Touchstone Center for Crafts

Pennsylvania’s Premier Craft School

724-329-1370
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Touchstone 2020 Interns

August 20, 2020 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

Meet Touchstone’s Second Group of 2020 Interns…

 Jessica Howerton

Jessica is a metalsmith who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals from Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft. Her work focuses on the collection and preservation of both childhood memories and found objects. Jessica enjoys making work that encompasses intricate details and simplistic designs.

Instagram: @metalsmithextraordinaire

Live Demo: Tuesday, September 1 
7:00 PM (Eastern)

Julia Castor

Julia is a ceramic artist and a fine art painter from Bucks County, PA. Her work draws inspiration from the natural world and art history, among other things. She is extremely excited and humbled to be part of the Touchstone team this year, and to have the chance to work and grow as an artist on Touchstone’s beautiful campus in the Laurel Highlands.

Instagram: @castor.art.and.pottery

Live Demo: Tuesday, September 8 
7:00 PM (Eastern)

Meghan Burke

Meg is a New Jersey transplant now living in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a ceramic artist specializing in handbuilt wood fired pottery. This is Meg’s fourth season at Touchstone. She is very excited to be back in the ceramics studio at Touchstone and firing the wood kiln once again.

Instagram: @meghanburkestudio

Live Demo: Tuesday, September 15 
7:00 PM (Eastern)


Watch the LIVE Streams on Instagram!
Intern Artist Demos

September 1, 8, & 15 – Tuesdays at 7:00 PM (Eastern)
Throughout the summer, we’ll be checking in to the studios to see what our Interns are working on.

Watch the live demonstrations using the Instagram app or at Instagram.com.

  1. Follow @touchstonecenterforcrafts on Instagram
  2. Tune in at the times listed
  3. Tap or click on our profile picture (teasel logo) to view the live video
  4. Links to the videos will be posted below at a later date

Click to Watch Recordings of Previous Intern Artist Demos…

All of our 2020 Interns will be organizing an exhibition and sale during our Virtual Open House…


Save the Date – Saturday, September 26th

Touchstone’s First Virtual Open House

We’re bringing Touchstone to you! Join us online Sat, Sept. 26th from 11am to 4pm for live demonstrations, campus and studio tours, online art activities and more!

More Information Coming Soon!


Filed Under: ceramics, crafts, events, exhibition, interns, metals and jewelry, online event, virtual

Intern Artist Demonstrations

July 14, 2020 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

Touchstone Intern Artist Demonstrations

Watch the LIVE Stream on Instagram!

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM (Eastern)
Throughout the summer, we’ll be checking in to the studios to see what our Interns are working on.

Watch the live demonstrations using the Instagram app or at Instagram.com.

  1. Follow @touchstonecenterforcrafts on Instagram
  2. Tune in at the times listed below
  3. Tap or click on our profile picture (teasel logo) to view the live video
  4. Links to the videos will be posted below at a later date
Tuesday, July 14
7:00 PM (Eastern)

Taylor Mezo

Ceramic artist, Taylor Mezo demonstrates jewelry making techniques using clay, different jewelry findings, and how to assemble the pieces once they’ve been fired.
Watch the recording

Tuesday, July 21
7:00 PM (Eastern)

Taylor Fentz

Metalsmith, Taylor Fentz demonstrates some of the processes and techniques she uses to create unique one of a kind jewelry pieces.
Watch the recording

Tuesday, July 28
7:00 PM (Eastern)

Makena Henriksen

Blacksmith, Makena Henriksen demonstrates some of the processes used to create a small metal box.
Watch the recording


Filed Under: artist demonstration, blacksmithing, ceramics, crafts, events, glass, interns, metals and jewelry, online event, virtual

Nature Week at Touchstone – AUG 3-7

March 9, 2020 by Dean Simpson Leave a Comment

This week of programming focuses on the beauty of the Touchstone landscape with workshops in Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Drawing/Painting, Glass, or Metals/Jewelry.

During Nature Week, Environmental Educators from Powdermill Nature Reserve will be on hand to deepen your understanding and exploration of the natural habitat surrounding Touchstone. Be inspired by nature and use natural materials in these programmed workshops. This is a special opportunity to tune in to the nature that surrounds you!


Blacksmithing

AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Organic Designs in Metal
Instructor: Glenn Horr

All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$55-$85 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List

Register Now

Glenn will guide you through forging leaves, flowers, vines, and even some small critters. Techniques such as drawing out, twisting, scrolling, and working with chisels will be covered. In addition, tool making will be demonstrated and discussed as a means to develop your designs. You will have fun transforming bars of steel into lifelike organic forms inspired by the week’s natural setting.


Ceramics

AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
From The Source:
Working with Native Materials
Instructor: Nate Willever

All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$90-$130 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List

Register Now

Take your work to the next level by using materials that could be right in your back yard! Utilizing local rocks, shales, clays and ashes, we will create surfaces that are rich from simple glaze and clay recipes. Spend time working on the wheel to make better pitchers, mugs, jars and bowls, and expose the charter of wild clays by cutting, faceting, and slipping your pots. At the end of the workshop, work will be glazed and fired in a cone 8 reduction firing.


Drawing/Painting

AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
A Closer Look at Nature:
Botanical Illustration
Instructor: Robin Menard

All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member 
$25-$55 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List

Register Now

Surround yourself in art and nature as we take a closer look at the common things all around us – leaves, branches, tree bark – whatever inspires you! Botanical illustration differs from all other forms of illustration in that it involves very close observation and scientifically accurate drawing to capture the habits, details, and color of a plant. You will work in graphite and colored pencil on paper in a step-by-step, guided approach beginning with the basics of form and tone, and moving onto color. No experience needed! Ample one-on-one instruction will be provided so both the beginner and experienced student will have the opportunity to develop their own unique style and skills.


Glass

AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
Reflecting Nature in Stained Glass
Instructor: Neile Cooper

Experienced Beginner – Intermediate
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member
$100-$140 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List

Register Now

Interpret the inspiration you find in nature in stained glass. Explore the array of colors in a sunset or the natural geometry of a pinecone, as you learn the specific rules of designing for stained glass and create your own pattern for a nature themed panel. Learn every step of creating a small panel including special techniques for incorporating natural materials like crystals, pressed flowers, or butterfly wings. Only a basic understanding of the tools and techniques of copper foil technique is required. Those early in their stained glass adventures are welcome to attend this class.


Metals/Jewelry

AUG 3-7 | NATURE WEEK | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
Introduction to Casting:
Organic Forms
Instructor: Drew LaVercombe

All Levels
$585 Member | $615 Non-Member 
$55-$85 Materials and Studio Fees
Download Materials List

Register Now

Learn the basics of spruing, investing, burnouts, and casting organic materials. Utilizing the vacuum casing machine, you will be able to capture incredible detail while learning this versatile and exciting technique. Trials and tribulations of casting as well as tricks to make your casting experience flow smoothly will be discussed.


Filed Under: blacksmithing, ceramics, crafts, glass, metals and jewelry, painting drawing printmaking, special topic workshop

2019 Weekend Craft Getaways

August 12, 2019 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

Choose from:

  • 6 weekends – 2 and 3-day workshops
  • 6 different studios – Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Glass, Metals & Jewelry, Painting & Drawing, or Special Topics
  • 23 amazing instructors
  • 23 inspiring workshops for beginner through advanced artists!
  • Plus! The Sixth Annual Alchemist Picnic

 You’ll come away inspired, restored, and rejuvenated!

AUG 31-SEP 2​ (SAT-MON)
3-Day Workshops

Basics of Forging Steel
with Elizabeth Brim

Beginner-Intermediate
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$35-$55 Materials and Studio Fees

Learn and practice the basics of forging steel so that you can continue to build further skills on a solid foundation in blacksmithing.


Soft Slab: Design and Build
with Jeremy Wallace

Beginner-Intermediate
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$25-$55 Materials and Studio Fees

In this workshop, you will learn handbuilding skills and techniques to create sculptural and functional dinnerware with an emphasis and focus on surface texture.


Flameworking Glass Flora
with Erin Garmezy

All Levels
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$65-$100 Materials and Studio Fees

Learn how to create botanical works on the torch using borosilicate glass. You will learn basic techniques for constructing leaves, flowers, vines, and other flora.


Wired Pendants Using Fiber Techniques
with Marilyn Moore

Beginner
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$50-$85 Materials and Studio Fees

Experiment with textile techniques using a variety of wires and various metal mesh. You will produce pendants that are unique and fun to wear!


Back to Basics
with Ron Donoughe

All Levels
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member

$15-$45 Materials and Studio Fees

The basics of landscape painting always need to be reinforced: composition, value, color, seeing shapes, and edge treatment. The workshop will also touch on the use of photography as an aid to seeing the landscape, so bring your smart phone or iPad!

​SEP 7-8 (SAT-SUN)
2-Day Workshops – Ages 14-Adult

FUNdamentals of Blacksmithing  
with Jody Best

Beginner (Ages 14-Adult)
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member 
$35-$65 Materials and Studio Fees 

No fears, no worries! Join Jody for this intensive, fun workshop that will leave you enthusiastic and informed about the FUNdamentals of blacksmithing.


Making Faces
with Travis Winters

All Levels (Ages 14-Adult)
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member
$25-$55 Materials and Studio Fees

Create dramatic faces that tell a story! Learn how to accurately sculpt faces on hollow forms for sculptural or functional work, spend time focusing on how an expression can change the overall narrative of a piece.


A Closer Look at Nature: Botanical Illustration
with Robin Menard

All Levels (Ages 14-Adult)
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member
$15-$45 Materials and Studio Fees

Botanical illustration differs from all other forms of illustration in that it involves very close observation and scientifically accurate drawing to capture the habits, details, and color of a plant. In this workshop, you will take a closer look at the common things all around us – leaves, branches, tree bark – then capture the details, textures, and colors in a final drawing.


Weaving & Frame Looms for Beginners
with Frances Collier Singh

Beginner (Ages 14-Adult)
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member
$30-$60 Materials and Studio Fees

Explore methods for making small frame looms out of everyday objects. You will learn a variety of tapestry and conventional weaving techniques through a series of small projects and leave with your own miniature looms and the knowledge to make beautiful woven objects with them!

 

​SEP 14-16
3-Day Workshops

Put a Lid on It
with Stephen Yusko

Intermediate
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$75-$105 Materials and Studio Fees

This workshop focuses on using techniques used in making steel vessels. Be prepared to explore inventive uses of material through creative problem solving.


Over the Glaze: Working with Decals
with Julia Claire Weber

Intermediate-Advanced
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$50-$75 Materials and Studio Fees

Step out of your comfort zone and learn Julia’s overglaze decal process! You will learn the process of designing and applying your own decals.


Introduction to Structural Flameworking
with Kit Paulson

Beginner
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$85-$115 Materials and Studio Fees

Learn the basics of flameworking with an emphasis on strategies for building larger structures in glass. Bring grand ideas and expect to learn through lively demos, presentations, and hands-on practice.


Springs and Mechanisms for Jewelers and Metalsmiths  
with Nash Quinn 

Intermediate 
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member 
$65-$95 Materials and Studio Fees 

Springs can be used in small-scale metalwork to add movement and drama as well as ensure secure and satisfying catches, clasps, and connections. Projects focus on small-scale spring-loaded objects that snap open and close utilizing a variety of springs, catches, and mechanisms.


Expressive Acrylics
with Carolyn Pierotti

Beginner
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$65-$95 Materials and Studio Fees

Bring your expressive side to life with acrylics. You will leave the workshop with the skills you need to create beautiful, vibrant expressionist paintings. This workshop is for the adventurous who want to have fun with color!


From Fluff to Fabulous: 3-D Felting
Instructor: Rae Gold

Beginner
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$35-$65 Materials and Studio Fees

Delve into a fun exploration of creating 3-D forms from handmade felt! Join Rae for this playful course exploring the endless creative possibilities of this fascinating material!

SEP 21-22
2-Day Workshops

Bladesmithing Basics
with Jared Ondovchik

Beginner–Intermediate 
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member 
$50-$80 Materials and Studio Fees

Explore the basics of bladesmithing design! At the end of this course, you will walk away with a finished blade with a paracord wrapped handle. Guaranteed to be fun and informative!


Formal Surfaces
with Ryan Greenheck

Intermediate
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member
$25-$55 Materials and Studio Fees

Take your pottery forms to the next level and explore strategies for incorporating surface decoration. This workshop will arm you with a variety of skills to use on your vessels in the future.


Marvelous Marbles   
with Michael Mangiafico    

All Levels 
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member 
$50-80 Materials and Studio Fees

Come play with glass! Michael will guide you through learning and/or expanding your marble-making skills and the limitless possibilities that are open to you.


Contemporary Enamel
with Sharon Massey

Intermediate
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member
$45-$65 Materials and Studio Fees

Learn to enamel or expand your enameling vocabulary in this workshop. You will learn everything from enameling basics to more advanced techniques such as champlevé, decals, graphite, and more.

 

SEP 28-30
3-Day Workshops

Creative Caffeine: Put Legs on Things!  
with Caitlin Morris 

Beginner–Intermediate 
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member 
$45-$75 Materials and Studio Fees 

Get a leg up on your blacksmithing skills with this introduction to joinery! The only limit is your imagination!


Alternative Firing Techniques
with Bob Green

Intermediate
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$20-$50 Materials and Studio Fees

In this workshop you will explore several different ceramic firing techniques: raku- a 16th-century Japanese low-temperature glaze firing technique, burnishing bone-dry pots with a terra sigillata slip for a saggar, as well as naked raku– a process of combining raku and burnishing, which produces black and white patterns on the clay surface.


How in the World…?!
with Heather Nuber

All Levels
$395 Member | $425 Non-Member
$45-$75 Materials and Studio Fees

Bring along those UFOs (UnFinished Objects) that you’ve been stalled on, trying to think of how in the world you were going to attach that thing! Come ready to figure out connection solutions. Leave with at least one finished new piece, a couple of your UFOs resolved, and solid plans on finishing the rest.

OCT 4-6

OCT 4-6 | 3-Day
Community Wood Firing 
with Daniel Tomcik

$200 Member
$230 Non-Member
$150 Stand-In fee (required if not working your kiln shifts)
Includes Materials and Studio Fees

The Touchstone Center for Crafts wood kiln is a two-chamber noborigama, built by Kevin Crowe in 1991. The first chamber is wood only and the second chamber is wood/soda. Each chamber is roughly 35 cubic feet. Each participant is encouraged to bring 8-10 cubic feet per share. A variety of slips and glazes will be prepared, with the formulas available to participants upon request. Firing will begin after loading and continue for <48 hours. We will work around the clock in shifts of 1-2 people.


OCT 4-5
Alchemist Picnic

You won’t want to miss Touchstone Center for Craft’s sixth annual Alchemist Picnic October 4–5, 2019!

Alchemist Picnic, a metalsmithing retreat held annually at Touchstone Center for Crafts will once again be hosted by noted metalsmith Wayne Werner. This year’s symposium includes an opening keynote by Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Adam Kenney, and Paul Rosenblatt speaking on the topic of ‘Connections for Creative Careers & Opportunities.’

Demonstrations include Tom Muir, Lucy Derickson, Sean MacMillan, and Brian Ferrell. Admission includes great food, conversations, evening bonfires (weather permitting) & the return of midnight fireside casting with Richard Hoff. All makers, artists, craftspeople, arts organizations, guilds, schools, and universities are invited to attend this memorable event! 

Register Now

 

Filed Under: blacksmithing, ceramics, crafts, glass, metals and jewelry, painting drawing printmaking, special topic workshop, workshops

Be the Artist You’re Meant to Be!

June 4, 2019 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

JUL 8–12 | 5-Day (MON-FRI)

5 Introductory Weeklong Workshops: No Experience Necessary

$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Plus Materials and Studio Fees
Affordable lodging and meal plans available


Introduction to Blacksmithing
with Anna Koplik

Learn how to swing a hammer at the anvil, work a coal forge, and have fun forging hot steel! Everyone will walk away with their own hand forged objects.

Only a couple of spots left!
Register Now


Introduction to Wheel-Throwing
with Stacy Larson

Learn the basics of throwing, shaping, and trimming pottery on the wheel with Stacy as your guide. Then expand on your skills with altering and decorating techniques. 

Register Now

 

 


Intro to Stained Glass Copper Foil Technique
with Neile Cooper

Learn the fundamentals of creating stained glass pieces with the copper foil technique. You will have your first completed project on the first morning!

Register Now

 

 


Introduction to Jewelry Making
with Erika Broas

Learn the basics of traditional metalsmithing while creating a variety of jewelry forms. You will fabricate pendants, chains, rings, earrings, brooches, and more, and leave with a great base of knowledge and multiple finished pieces!

Register Now

 


An Introduction to Drawing
with Aaron Pickens

This intensive workshop is for participants who want to learn and improve the way they draw. Be ready to explore a range of techniques using various types of materials.

Register Now

Filed Under: blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, metals and jewelry, painting drawing printmaking, workshops

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Touchstone Center for Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression.


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.


2021 Registration Is Now Open!

Click Workshops to view offerings in each studio

NEW! Artist Residency Opportunities in 2021!

LEARN MORE


In light of the current COVID-19 concerns and need for social distancing, Touchstone’s staff is working a rotating mix of office hours and remote work until further notice. Office voicemail: 724-329-1370 will be checked daily. Staff members can be reached by email: info@touchstonecrafts.org.

Our offices and campus remain closed to the public. Please follow our social media: Facebook and Instagram, and check out our digital offerings on the Virtual Events page. Thank you for your patience as we take precautions for the health and safety of our staff and community.

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Farmington, PA 15437 · Powered by ThriveHive