Contemporary Craft closes out final exhibition at Strip District location

After over three decades in the Strip District produce terminal building, Contemporary Craft will soon move on to its new home on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Before that happens, the Pittsburgh art resource center will close the final show at its current space, Fiberart International 2019, with The Space Between, a conversation with exhibiting artists Jozef Bajus of New York and Erika Diamond of North Carolina.

Taking place on Sat. Aug. 24, The Space Between continues the goal of Fiberart International by highlighting fine artists working in a variety of fiber materials and techniques. A press release describes Bajus as an award-winning mixed-media artist who uses discarded materials or industrial remnants to compose objects that "question our environmental responsibility towards the Earth and our successors." As a "textile-focused conceptual artist," Diamond explores the "fragility and resilience of the human body and connections."

The salon-style event includes a discussion about the artists' respective backgrounds and creative processes, moderated by Fiberart International co-chairs, Rae Gold and Risë Nagin.

Since opening in May at Contemporary Craft and the Brew House Association in the South Side, Fiberart International has showcased work by 55 local, national, and international artists, all of whom are working to innovate and evolve the art form.

It also serves as a fitting finale to Contemporary Craft's longtime home. In a previous article, Contemporary Craft executive director, Janet McCall, explained that, while they had hoped to stay in the produce terminal during its redevelopment, the move would actually prove beneficial in the long term. Contemporary Craft has slated the grand opening at its new location for March 2020.

The Space Between at Contemporary Craft. Sat., Aug. 24. 2:30-4 p.m. 2100 Smallman St., Strip District. Free. RSVP required. contemporarycraft.org