Events

Symposiums

Looking for fun weekends of learning and networking with peers? Celebrate our craft heritage and join us for a weekend symposium. The 2018 Symposium Series includes a variety of mediums and a myriad of topics that will appeal to all makers. As Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school, Touchstone’s convenient geography makes it the ideal mid-Atlantic platform for these gatherings.

May 18—20

Tenth Annual Jim Campbell Hammer-In & Iron Pour
Enjoy yourself at this yearly celebration of all things blacksmithing, complete with demonstrations, lectures, and a bonfire.

Saturday, May 19

Rivers of Steel Iron Pour​​
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event! An exciting fiery display of molten hot steel being poured into molds here on Touchstone’s campus.

June 1—3

Makers Symposium Series including Alchemist Picnic V
Attend an exciting weekend of demonstrations, lectures, networking, and more in ceramics, glass, metals and jewelry, and mosaic arts.

September 28—October 1

Keystone Metals Forum V
Join this opportunity for dialogue and collaboration between established and emerging metalsmiths from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

October 5—7

Keystone Ceramics Forum I
Be a part of this first annual event, an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration between established and emerging ceramic artists from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Spring Scholarship Fundraiser

Date to be determined

Join Touchstone for a fun-filled evening to raise scholarship funds for deserving students. As always, there will be art, good food, wine, and great company. Information will be available on our website at touchstonecrafts.org or by calling 724-329-1370 or 800-721-0177.

Summer Evening Arts I

Friday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Visit Touchstone’s 150-acre campus and join us as we celebrate the summer season of workshops, and show our appreciation to 2018 Artist of the Year, Tadao Arimoto, and our gratitude to 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Douglas Devlin. We look forward to seeing you at Touchstone for a wonderful evening of visual, musical, and culinary creativity. This first event of the Summer Evening Arts series will feature a closing reception showcasing Tadao’s works.

Reception for Touchstone’s 2018 Artist of the Year: Tadao Arimoto

Touchstone is excited to celebrate Tadao Arimoto, a talented, hardworking, and renowned maker, with an exhibit from May 4 through June 22, 2018.

Summer Evening Arts II

Friday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A campus-wide evening of visual, musical, and culinary creative activities is planned for the final Summer Evening Arts event. Summer Evening Arts II will feature the following visual arts exhibition.

Reception for Touchstone’s 2018 Seasonal Staff

Touchstone is proud to showcase the work of our talented summer intern staff, including studio fellows, technicians, and assistants; who are on campus to learn, network, and share their talent. These emerging artists come from across the country to learn studio management and operations while refining their artistic skills by working with some of the country’s best craft instructors. The exhibit runs from July 13 through August 31, 2018.

Annual Fall Benefit

Saturday, October 13

Touchstone invites you to celebrate forty-six years of artistic and educational excellence at our annual fall benefit. As the end of the season nears, this event allows us to reflect on the organization’s history and share our vision for future seasons. Please visit touchstonecrafts.org as details emerge in marking this milestone for one of southwestern Pennsylvania’s most significant artistic, cultural, and educational assets: the magic of Touchstone.

Annual Membership Meeting

Saturday, November 3, 1:00 p.m.

Current members are invited to the annual membership meeting at which we will review the year’s accomplishments, elect board members, and plan for 2019.

Weekly Auctions

June through August

It is a tradition on the Touchstone campus to hold a weekly auction throughout the summer. New items made by students, staff, and instructors are offered each week. Everyone has a chance to bid and all proceeds go to supporting Touchstone’s operations and programs.