Society for Contemporary Craft
Through March 26
Various times
Ready to #craftyourmind?
The healing power of art—and the tastes of homemade baked goods—are coming together to raise awareness about mental health. Running through March 12th at the Society for Contemporary Craft, Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art pairs compelling mixed media work by 14 contemporary artists with innovative community programs that examine creativity’s relationship to mental health, resiliency and compassion.
Don’t miss the free opening weekend celebration at the Strip District-based center, which includes a reception, artist talks, gallery performances and more. Be among the first to see Mindful at SCC’s free opening reception taking place on Friday, September 18th from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The celebration continues on Saturday, September 19th, when visitors are invited to meet the artists, and learn all about their artwork, creative practice and personal experiences with mental illness. Don’t miss a special performance by fiber artist Meredith Grimsley that will permanently alter the piece she made for the show.
The 33 works on display explore the impact that mental illness has on society, and how art-making and handcrafted objects can encourage positive self-expression, convey emotions and inspire meaningful conversations. The pioneering exhibit also examines creative responses to mental health conditions by featuring artists who have been diagnosed with or affected by mental illness.
From Brooklyn-based visual artist and printmaker Swoon to internationally acclaimed glass maker Michael Janis, Mindful highlights traditional craft materials and techniques alongside works that explore relationships between painting, sculpture, installation and conceptual art.
With a tasty and clever twist on these important themes and issues, Contemporary Craft will also unveil the Pittsburgh premiere of The Depressed Cake Shop—an international pop-up bake sale that has been traveling the globe to raise awareness about mental health “one grey, sweet treat at a time.” Via the intersection of the culinary and the creative arts, the unique shop also aims to provide visitors with a safe space for dialogue and raise funds to benefit mental health charities. Satisfy your own sweet tooth and support mental health awareness during the Pittsburgh debut of the Depressed Cake Shop pop-up bake sale on Saturday, September 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Throughout the duration of Mindful, visitors of all ages are invited to “craft, open and free their minds” at a variety of thoughtfully curated programs, community partnerships and events—including lectures, artist demonstrations, information sessions with community groups and social service agencies, gallery tours, hands-on workshops and educational resource materials.
