Check Out This ‘Charming’ Event at Contemporary Craft

PHOTO VIA PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES

Contemporary Craft is hoping to charm visitors at an upcoming event. 

Charmed, which will showcase handmade charms by 40 artists from around the country, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27 in conjunction with Contemporary Craft’s free Community Day. An early preview of the event will also be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 25offering visitors the opportunity to shop the collection first and participate in a hands-on activity with participating artist Andrew Thorton. Both events are open to the public and free to attend, although folks are encouraged to register for the June 25 event.

Artists selling their charms at the event work in a range of artistic mediums, including wood, metal and beadwork. The exclusive selection of pendants, keychains, charms and chains will only be available at the organization’s Lawrenceville store. 

All 40 Charmed artists were invited to participate by Allison Jones, Contemporary Craft’s creative retail and residencies director. 

Some of the most well-known names in contemporary jewelry will be in attendance, with a strong representation of regional and Pittsburgh-based artists. Creators also include former Contemporary Craft artists-in-residence and exhibiting artists, among themLauren Kalman, Terry Lavin, Dongyi Wu, Jason Stein, Maria Camera-Smith, Sarah Sindler and Amanda Stumpf.

Organizers say the event is inspired by an earlier Charmed showcase last held at the store more than a decade ago.

“We are thrilled to bring Charmed back to the store after the last installment in 2011,” Jones says in a statement. “The variety of materials, sizes, and styles of the charms is astounding. I have no doubt that everyone who stops into the store will be able to find something that appeals to their own unique aesthetic.” 

For more information, check out Contemporary Craft’s website.