History
| SCC
was established in 1971 by Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael to broaden
opportunities for craft artists to exhibit and sell their work.
The impetus behind its creation was the belief that many artists
working with traditional craft materials were developing a unique
vocabulary for these materials and in the process they were opening
up a new avenue of creative effort in contemporary art. |
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Founder
Betty Raphael, 1977
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| For
the past 34 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 Craft 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. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Society for Contemporary Craft in 1997, a $5,000 prize for excellence in the field of contemporary crafts was established. The biennial award, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder's Prize, which is given in conjunction with a catalogue and juried exhibition at SCC, is funded by the daughters of Elizabeth R. Raphael. In 1997 the medium was glass; in 1999 it was wood; in 2001 it was jewelry and small metals; and in 2003 it featured ceramic works. The 2005 Transformation exhibition will feature found materials. It will run November 11, 2005 to March 18, 2006. For 34 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. |
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