News
2024
Empty Bowls continues mission to raise hunger awareness
February 2, 2024 - Herald-Standard
Uniontown, PA
Participants receive a take-out container of soup in hand-crafted ceramic bowls donated by the New Meadow Run/Spring Valley Bruderhof Communities, Uniontown Area School District, PennWest California, Touchstone Center for Crafts and Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School.
Photographer celebrates 20 years in business
February 2, 2024 - The Daily Courier
Connellsville, PA
“Whenever I was 15, I got a scholarship to the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington for photography,” she said. “It was a weeklong camp, teaching you how to not only take pictures, but also how to develop them and how to print your own prints in the darkroom... It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” noting the immersive experience taught her a great deal about every aspect of photography. “From then on, you just couldn’t keep me out of it.”
Talking Out Your Glass Podcast — Interview with Wesley Fleming
February 2024
Season 9, Episode 3
In 2024, Fleming will co-teach “Bugs, Figures, Plants, & Beyond” with Emilio Santini at Penland School of Crafts, Bakersfield, NC, April 28 – May 3. He will also co-teach “Collaborative Soft Glass Sculpture” with Michael Mangiafico at Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington, PA, August 5 -9 . His work will be on view at Level 42 Gallery, Asheville, NC, beginning May 4.
Natural beauty steals spotlight in destination guide
January 16, 2024 - The Daily Courier
Connellsville, PA
“A new year affords so many opportunities to explore the beautiful Laurel Highlands,” said Ann Nemanic, GO LH’s executive director.
- “Auböck: The Gallet Collection,” delves into the Touchstone Center for Crafts exhibition of rare and important works of art and objects from the internationally renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck.
2023
Fayette Gives raises nearly $700,000 for 90 local nonprofits
December 13, 2023 - Herald-Standard
Uniontown, PA - By Mark Hoffman
The three nonprofits that collected the most in donations were City Mission – Living Stones in Uniontown with $114,830.19, Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington with $54,534.71, and Alternatives.Yes Pregnancy Support Center in Connellsville with $28,076.80. “All the organizations are doing amazing things for Fayette County, and they build each other up,” said Dean Simpson, the marketing manager at Touchstone. He said the success they’ve had with the Fayette Gives event shows that people value and support the arts
In the Spotlight | Potter in Uptown Somerset has a passion for mud
November 25, 2023 - The Tribune-Democrat
Somerset, PA - By Kelly Urban
Rebecca Frola-Biss has a passion for mud... a visit a few years ago to Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Fayette County, ignited her desire to create art again...
GO Laurel Highlands Adventure Series - Touchstone Center For Crafts - Campus Tour and Date Night
November 15, 2023 - YouTube
Laurel Highlands, PA
Join Touchstone's Marketing Manager, Dean Simpson, and Kelli Brisbane, Director of Partnership Development at Go Laurel Highlands, as they explore Touchstone's campus and studios. The tour concludes with a special Date Night experience, during which Kelli and her husband, Dash, embark on a mosaic project guided by the expertise of teaching artist Erika Johnson...
Veterans marathon raises more than $10,000
November 13, 2023 - The Daily Courier
Connellsville, PA - Written by By Paul S. Brittain
Clear skies and cool temperatures greeted participants Sunday for the third annual Fayette County Veterans Marathon Relay held at Brownsville Area High School. Fayette County Commissioner Scott Dunn served as chairman and master of ceremonies for the event, which benefits veterans’ causes including the United Veterans. Billeting of Fayette County and Touchstone Center for Crafts Veterans Scholarships.
Award-winning Hunker artist explores 'Woman and Variations' in WCCC exhibit
November 14, 2023 - Yahoo! News
Yahoo! - Written by Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
The creative works of Hunker artist Stephanie Oplinger are featured in the exhibit “Woman and Variations,” running through Dec. 1 in the Science & Innovation Center Gallery on the main campus of Westmoreland County Community College near Youngwood...
Award-winning Hunker artist explores 'Woman and Variations' in WCCC exhibit
November 13, 2023 - TRIB Live
Greensburg, PA - Written by Jeff Himler
She operates her own art studio in Greensburg, is the office and gallery coordinator at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, is vice president and webmaster for Pittsburgh Print Group and belongs to Green Beacon Gallery in Greensburg...
Westmoreland County Community College Artist Reception Nov. 13
November 8, 2023 - Latrobe Bulletin
Latrobe, PA - Westmoreland County Community College welcomes local artist and college alumna Stephanie Oplinger to the Youngwood campus where her exhibit “Woman and Variations” will be featured in the Science and Innovation Center Gallery through Dec. 1...
Between 2 Rivers tour to showcase local artists in Fayette County
August 17, 2023 - Observer-Reporter
Fayette County, PA - The tour is made possible through a collaborative effort between Touchstone Center for Crafts, National Road Heritage Corridor and Fayette County Community Action Agency. By joining forces, the organizations aim to foster artistic appreciation and support within the community...
Out & About: Greensburg library exhibit depicts 'Storms and Saints'
August 13, 2023 - Trib LIVE
Greensburg, PA - Stephanie Oplinger is the office and gallery coordinator at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Fayette County and maintains a studio in the Green Beacon Gallery in downtown Greensburg...
Ceramics instructor's works displayed in two exhibitions
August 13, 2023 - NorthcentralPA.com
Community | North Central PA - Kaplan's works were displayed at The Clay Center of New Orleans and Touchstone Center for Crafts, in Farmington. Both exhibitions ran through July...
Life at Touchstone: The Intern Experience
August 10, 2023 - CERF+ Blog
Touchtone Center for Crafts began over 50 years ago as Pioneer Crafts Council and blossomed into a craft school where people come together to learn in a fully immersive hands-on environment...
Tour showcases local artistic talent in Fayette County
July 24, 2023 - The Daily Courier
Fayette County, PA - The Between 2 Rivers Artist Trail & Studio Tour is made possible through a collaborative effort between Touchstone Center for Crafts, National Road Heritage Corridor, and Fayette County Community Action Agency.
“Between 2 Rivers Artist Trail & Studio Tour Showcases Local Artistic Talent In Fayette County, PA”
July 12, 2023
Fayette County, PA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Between 2 Rivers Artist Trail & Studio Tour is set to take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This inaugural event invites art lovers and the broader community to embark on a self-guided artists’ studio tour through Fayette County, Pennsylvania, to discover the hidden gems of the local artistic community.
Touchstone celebrates 50 - Laurel Highlands arts hub fosters a variety of trades
June 2023 - Somerset Magazine
Somerset, PA
Through in-person workshops, professional exhibitions, artist residencies, video content and studio internships, Touchstone keeps traditional techniques alive while pushing craft techniques into the 21st century...
EWCTC students craft photo frames for Westmoreland County parks
May 26, 2023 - Latrobe Bulletin
Latrobe, PA
Inspiration for the frames came from an installation at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Fayette County. Dean Simpson, marketing manager at Touchstone, provided information to guide the initial design process for the Westmoreland 250 frames...
Photo frames constructed for Westmoreland parks
May 25, 2023 - The Daily Courier
Connellsville, PA
Inspiration for the frames came from an installation at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Fayette County. Dean Simpson, marketing manager at Touchstone, provided information to guide the initial design process for the Westmoreland 250 frames...
'Success:' Program to help entrepreneurs in Johnstown expanding to other cities
May 22, 2023 - WJAC-TV
Cambria County, PA - by Nicole Fuschino
Flood City Stitch was one of ten local businesses selected to be in the Alliance for Creative Rural Economies (ACRE). The program was piloted for the first time last year in Johnstown. ACRE is a collaboration between Bridgeway Capital, Touchstone Center for Crafts, and JARI (located in Johnstown)....
ALL IN A DAY’S DRIVE – EPISODE 3 – CRAFTING!
May 18, 2023 - All in a Day's Drive Podcast
Farmington, PA
Get ready to hit the road with All In A Day's Drive! This week, host Matthew Dowling is taking you on a journey to the Touchstone Center for Crafts, a haven for artists and craftspeople alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of pottery, metalworking, glassblowing and more! Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a curious traveler, you won't want to miss out on this exciting episode...
'Pike Days Paint Out' planned for Sunday, May 21st
May 12, 2023 - Herald-Standard
Uniontown, PA
There is something magical about being outdoors and surrounded by nature that can spark creativity and inspiration.
And what better way to do that than by joining the Pike Days Paint Out event in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands region?...
ACRE pilot program for creative economy deemed a success, to be replicated in other towns
April 29, 2023 - The Tribune-Democrat
Johnstown, PA - Written by Russ O'Reilly
Artist Andrew Thornton owns Allegory Gallery in the borough of Ligonier, and he paints and makes jewelry at his studio further from town, at a 100-year-old cottage with an outhouse. Working in a rural community has its advantages over the nearly inaccessible art scene in New York, where Thornton and his husband, William Jones, lived prior to moving to western Pennsylvania. However, it also has its drawbacks....
GO Laurel Highlands, partners build bridges to broader markets
April 21, 2023 - Latrobe Bulletin
Latrobe, PA - Tourism took center stage at St. Vincent College during GO Laurel Highlands’ Partner Summit April 17, with representatives of dozens of businesses and attractions gathering to learn from national industry insiders and each other...
GO Laurel Highlands hosted Partner Summit
April 19, 2023 - The Tribune-Democrat
Johnstown, PA - GO Laurel Highlands held its Partner Summit on Monday at St. Vincent College in Latrobe with representatives from dozens of businesses and attractions who gathered to learn from national industry insiders...
GO Laurel Highlands, partners build bridges to broader markets
April 19, 2023 - The Daily Courier
Connellsville, PA - Tourism took center stage at Saint Vincent College during GO Laurel Highlands’ Partner Summit, with representatives of dozens of businesses and attractions gathering to learn from national industry insiders and each other...
Open House Media Release
March 30, 2022 - from Touchstone Center for Crafts
“TOUCHSTONE’S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE IS SET FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023”
2022
Touchstone Center for Crafts holding benefit auction for it's 50th anniversary
December 16, 2022 - Herald-Standard Written by Mark Hoffman
Uniontown, PA - Touchstone Center for Crafts is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exhibit and online auction at Fallingwater through the end of December...
CFFC's Fayette Gives distributes $581,589 to local charities
December 13, 2022 - Herald-Standard Written by Mark Hoffman
Uniontown, PA - On Monday, $581,589 was distributed to the 88 local nonprofits that participated in November's Fayette Gives Challenge...
Second Veteran's Marathon Relay a success
November 13, 2022 - Daily Courier Written by Jonathan Guth
Uniontown, PA - "Mission accomplished." That declaration came from Chester Prinkey after a variety of runners cavered 26 miles during the second annual Veterans' Marathon Relay...
Touchstone receives donation
November 13, 2022 - Daily Courier
Uniontown, PA - Fayette County Commissioner Scott Dunn (left) presents a check to Dean Simpson from Touchstone Center...
Veteran's Marathon Relay benefits 2 charities
November 4, 2022 - Daily Courier
Uniontown, PA - The workshop, offered at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Wharton Township, offers veterans, caretakers and family members opportunities to learn traditional hand-paper making techniques by transforming military uniforms into paper as a means for sharing stories and building community...
Artists Talk: Path of the Flame / Back & Forth
November 4, 2022 - Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
Pittsburgh, PA - Join us for a panel discussion between the artists of Path of The Flame and Back & Forth! Audra Clayton will moderate a conversation between Daniel Tomcik and Julia Castor of Touchstone Center For Crafts, and Taylor Mezo and Liz Wells who have worked in-depth at both PCAM and Touchstone....
Touchstone recognized by Senate of Pennsylvania
November 2, 2022
Farmington, PA - Pennsylvania Senator Pat Stefano recently stopped by to congratulate Touchstone on our 50th anniversary and present director, Lindsay K. Gates, with a special Senate proclamation...
Click to view the certificate...
Thaddeus Mosley's Studio Soiree in honor of Touchstone's 50th!
October 19, 2022 - Pittsburgh Urban Media
Featured Event - You're invited for a rare glimpse into the working studio and creative mind of renowned artist, Thaddeus Mosley. Tour the studio and listen to Thaddeus discuss his life, his work, and his special connection to Touchstone Center for Crafts...
Thaddeus Mosley's Studio Soiree
October 17, 2022 - Artsburgh
Featured Event - Presented by Touchstone Center for Crafts at Thaddeus Mosley's Studio, Pittsburgh PA. OCT 29, 2022
In honor of Touchstone’s 50th Anniversary, you’re invited for a rare glimpse into the working studio and creative mind of renowned artist, Thaddeus Mosley...
Opening Reception: 'Path of the Flame' and 'Back & Forth'
September 23, 2022 - Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
Featured Event - Join us for the opening reception of two ceramic exhibitions at PCA&M! We’re proud to welcome a few of our friends from Touchstone into the city for an immersive ceramic exhibition, “Path of The Flame” and "Back & Forth"...
40 Drawing and Art Prompts: Ideas from Around the World
August 25, 2022 - AroundtheWorldL.com
By: Lillie Marshall - Get Your Creative Ideas Flowing! I’ve been a public school teacher for 18 years (yay, high school and middle school!), and though I’m technically labeled an English or ELA instructor, I also consider myself an art teacher. What makes me an art teacher?...
Craft Your Weekend
August, 2022 - Artsburgh
Featured Event - Presented by Touchstone Center for Crafts at Touchstone Center for Crafts.
Craft Your Weekend at Touchstone Center for Crafts – just a short drive from Pittsburgh! 5 weekends from August 27 through September...
Weekend 1; Aug 27 - Aug 29, 2022; Read more...
Weekend 2; Sep 03 - Sep 04, 2022; Read more...
Weekend 3; Sep 10 - Sep 12, 2022; Read more...
Weekend 4; Sep 17 - Sep 18, 2022; Read more...
Weekend 5; Sep 24 - Sep 26, 2022; Read more...
QBurgh - LGBTQ Pittsburgh News, Events and Community
Business/Front | Party/Back
August 24, 2022 - Tissue Farm
Confluence, PA – An exhibition featuring emerging artists from Touchstone Center for Crafts. Organized by Touchstone's 2022 Interns. FEATURED ARTISTS...
Stories from the Farm - Our Week at Touchstone Center for Crafts
July 8, 2022 - Foggy Blossom Farm
Westmoreland County, PA – Last Monday we left home just after sunrise and headed due south. The dogs had been delivered to Dan’s Mom the night before, so our morning routine was unusually quiet and quick as we packed up the car and hit the road. A little after 8:00 am we arrived at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA for the very first time – our new home for the next 5 days....
Touchstone Center for Crafts holding open house
June 9, 2022 - Herald Standard
Farmington, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington is celebrating 50 years of pioneering craft education at their annual Open House on Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will showcase the 150-acre campus, studios and galleries as well as many local and regional artists and partner organizations...
West Virginia Events | Annual Open House & 50th Anniversary Kick-off
June 9, 2022 - WV Living/Morgantown Magazine
Farmington, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts Demonstrations, Gallery Exhibitions, Campus & Studio Tours, and Kids Activities!
We're excited to welcome the community once again to our 150-acre campus and our biggest celebration of the year. Admission is free, and the studios, galleries, and campus green will be open for exploration and creative experiences....
Touchstone’s 50th Anniversary Celebration kicks off at our Annual Open House JUNE 11th
June 3, 2022 - Pittsburgh Urban Media
Pittsburgh, PA – We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to our biggest celebration of the year! This FREE, family-friendly event will showcase our 150-acre campus, studios, galleries, as well as many local and regional artists and partner organizations...
2 Local Students Earn Awards at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild
June 3, 2022 - GANTNews
Clearfield, PA – Morgan Redrup of Dubois Central Catholic High School also had two metal artworks accepted into the exhibition... She was awarded a one-week scholarship of $1,250 to Touchstone Center for Arts based upon her Hollow Ring Design....
GO! List 6-3-22 | Entertainment
June 3, 2022 - Observer-Reporter
Washington, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts' 50th anniversary celebration kicks off at an Annual Open House on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free...
Touchstone Center for Crafts Annual Open House & 50th Anniversary Kick-off
June 2, 2022 - QBurgh
Pittsburgh, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts is excited to welcome the community to our 150-acre campus and biggest celebration of the year! Admission is free, the studios, galleries, and campus green will be open for exploration and creative experiences...
Goshen art students continue to grow over the summer
May 29, 2022 - yahoo!news; Written by Dani Messick
Goshen, IN – Touchstone Center for Crafts Open House. Four Goshen High School students will be off to summer aapprenticeship programs in the field of art..., Rayna Gonzales and Keaton Hunter will be at the teen week program at Touchstone Center for Crafts near Pittsburgh.
Tractor shows, anniversaries & music: Here are the summer events happening around Somerset
May 25, 2022 - Daily American; Written by Beth Ann Miller
Somerset, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts Open House. This free family-friendly is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at Touchstone Center for Crafts, located at 1049 Wharton Furnace Road in Farmington. Event is scheduled rain or shine. Visitors can...
Open House Media Release
May 17, 2022 - from Touchstone Center for Crafts
“TOUCHSTONE’S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AND 50th ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF”
Students representing BCAT shine at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh
May 16, 2022 - The Courier Express
Written by Alex Nelson – Morgan Redrup from DuBois Central Catholic High School shows her hollow construction ring design that won her an award and a one-week $1,250 scholarship to Touchstone Center for Crafts at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Exhibit...
Touchstone Center for Crafts looks forward to Golden Anniversary
May 13, 2022 - Trending News
Trending News – Since its founding in 1972 as the Pioneer Crafts Council, the Touchstone Center for Crafts has been offering crafts education on a wooded 150-acre campus located in Farmington. Originally focused on fostering interest in preserving traditional crafts, Pennsylvania’s premier craft school has expanded its mission to include...
...
Touchstone Center for Crafts looks forward to Golden Anniversary
May 12, 2022 - Observer-Reporter
Washington, Pa. – Marketing manager, Dean Simpson, said the annual Open House, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, will serve as the kick-off for this year’s 50th anniversary...
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Touchstone Center for Crafts looks forward to Golden Anniversary
May 12, 2022 - Herald-Standard
Uniontown, Pa. – Since its founding in 1972 as the Pioneer Crafts Council, the Touchstone Center for Crafts has been offering craft education on a wooded 150-acre campus located in Farmington...
or
PAEA Region 1 Mixed Media Portraiture with Julia Castor
Apr. 1, 2022 - All Events
Farmington, Pa. – Join us at Touchstone Center for Crafts, PA's premier craft school, as we explore mixed media portraiture with instructor, Julia Castor...
Community Focus: Touchstone Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
NBO Basketry+ Magazine; SPRING 2022 | ISSUE 84 - National Basketry Organization
Just like everyone else, 2020 was a shock for us,” said Lindsay K. Gates, Executive Director at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Pennsylvania. “But in a way, the timing of the pandemic was good, because the very day everything shut down was the same day we kicked off our strategic planning and facility evaluation.” With programs gone virtual and residencies limited due to COVID-19, Touchstone Center for Crafts leadership had time to delve deeper into what artisans and artists love about the nationally recognized school and its 150-acre woodland home.
Celebrating Women in the Laurel Highlands Who Made History
Mar. 24, 2022 - GO! Laurel Highlands
Laurel Highlands, Pa. – Since 2018, Lindsay Gates has served as the executive director at Touchstone Center for Crafts, a craft school celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022...
Touchstone Center for Crafts 2022 Workshops
Mar. 15, 2022 - Ceramic Arts Network
FARMINGTON, Pa. – Weekend and 5-day Immersive Craft Workshops (June-September), Community Wood Firings, Scholarships, Internships, Residencies...
Vision 2022 | Creator Square in for a 'reboot', ACRE partners set to choose first cohort of creative entrepreneurs
Feb. 26, 2022 - The Tribune-Democrat
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – by Russ O-Reilly; The partnership of Creator Square, Touchstone Center for Crafts in Fayette County, Johnstown Area Regional Industries and Bridgeway Capital – a Pittsburgh-based social impact investor – is piloting a program in Johnstown that could later be used in other west-central Pennsylvania mill towns.
Artistic showcases | Bottle Works exhibitions feature pieces by 'a few of our own'
Feb. 20, 2022 - The Tribune-Democrat
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – by Kelly Urban; Two shows are kicking off the exhibition season at Bottle Works... from the collection of artists, two new studio artists, Ondra and Albright are featured in the exhibition. Ondra is a metalsmith and an alumna of Touchstone Center for Crafts.
It Takes a Village | Organizations pulling together for the sake of the village
Feb. 17, 2022 - Pittsburgh Urban Media
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Organizations featured in this section are offering scholarships, internships and job openings to help sustain the Village. Touchstone scholarships provide opportunities for many deserving individuals of all skill levels, ages, and backgrounds to attend workshops each year.
2022 Destination Guide by GO Laurel Highlands unveiled
Feb. 14, 2022 - The Daily American
Laurel Highlands, PA - by Madolin Edwards; “Touchstone Center for Crafts” celebrates Pennsylvania’s premier craft school’s 50th anniversary in 2022.
Remake Learning Days Across America
Feb. 10, 2022 - Remake Learning
Remake Learning Days Across America is an innovative learning festival for families and youth! Taking root in regions across the nation, these hands-on and engaging events are designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, community centers and more. This year’s festival is from April 22 – May 23, 2022.
2021
2021 News is being updated.
Arts program shows veterans how to turn their uniforms into healing paper
Nov. 9, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh, PA - by Bob Batz; Sean Monahan participated in a workshop at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Fayette County, called Frontline Paper. He and fellow veterans made paper from their military uniforms and turned it into art works, including this journal, which his mom, Holly Monahan, will use as a gratitude journal.
(subscription required, email marketing@touchstonecrafts.org for a copy of this article)
Touchstone will bring back the Frontline Paper workshop in August of 2022. Now accepting applications. Click to learn more.
2020
August, 2020
Farmington, PA — Touchstone Center for Crafts is excited to announce a grant award from Center for Craft in Asheville, North Carolina. The Craft Futures Fund grant will be used to help fund Touchstone’s Virtual Open House on Saturday, September 26th.
Read More…
Aug 20, 2020 – Uniontown Herald-Standard
Touchstone Center for Crafts For virtual studio tours, artist talks and demonstrations, visit https://touchstonecrafts.org/virtual-events/. Please join us online for a free Virtual Open House on Saturday, September 26 from 11AM-4PM.
Link to Article
Aug 11, 2020 – Center for Craft
Touchstone Center for Crafts Our Open House is going virtual. Nothing beats visiting our campus and watching live demonstrations, but perhaps touring our studios, watching demonstrations, and interacting with artists virtually will actually reach more people than our typical event does…
Link to Article
Aug 13, 2020 – Uniontown Herald-Standard
Touchstone Center for Crafts For virtual studio tours, artist talks and demonstrations, visit https://touchstonecrafts.org/virtual-events/. Please join us online for a free Virtual Open House on Saturday, September 26 from 11AM-4PM.
Link to Article
July 19, 2020 – NEXT Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA —For its next virtual Artist Happy Hour event, Touchstone Center for Crafts is welcoming metalsmith, Marlene True, executive director of the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, N.C. …
Link to Article
July 5, 2020 – NEXT Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA —For its next Artist Happy Hour, Touchstone Center for Crafts is welcoming jewelry designer Maia Leppo for a conversation, demonstration and studio tour…
Link to Article
A Collaboration Announcement
- June 6, 2020; Touchstone Center for Crafts is excited to be part of a group of museums and cultural institutions from across Southwestern Pennsylvania that is collaboratively preparing our organizations for safe re-openings.
- Read More…
#BlackLivesMatter
June 2, 2020; Touchstone Center for Crafts stands in solidarity with the Black community and condemns all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless violence. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to dignity, respect, and equality without fear. As an organization, we commit to listen and learn and to grow. We will continue to work to empower people to use art as a means of expression, a way to build community, and a powerful voice for change.
May 28, 2020 – Uniontown Herald-Standard; By Alyssa Choiniere
UNIONTOWN, PA — Touchstone Center for Crafts made a difficult decision to close its doors for the 2020 season due to COVID-19, but the center is reaching a broader audience online via virtual tours with artists from across the country…
Link to Article
May 25, 2020 – NEXT Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA — Touchstone Center for Crafts and East End United Community Center are teaming up to host potter Dan Tomcik as part off their new virtual…
Link to Article
May 21, 2020 – NEXT Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA — Touchstone Center for Crafts is bringing the work of talented artisans right to you. During its new Artist Happy Hour Series, potter and Pittsburgh native…
Link to Article
May 8, 2020 – Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
LAUREL HIGHLANDS, PA — This week, take a virtual tour of Touchstone Center for Craft’s Studios (blacksmithing, ceramics, printmaking, drawing/painting, jewelry, glass…
Link to Article
Airport Exhibition News Release…
- 03-09-20: Touchstone’s 2020 Instructor Exhibition Travels from Allegany County, MD TO Allegheny County, PA.
Mar 6, 2020 – Herald-Standard; By Amy Fauth
UNIONTOWN, PA — The officials of Touchstone Center for Crafts believe that anyone with artistic … especially by enriching their skills and knowledge of arts and crafts….
Link to Article
Feb 27, 2020 – BCTV.org
KUTZTOWN, PA — Kutztown University proudly announces the six art students selected and awarded the 2020 Summer Workshop Scholarships… Nieberlien will travel to Farmington, Pa., for Chasing and Repousse at Touchstone Center for Crafts. Nieberlien connects the acquisition of technique…
Link to Article
Feb 23, 2020 – Remake Learning
Touchstone Center for Crafts Educators’ Retreat. Join other educators for five days of immersive learning and sharing professional art studios, …
Link to Article
Feb 17, 2020 – WFMZ Allentown
KUTZTOWN, PA — A half-dozen Kutztown University art students are being given the chance to study under master artisans… Nieberlien will attend Touchstone Center for Crafts in Fayette County….
Link to Article
Feb 4, 2020 – Herald-Standard; By Amy Fauth
UNIONTOWN, PA — In addition, Touchstone Center for Crafts also received three grants – a $20,000 marketing grant, $2,106 capital grant and $5,000 operating grant….
Link to Article
Feb 4, 2020 – Recreation News
MILLERS ISLAND, MD — Feb. 1-29. More than 20 of the region’s premier artisans will exhibit work representing the arts of blacksmithing, ceramics, metals and jewelry, glass…
Link to Article
Jan 31, 2020 – Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — The Allegany Arts Council, 9 N. Centre St., will exhibit the work of some of the region’s premier artisans during its Touchstone Center for Crafts exhibition.
Link to Article
Exhibition News Release…
- 01-30-20: The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to be exhibiting the work of some of the region’s premier artisans during its Touchstone Center for Crafts Exhibition.
2019
Dec 4, 2019 – Jen Allen Ceramics Blog: jenallenceramics.com
Maia Leppo and I are once again teaming up to co-teach a ceramic jewelry workshop in the Laurel Highlands of PA. Minutes from Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic home) ……
Link to Article
Dec 1, 2019 – Herald-Standard ; By Rachel Basinger
Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington recently held an event for educators with Remake Learning to highlight the importance of integrating art into education…
Link to Article
Nov 7, 2019 – Halstead Blog; by Kelli Vanyek Greene
The Craft School experience is designed to be a brief stay at a retreat campus where serious artists can explore a craft while enjoying a beautiful place and the company of like-minded peers…
Link to Article
The bureau’s 2019 Tourism Employee of the Year award was presented to Dean Simpson, the marketing manager for Touchstone Center for Crafts…
Link to Article
Oct 14, 2019 – The Tribune-Democrat; Mark Pesto
Oct 9, 2019 – TribLive ; Shirley McMarlin
Tourism Employee of the Year: Dean Simpson, marketing manager for Touchstone Center for Crafts. The award celebrates someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty in serving a business or organization.
Link to Article
Oct 12, 2019 – 90.5 WESA ; The Confluence Podcast
On today’s program: Touchstone keeps traditional crafting alive in the Laurel Highlands; The Bellefield Tower is the last remnant of a community; …
Listen Online
Oct 11, 2019 – Wiki.ezvid.com , The World’s Video Wiki
Studying art can be engaging and fulfilling for kids and adults alike. Taking the time for creative pursuits boosts creativity, relieves stress, and keeps the mind active. The organizations listed here make it easier for people to be more artistic, no matter their skill level or financial situation. Whether you’re a Pennsylvanian looking for a new hobby or a patron of the arts, consider supporting these five groups…
Link to Wiki
Oct 10, 2019 – Herald-Standard ; By Rachel Basinger
Image courtesy of Frontline Arts
Administrators with Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington have desired to offer the benefits of arts and creating to as many groups as possible over the past years…
Link to Article
Oct 9, 2019 – laurelhighlands.org ; by Anna Weltz
LIGONIER, Pa., (Oct. 9, 2019) – Nearly 160 members of the tri-county’s tourism industry gathered Tuesday night in the lodge at Laurel Mountain Ski Area in celebration of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau’s 61st annual dinner…
Link to Article
Oct 8, 2019 – Daily American
…Dean Simpson, marketing manager for Touchstone Center for Crafts, was named Tourism Employee of the Year.
Link to Article
September 5, 2019 – Herald-Standard ; By Rachel Basinger
Those looking to see, not one, but two amazing art exhibits close to home, can take a drive through the scenic Fayette County hills to the Touchstone Center for Crafts …
Link to Article
WEBINAR: Americans for the Arts
Recorded On: 08/19/2019 – Americans for the Arts
What do you need to think about when considering building retreat-style experiences for artists? This Coffee Chat with Lindsay Gates, Executive Director of Touchstone Center for Crafts, discusses the many configurations of artistic retreats and spaces, the unexpected benefits of such experiences for both artists and organizations, the realized benefits that professional and emerging artists experience, and more.
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August 15, 2019 – Daily American
Touchstone Center for Crafts recently welcomed more than 30 educators to the first educators’ retreat. This special week of programming is designed …
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Educators Retreat News Release…
- 08-08-19: Educators gather at Touchstone Center for Crafts for a creative week of professional development
New Touchstone Exhibit explores artists’ ‘Mutual Understanding’
July 31, 2019 – TribLive
Artists Adrienne Heinrich of Murrsyville and Judith Musser of Bedford will display their works in “Mutual Understanding,” a joint exhibition opening Aug. 2 at…
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July 16, 2019 – Remake Learning
The Educators’ Retreat at Touchstone Center for Crafts provides a week of professional development that will enhance an educator’s own creativity…
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July 3, 2019 – CFFC
The word “crafts” may bring to mind a childlike image of popsicle sticks, yarn, and glitter, but the “crafts” at Touchstone Center for Crafts refer to the…
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May 30, 2019; Uniontown Herald-Standard
Touchstone Center for Crafts will host the 2019 open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 2. This event is free to visitors who can …
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May 29, 2019; Tribune-Review ; By Mary Pickels
Touchstone Center for Crafts will hold an open house from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2 at its Farmington, Fayette County, site. The free event will introduce visitors to…
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May 28, 2019; Pittsburgh Current
Visit Touchstone in the Laurel Highlands for a FREE Open House featuring studio demonstrations, artist pop-up shops, gallery exhibitions, kids craft activities, food vendors, and more!…
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Open House News Release…
- 05-23-19: Touchstone’s community open house brings artists and organizations together for a fun, free, family-friendly event
May 21, 2019; NEXTpittsburgh
DC2 Symposium at Touchstone Center for Crafts … invited to retreat to the tranquil Laurel Highlands center for the first annual symposium presented …
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May 16, 2019; Remake Learning
Touchstone Center for Crafts offers immersive learning experiences in seven fully equipped studios including blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, fine …
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May 14, 2019; CMU School of Art – Carnegie Mellon University
“Vessels in Five Dimensions” explores the spatial fluidity between two-dimensional images and three-dimensional forms. Professor Kristen Letts …
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Apr. 19, 2019; Observer-Reporter; By Dave Zuchowski
A year after his initial introduction to the craft, Shriver said he picked up … She enrolled in a blacksmithing course at the Touchstone Center for Crafts …
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Mar. 18, 2019; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; By Joyce Gannon
Two high-profile arts centers in Fayette County — Fallingwater and Touchstone Center for Crafts — have also agreed to provide exposure to the…
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Feb. 3, 2019; Tribune-Review; By Mary Pickels
From sipping while painting to sketching with charcoal, molding hot glass, dyeing fabric or woodworking, opportunities exist for crafts people from novice to advanced to practice their artistic and making skills…
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Jan. 23, 2019; Uniontown Herald-Standard; By Frances Borsodi Zajac
East End United Community Center, Uniontown, $5,650 tourism education … Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington, $13,500 marketing grant for…
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Jan 3, 2019; Uniontown Herald-Standard ; By Rachel Basinger
The blend of favorite workshops and the addition of some new events have officials with Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington excited about the upcoming 2019 season…
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2018
News Releases…
- 04-09-18: Makers Gather Together: Makers Symposium Weekend Including Alchemist Picnic V
- 04-09-18: For the Love of Iron: Tenth Annual Jim Campbell Hammer-In with Rivers of Steel Iron Pour
News Release…
- 03-07-18: Touchstone Center for Crafts Board of Directors Selects Lindsay Ketterer Gates as New Executive Director