Touchstone Center for Crafts

Pennsylvania’s Premier Craft School

724-329-1370
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September 14, 2020 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

https://touchstonecrafts.org/2020/09/14/11320/

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Frontline Paper Workshop

February 19, 2020 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

AUG 10-14 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) 
Transformations in Paper
– A Workshop for Veterans
Instructor: Frontline Paper

No Experience Necessary
Materials List will be provided

FREE WITH SCHOLARSHIP!

Up to 15 Scholarships for Veterans and their family members (18yrs+) are available for this workshop thanks to the generosity of the family of Agnes & James Kinard.

Scholarship Applications Available Now

Applications due March 15th. Notifications will be made by April 1st.
Please check our scholarship page for more details.

Veterans and family members are invited to join this unique workshop and learn traditional hand paper making techniques, transforming military uniforms into paper as a means for sharing stories and building community. This 5-day workshop begins with an overview and explanation of the papermaking process, seeing and feeling examples of the paper and previous art made, and beginning the process of ‘deconstructing’ the uniform. You will begin to form an idea of what you might like to put on the paper, in the form of images and words and move on to pulling sheets of paper, making pulp prints, drying the paper, and making art. The art made can and will range from pulp prints, letterpress, writing, and bookbinding. Whether the blank paper or a created image on the surface, each work of art tells a story through the language of papermaking. Uniforms, pulp, and paper with be provided but it is encouraged that the veterans attending, if they have them, bring uniforms of their own to transform into paper. It’s a powerful experience turning the uniform you wore into paper. No experience necessary – just a willingness to explore something new in a supportive environment! Provided for veterans and taught by veterans.

Frontline Paper began in 2011 as Combat Paper NJ. CPNJ was founded by veteran artists and activists, Eli Wright and David Keefe. With inspiration from master  papermaker Drew Mattot, and Drew Cameron’s traveling project called Combat Paper  Project, Eli and Dave built a unique community-oriented papermaking program that connects veterans and non-veterans from all eras through the transformational  practice of making handmade paper from military uniforms, creative writing, and  printmaking via the profound connection over making and telling stories together.  Through a process of deconstruction, reclamation, and communication, Veterans connect with non-veterans, by sharing their personal stories through handmade paper, printmaking, and participatory artmaking. Combat Paper NJ became Frontline Paper in 2017. 

website: frontlinearts.org
Instagram: @frontline_paper ​​

 

Agnes & James Kinard Scholarship – NEW! 

This scholarship provides 100% tuition for any adult-level workshop to veterans and immediate family members of veterans and/or members of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Additional funds may be awarded to offset the cost of housing, meals, travel, and materials fees on a case-by-case basis. In 2020 most of these awards will be given to individuals seeking to participate in the Frontline Paper workshop for Veterans.

“During World War II, Agnes Dodds was one of the few female executives in the war effort while she served at the Lend Lease Administration in Washington, D.C. She met her first husband (Morton Frank), a Naval Officer, during the war. Her brother (Robert J. Dodds Jr.) and her second husband (James P. Kinard) also served as U.S. Army Officers.

Throughout her life, Agnes Dodds Kinard keenly championed efforts to help veterans, especially by enriching their skills and knowledge of arts and crafts. Her three children are thrilled that through her generosity, Touchstone, which she helped found more than three decades ago, will be able to pursue her vision of enabling veterans to receive artistic training they so richly deserve. She wanted Touchstone to offer veterans a sanctuary to enjoy nature and the outdoors as well as the opportunity to learn a new hobby, craft or skill.”

Download Scholarship Application

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Kick-Off Weekend: June 8-9

January 31, 2019 by touchstonecenterforcrafts Leave a Comment

Our First Weekend of 2019 Workshops will be Jun 8-9 and includes:

Level: Beginner
$295 Member | $325 Non-Member Plus Materials and Studio Fees


Blacksmithing

JUN 8–9 (SAT-SUN)
Beginning Blacksmithing with Andy Upright

The perfect opportunity to try your hand at forging in a fun and inclusive environment… walk away with finished pieces showcasing your new skills!

Register Now

Ceramics

JUN 8–9 (SAT-SUN)
Studio Tricks of the Trade with Dan Kuhn

Create a variety of functional and decorative objects using coiling, pinching, slab work, and wheel-throwing techniques.
 
Register Now

Metals & Jewelry

JUN 8–9 (SAT-SUN)
Form, Fire, Color with Felicia Szorad

Design a variety of textured shapes and experiment with torch firing enamel onto your creations to enhance the forms with vibrant color.
 
Register Now


Drawing & Painting

JUN 8–9 (SAT-SUN)
Plein Air Painting with William Pfahl

Find your vision and experience the enjoyment of painting our amazing world from life! 
This workshop is already filling up so…

Register Now

Special Topics

JUN 8–9 (SAT-SUN)
Fundamentals of Digital Photography with Rick Szymanski

Get your camera off AUTO mode and take manual control of your digital photos! 

Register Now


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Fred Herbst and Doug Jeppesen are two more of our ‘Taste of Touchstone’ Artists who will also be teaching at Touchstone in 2018!

February 6, 2018 by Dean Simpson Leave a Comment

Visit The Allegany Arts Council’s Saville Gallery in Cumberland, MD from February 3-17, 2018 for ‘A Taste of Touchstone’ Gallery Exhibit. More information: Taste of Touchstone

Fred Herbst received a MFA in ceramics from the University of North Texas in 1998. He is a professor of art and chair of the Humanities Department at Corning Community College in Corning, New York. His wood-fired work has been shown in exhibitions across the United States and internationally. Fred has presented for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, the Glass Art Society, and the First European Wood-fired Ceramics Conference in Germany. He has been published in Ceramics Monthly, Studio Potter, and The Log Book. His work has also appeared in 500 Teapots, Volume 2 and Wood-fired Ceramics: 100 Contemporary Artists. In collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass, Fred developed a hybrid wood-fired kiln that can be used to fire ceramics and blow glass simultaneously.

To see more of Fred’s work visit fredherbst.com

 

Doug Jeppesen is an associate professor of art/ceramics at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Doug earned a BFA in art and a BA in art history from the University of Tulsa and his MFA from Northern Illinois University. His work has appeared in numerous national exhibitions including Feats of Clay, Strictly Functional, and the Wichita National. He presented at the International Wood Fire Conference hosted by Northern Arizona University and the Second European Wood Fire Conference held at Guldagergaard International Research Center in Skaelskor, Denmark. Most recently, he was the host of the 2016 International Wood Fire Conference held at Waubonsee Community College. Doug also worked extensively with Laguna Clay Company to develop Wood Fired B-Mix WC-899.

To see more of Doug’s work visit dougjeppesen.com and follow him on Instagram @dougjeppesen

 

Fred Herbst and Doug Jeppesen will be teaching ‘Domesticating Fire’ at Touchstone from September 14–16, 2018. All are welcome as we utilize the Touchstone Center for Crafts’ Noborigama wood-fired kiln to explore possibilities with wood-fired ceramics. We will discuss wood-fired ceramics concepts like kiln design, loading and firing strategies, materials (e.g., clay, slip, and glaze) appropriate for woodfiring, kiln cooling, and other issues. During the firing, the instructors will demonstrate their wheel and handbuilding methods including the use of molds. Students should bring cone 10 bisque ware made from a variety of clay bodies if possible.

Register Now

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Allegany Arts Council in Cumberland, Maryland Partners with Touchstone Center for Crafts for a Unique Exhibition

January 25, 2018 by Dean Simpson 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  January 25, 2018

Allegany Arts Council in Cumberland, Maryland Partners with Touchstone Center for Crafts for a Unique Exhibition

Cumberland, MD — Get a Taste of what Touchstone has to offer in 2018! Visit The Allegany Arts Council’s Saville Gallery in Cumberland, MD for an exhibition showcasing the wide range of diversity and talent that Touchstone brings to campus each year! The Allegany Arts Council has teamed up with Pennsylvania’s Touchstone Center for Crafts for an eclectic exhibition of artwork from artists who are teaching or have studied at the residential craft school. The show begins Feb. 3 and concludes Feb. 17 at the Allegany Arts Council’s Saville Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland. Displayed artwork includes Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Glass, Metals & Jewelry, and other mediums. Items will be available for sale.

A public reception is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6-8pm. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Please call 301-777-2787 or email art@alleganyarts.org for more information about the event. For more information about Touchstone Center for Crafts, email info@touchstonecrafts.org or call 724.329.1370.

Touchstone Center for Crafts is a residential crafts school located in Farmington, Pa. Now enjoying its 46th year, Touchstone’s workshops include a broad cross-section of traditional and contemporary interpretations of blacksmithing, ceramics, fiber & paper arts, glass, metals and jewelry, mosaics, painting, drawing, printmaking, woodworking, and more for beginners and experienced artists. Touchstone’s 150-acre wooded campus is situated in the popular Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, just east of Uniontown and about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The campus features art studios; the Blaney Lodge housing the Kinard library and galleries; and a variety of overnight accommodations, including cabins and dormitories. Learn more about Touchstone Center for Crafts and view the 2018 Workshop Schedule at www.touchstonecrafts.org.

Since 1975, the Allegany Arts Council has been the official “umbrella” organization for the arts in Allegany County, Maryland. The Arts Council is headquartered in the heart of Downtown Cumberland at 9 N. Centre Street, and is one of several anchors in the City’s vibrant Arts & Entertainment District. At this same location, the Allegany Arts Council also maintains professional exhibition spaces, the Saville Gallery and the Schwab Mountain Maryland Gallery, that feature the artwork of local, regional and national artists. Visitors are always welcome! For more information, visit www.alleganyartscouncil.org.

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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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