Emotion is one of the most beautiful and sometimes most painful things to bless us as human beings. Oftentimes these emotions, especially grief, are complicated to express and understand but art lends itself as a way of self expression when words fail. This is the basis for Contemporary Craft’s latest exhibition titled Hereafter which will run from May 31 to August 24. 

Contemporary Craft in Lawrenceville provides the city of Pittsburgh with innovative art exhibits and hands-on programs that allow diversity and contemporary art to thrive. Their newest production, Hereafter combines the company’s values of accessibility and connection in a skillful and heartfelt manner. 

Art and Healing

Hereafter shows the perspective of 13 artists within 250 miles of Pittsburgh when it comes to the process of grieving. While every culture lends itself to a different way of grieving, we as humans all find a common ground in this process. In this exhibit, you’ll see these cultural healing traditions come to life through different mediums of craft objects. 

The 50+ works that Contemporary Craft will display cover areas of assemblage, clay, sculpture, jewelry, printmaking, and basketry. The pieces come from a diverse group of artists including Sue Amendolara, Kimberlyn Bloise, Dan Brockett, Cheryl Capezzuti, Thomas Kieran Doyle, Meryl Engler, Sharon Massey, Zach Mellman-Carsey, Jada Patterson, Lucas Pointon, Katie Rearick, Kate Strachan, and Hee Joo Yang. 

Through these artists you’ll find deeply embedded details of their ancestral stories exploring the themes of grieving, mourning, and the celebration of life. Each of their pieces have become a vessel that carries the weight of emotions and memories associated with loss. Together all of these selections also become a type of sanctuary for healing in the Pittsburgh community. It’s an artistic space where people can come together and then process their feelings through creation. 

How to View the Exhibit

There will be an opening reception for Hereafter on May 31 that’s open to the public featuring light refreshment. But, if you’d like to hear more about the works, you can attend the artist talk on June 1 featuring discussions and question panels from the artists. But, if you miss these opportunities, you can still see the exhibit on display up until August 24.

Story by Kylie Thomas 

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