CONTEMPORARY CRAFT PURCHASED THE FORMER HUNTER SAW BUILDING. | PHOTO BY ALEXIS FATALSKY

After Contemporary Craft muscled through the pandemic to open a $5.5 million permanent home in Upper Lawrenceville in September 2020, the organization for craft artists is expanding again — in a big way.

It has purchased the former Hunter Saw Building at 5688 Butler St. — directly across the street from its current building — that will double the organization’s square footage.

The new building will be called the Contemporary Craft Timmons Studios and add 13,000 square feet to expand the fibers and metals programs, reintroduce a woodworking studio and build out an urban blacksmithing studio, among other initiatives.

At the same time, the 54-year-old organization is launching a $4.5 million capital campaign to meet the demand for increased education and exhibition opportunities.

A WOOD STUDIO AT CONTEMPORARY CRAFT. | PHOTO BY ALEXIS FATALSKY

“This is an incredible moment for Contemporary Craft and Pittsburgh,” said Contemporary Craft Executive Director Rachel Saul Rearick, in a statement. “Our expansion will not only serve our regional community, but it will also allow us to grow our national and international programming.”

With the addition of the Timmons Studios, the organization plans to adjust its space in the existing building — now to be called Contemporary Craft Raphael Building (5645 Butler St.) — to create a small gallery to exhibit regional artists. The main gallery will remain focused on national and international craft artists.

Architects Doug and Liza Cruze recently designed a complete renovation of The Hunter Saw Building (Timmons Studios), so the space is move-in ready, officials said. Contemporary Craft expects to begin moving into the new space in February, with final completion during the summer of 2025.

Contemporary Craft was founded in 1971 by Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael to provide more opportunities for craft artists to exhibit and sell their work.

You can find out more about the new plans here.