Since its founding in 1972 as the Pioneer Crafts Council, the Touchstone Center for Crafts has been offering crafts education on a wooded 150-acre campus located in Farmington.
Originally focused on fostering interest in preserving traditional crafts, Pennsylvania’s premier craft school has expanded its mission to include contemporary and experimental techniques. These include blacksmithing, ceramics, metals and jewelry, glass, drawing and painting, and specialized subject areas such as fiber arts, paper making and mosaics.
Touchstone typically offers over 60 workshops in seven fully equipped studios. An equal number of trainers from across the country lead two to five day workshops in which more than 500 participants participated.
The 2022 season runs from June 20 to September 26 and early registration is recommended.
Marketing Manager, Dean Simpson, said the annual Open House, which takes place on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will serve as a kick-off for this year’s 50th anniversary.
“This family-friendly event will be filled with exhibits, practical entertainment, gallery exhibitions and more,” Simpson said.
During the day, visitors will be able to enjoy music, culinary delights from various food trucks, campus and studio tours and demos by local and regional artists. They’ll also be able to shop gallery stores, meet with representatives of partner organizations, and find out about things to do in Laurel Highlands.
Ahead of the annual Open House, Touchstone is hosting a plein air (outdoor) painting session on Sunday 22 May from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists of all skill levels are invited to attend the event held at nearby Christian W. Banana. Winery.
Registered participants are asked to bring their own supplies to paint, draw or photograph, along with beginners and experienced craftsmen. They will also be able to enjoy demonstrations with outdoor painting tips. After the event, participating artists may want to have a photo of their work taken to be judged and for a chance to win a prize.
Advance registration ($25 for adults, $10 for those 18 and under) is encouraged. Visitors who wish to walk around and see the artists at work will be granted free admission.
From July 17 to 22, Touchstone will offer teen-only workshops that are fully funded, meaning participating teens will receive free tuition and room and board with only a small fee for workshop materials. Simpson said about 26 teens would be admitted to the session and advised to submit applications before the May 1 deadline.
Veterans and their family members and caretakers would like to jot down the dates from August 15 to August 19, when Touchstone is offering a special experiential workshop called “Change in Paper.” Excluding the cost of materials and studio fees, the workshop is fully funded, and a limited number of spaces are available. Applications are available online at www.touchstonecrafts.org.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on select Fridays throughout the summer, Touchstone will offer Date Night Get-Togethers in which participants can bring a spouse, partner, or friend along to join a mini-workshop that will help them to meet their needs. Will introduce you to the choice. Of the craft After the mini-workshop, participants will be able to enjoy refreshments and appetizers while marveling at the take home items they create. There is also an option for dinner before 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee.
Finally, the Golden Anniversary Year will conclude on Sunday, October 9, with the annual Touchstone Gala held at the Barn in Fallingwater and the “Touchstone: A Half-Century of Craft Exhibition” at the Spear Gallery in Fallingwater, from October 1 to December 31.
“Every day, we hear stories about how Touchstone has affected people’s lives over the past 50 years,” Simpson said. “Now, we’re looking forward to the next 50!”
