Crafting-A-Future Opening Reception Tonight

(CA) is pleased to announce the opening of the . 

The opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at CA’s Charak Gallery in the Delmar Loop.

Crafting-A-Future (CAF) is a multi-year mentoring program that provides talented, underserved high school students throughout the St. Louis metro area with in-depth arts education. In order to develop a body of work, students work closely with local artists in CA’s jewelry/metalsmithing, fiber, clay, wood, and graphics studios.

CAF nurtures students in their pursuit of an art education beyond what is offered in high school programs. In addition to their studio time, students are exposed to the work of internationally and nationally known artists through exhibitions and lectures. CAF challenges the students throughout their studies, encouraging them to develop their technique and concepts. With the continued support of CAF mentors, students build a portfolio in preparation for post-secondary education.

“The teachers helped us develop our ideas without telling us what to do," Beth Allen said. "They help us work through problems while letting us take the wheel.”

The program culminates with an exhibition of their work in CA’s regional gallery in the Delmar Loop. 

This year, 30 students in grades 9 through 12 have participated in weekly Saturday CAF classes. More than a mere study in materials and technique, CAF helps shape the lives of our students.

As KarenAnn Gadel explains, “CAF has introduced me to people who have helped me grow both personally and artistically. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t joined CAF.”

Many CAF graduates, like Kahlil Irving and Christina Doelling, continue on to pursue successful careers in art. Irving spent the summer at the New York Studio Residency Program, and is now a straight-A student at Kansas City Art Institute.

This spring, Doelling will be graduating from Columbia University in Chicago with a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing! We continue to have high expectations for this year’s graduating students, and we are excited to see what they accomplish as they move forward!

ABOUT CRAFT ALLIANCE

Craft Alliance is the only art institution dedicated to contemporary craft in the St. Louis region. The non-profit organization, located in the Delmar Loop and in the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center, provides inspiration and education in contemporary craft to a national community of artists, collectors, students and the art-viewing public. 

For more information, please call 314.725.1177 or visit www.craftalliance.org.