind Resources
2024-10-31 00:00 - 2025-03-30 23:59
Free Your Mind @Touchstone

Free Your Mind, led by artist Theda Sandiford, is a public textile art project exploring personal stories of microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation. Displayed at Touchstone from May 17 – September 20, 2024, the installation invited visitors and workshop participants to reflect, read, and share their experiences. Theda also gave two artist talks for deeper engagement. To learn more about Theda, the project, microaggressions, implicit bias, and to watch the artist talk recordings, click the link. You can also share your own experience of a microaggression online.

Click to learn more about Free Your Mind @Touchstone

Bea Campbell Gallery - Tessellate: Fitting Together
2024-10-05 00:00 - 2024-12-20 23:59
2024 Intern Exhibition

Click for gallery hours and to learn more

Free Your Mind - Artist Talks Part 2
2024-09-24 18:00 - 19:00
Visiting Artist: Theda Sandiford

Join us on Zoom or in-person for these powerful and engaging artist talks (May 22 & September 24). This event is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the Free Your Mind art installation project at Touchstone, as Theda shares the creative journey and insights related to the project.

Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor led by artist Theda Sandiford, with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.

Please Register in Advance for the Zoom Talks

Register for September 24

Advance registration for in-person attendance will be available soon.

Annual Open House 2024
2024-06-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Touchstone Center For Crafts, 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA, 15437, United States
The best day of the yearto visit our campus!

Touchstone invites you to get creative on our campus at our annual Open House! This free, family-friendly event is THE day to visit Touchstone, where you can learn about our seasonal workshops and date nights, tour studios, watch artist demonstrations, shop artist pop-up shops, view gallery exhibitions, hear more about community offerings through our partnering organizations, dance to live music, and enjoy a delicious lunch or snack from local and regional food vendors. Adults and kids alike are encouraged to participate in hands-on activities and festivities. Held rain or shine, join us via a free shuttle bus from nearby Christian W. Klay Winery.

Learn More

Free Your Mind - Artist Talks Part 1
2024-05-22 14:00 - 15:00
Visiting Artist: Theda Sandiford

Join us on Zoom or in-person for these powerful and engaging artist talks (May 22 & September 24). This event is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the Free Your Mind art installation project at Touchstone, as Theda shares the creative journey and insights related to the project.

Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor led by artist Theda Sandiford, with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.

Please Register in Advance for the Zoom Talks

Register for May 22

Advance registration for in-person attendance will be available soon.

Auböck Exhibition Luncheon & Panel Discussion
2024-05-18 11:00 - 14:00
No Address Found

Moderated by Justin Gunther, Vice President and Director of Fallingwater, and Brittany Reilly, Director of The Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation.

More information will be available soon.

Free Your Mind @Touchstone
2024-05-17 12:00 - 2024-09-20 12:00
May 17 – September 20, 2024

Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor led by artist Theda Sandiford, with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.

Microaggressions, those nuanced and sometimes unintentional daily interactions, convey hostile, derogatory, or negative messages or assumptions towards historically marginalized groups. The cumulative impact of these routine encounters manifests in tangible consequences—stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately, a sense of powerlessness and invisibility.

This project boldly unveils these interactions to offer a cathartic release. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences of microaggressions by inscribing them onto a ribbon, which is then tied to a net, symbolizing the liberation of these stories from their personal narratives. Each ribbon becomes a tangible “story ribbon.”

This project is supported by Arts, Equity, & Education Fund

ABOUT THEDA SANDIFORD

Theda Sandiford, is a self-taught mixed media artist based in Jersey City, NJ. Though art is engrained in her psyche, Theda’s first creative endeavors were in the music business as a sales & digital marketing executive. After years of ground breaking digital work for musicians, she began applying digital and analog art processes to develop her own artistic self-expression as a means of art therapy.

Join us on Zoom or in-person for two engaging artist talks on May 22 and September 24. Share your “story ribbon” while visiting Touchstone’s campus from May to September, 2024.
