Sounds From the Studio

In this episode of Sounds From the Studio, host Heather McElwee sits down with Annabelle Javier and Jason Wilburn, the dynamic duo behind Wissmach Glass, one of the last remaining sheet glass manufacturers in the United States. They share their unique journey from diverse backgrounds to becoming influential figures in Pittsburgh's craft scene. Annabelle and Jason discuss the importance of communit...

Pittsburgh Is Craft In this episode of Sounds From the Studio, guest host Heather McElwee sits down with Jason Forck, a seasoned figure in the Pittsburgh glass community. With over two decades of experience, Jason shares his journey from a curious young artist in Kansas to the director of creative projects at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Together, they explore the rich tapestry ofPittsburgh's craf...

In this conversation, Rachel and Justin Mazzei discuss the significance of craft in Pittsburgh, focusing on the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG) and its impact on youth through art and mentorship. Justin shares his personal journey to MCG, the values instilled by founder Bill Strickland, and the transformative power of art in shaping lives. They explore the philosophical beliefs that guide MCG,...

In this episode of Sounds From the Studio, host Rachel Rearick engages in an enlightening conversation with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority. Together, they explore the vibrant craft scene in Pittsburgh and how the city’s rich industrial history serves as afoundation for its burgeoning artistic community. Rachel and Christina delve into the significance of craftmateria...

In this inspiring episode of Sounds From the Studio, host Dr. Gretchen Generett engages with textile artist Christina Kingerski and pianist Aiko Mancini, who share their unique journeys into the world of Contemporary Craft. The conversation dives deep into how their connection to the craft community has not only shaped their artistic practices but also fostered meaningful friendships. Christina re...

In this thought-provoking episode of Sounds From the Studio, Season 4 host Dr. Gretchen Generett engages in a captivating conversation with Alicia DeVrio, a PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute and a passionate weaver. Together, they explore the intertwining themes of art, technology, and community, delving into how Contemporary Craft fosters conne...

In this exciting season finale of Sounds From the Studio, hostSydney Leslie introduces the new host, Dr. Gretchen Givens Generett, a distinguished dean and art patron. Gretchen shares her journey from a lifelong academic to a passionate advocate for Contemporary Craft, discussing her deep-rooted love for art and community. As she takes the reins for the next six episodes, Gretchen willdelve into t...

In this engaging episode of Sounds from the Studio, join hostSydney Leslie as she welcomes Cathy Raphael, a remarkable jeweler, writer, and social activist. Cathy offers a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in the arts. As the daughter of Contemporary Craftfounder Betty Raphael, Cathy shares her journey from a metalsmithing student at Syracuse University to her i...

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Sounds from the Studio, where host Sydney Leslie sits down with the multifaceted artist, Michelle Clifton. Known for her innovative soft sculpture creations and her pioneering work in sound healing, Michelle shares her journey from a young artist in Chicago to a renowned figure in the art and film industries. Discover the story behind her iconic sneaker bed, a pi...

In this captivating episode of Sounds From the Studio, host Sydney Leslie delves into the rich tapestry of Contemporary Craft's 50-year legacy. Sydney engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kate Lydon, the former Director of Exhibitions, who reflects on her remarkable 35-year journey with the organization. Together, they explore the evolution of Contemporary Craft, from its humble beginnings to...

We kick off season 3 of Sounds from the Studio, with an exploration of Contemporary Craft's 50-year history. Host Sydney Leslie sits down with Janet McCall, former executive director of Contemporary Craft, to delve into the organization's rich past and its evolution within the Pittsburgh arts community. Janet shares her journey from an English and art history graduate to becoming a pivotal...

Next season, we’re diving deep into the newly formed archive at Contemporary Craft, revealing the treasures and stories that have shaped our organization since its inception. Join us as we introduce our new host for Season 3, Sydney Leslie, Archives and Creative Projects Manager, who will guide us through the rich history and exciting future of Contemporary Craft. In this episode, Rachel and Kahme...

In this unique episode of Sounds From the Studio, we break the mold by focusing on the profound themes of grief, mourning, and the celebration of life, as explored in Contemporary Craft's current exhibition, "Hereafter." Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they sit down with Carrie McCann, an educator, death and grief companion, community herbalist, and wellness consultant, to delve in...

Meet Alisha Wormsley, a visionary artist whose work transcends time and space. In this episode, we explore Alisha's journey from sewing and quilting during the pandemic to her prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. Delve into the rich tapestry of her art, which weaves together ancestral storytelling, film, and the powerful symbolism found in African American quilts. Alisha's reflections on ant...

Embark on a creative odyssey with Sean Derry and Sharon Massey, the dynamic duo behind Local X Change, as they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In this episode, we dive into their innovative approach to art and education, blending design, technology, and digital fabrication. From a captivating mini truck turned mobile radio station for rural teens to human-powered vending machines sh...

Step into the world of Brie Ruais as she deftly molds her personal narrative into the physicality of clay. In this episode we delve into Brie's exhibition "Oneness," where her large-scale, emotive sculptures speak volumes of her intimate connection with the medium. From the weighty imprints of her own body to the profound influences of family dynamics and celestial bodies, Brie's...

Join us on a profound journey through the artful blend of tradition and modernity with artist, furniture maker, and sculptor Adrien Segal. In this episode, we explore how her residency at Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh inspired a stunning exhibition that not only pays homage to the city's industrial past but also addresses the pressing issue of climate change through the lens of craft. https...

In this conversation, Adam Chau discusses his work with porcelain and cobalt blue, inspired by his Asian heritage, which focuses on relationships and queerness. He explores the use of alternate fiction and AI in his art, as well as the significance of emojis as a visual language. Adam also shares his experience with the Lunar Project exhibition series and his involvement in mentorship programs. He...

In this heartfelt episode of Sounds From the Studio, hosts Rachel and Kahmeela sit down with Ehren Tool, a ceramic artist and former Marine, to discuss his unique approach to art and the powerful stories behind his work. Ehren's journey from the Marine Corps to ceramics is a tale of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of craft. Listen in as Ehren shares how his experiences in...

In this episode, we dive into the world of sustainable art and jewelry with Susie, a passionate artist and co-director of the Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) project. Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they explore the ethos behind RJM, a traveling community jewelry mining and recycling initiative that transforms old, unused jewelry into new, vibrant pieces. Susie shares her journey from traditional...

In this compelling episode of Sounds From the Studio, hosts Rachel and Kahmeela sit down with Erika Diamond, one of the featured artists in the "Self" exhibition at Contemporary Craft. This exhibition delves into societal expectations of gender, identity, and sexuality, and is a celebration of Pride Month. Erika discusses her artistic journey, focusing on the materials she uses and the p...

"How do we get to the point where we feel seen and cared for and heard?" - matt lambert In this thought-provoking episode of Sounds From the Studio, we delve into the intricate and evocative work of matt lambert, a non-binary, multidisciplinary artist whose practice focuses on equity and inclusion. Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they explore matt's profound insights on gender, cra...

In this special edition of Sounds From the Studio, we turn the spotlight on our very own co-host, Kahmeela Adams. Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they delve into Kahmeela's multifaceted career, from her early days in podcasting with " Down to Watch " and " The RuggedAngel Cast " to her extensive work in film and photography. Discover how Kahmeela's journey has been sh...

The "more Jazz than Classical" artist, ceramicist, and professor Sharif Bey joins us to discuss his artistic practice and how it came to be. Bey speaks on connectivity, generational values, and the power of ancestral memory. Hosts Rachel and Kahmeela explore Sharif's profound connection to his craft, from his early experiences at the Carnegie Museum of Art to his innovative work with...

Executive Director & Chief Curator for The Museum for Art in Wood in Philidelphia,  Jennifer-Navva Milliken joins us to talk all things curatorial. When is a cup just a cup and when is it a proxy for the female body? We explore Jennifer's approach to curating, particularly her current exhibition "Vessel: Embodiment, Autonomy, and Ornament in Wood" focused on vessels, which delves...