Craft Alliance community Outreach develops programs in cooperation with city and county schools, community centers, and social service agencies. The goal of these programs is to bring the arts to everyone regardless of economic circumstance.

Each year, Craft Alliance's Outreach program directly serves over 9,000 participants representing underserved populations. Indirectly, the project-in-progress and final products of Outreach (murals, Saint Louis Art Fair, etc.) are witnessed by over 25,000 people annually.

Outreach programs that have been developed to meet the needs of diverse populations about fine craft include specially designed classes for charitable institutions like Places for People, Children’s Hospital, University Commons and Oasis.

Craft Alliance Outreach programs also partner with St. Louis City and County schools to offer gallery and studio tours and to implement after school programs and establish artist residencies.

For more information about Craft Alliance's Outreach Programs, please contact Robert Longyear at 314/725-1177 ext. 334.

Studio Programs for Schools, Community Groups, Social Service Organizations

Craft Alliance offers programming throughout the year for adults and students in the 2nd through the 12th grades. Classes can be designed to work with specific community issues and/or existing scholastic curricula in the areas of clay, metal, glass and textiles. Demonstrations in other mediums can be arranged. All classes and programs are taught by professional studio artists.

Depending on the needs of the group, programs can be scheduled at Craft Alliance or at off-site locations. Program fees and material costs are determined by the number of students and nature of the project.

Crafting A Future

Crafting A Future is a mentoring program that provides exposure to and education within fine contemporary craft to underserved 7th through 12th grade students throughout the Saint Louis Region. CAF student artists receive instruction, training and mentorship encompassing fine contemporary craft media; metal, clay, glass, fiber and their application toward professional development. Identified as talented yet underserved, CAF student artists are selected for advanced study and are granted full financial aid as they progress through the program curriculum.

Crafting-A-Future Objectives:

• To provide exposure to and education within fine contemporary craft to underserved 7th through 12th grade students throughout the St. Louis Region.
  
• Expose CAF student artists to regionally and nationally recognized fine contemporary craft artists.
  
• Develop abilities within formal design vocabulary: Line, shape, size, balance, contrast, unity, etc.
• Build verbal communication skills through the critique process.
  
• Educate CAF student artists in the process of portfolio development and its application toward professional development.
  
• Provide CAF student artists experiences in the process of exhibiting their work publicly.
  
• Provide volunteer opportunities for CAF student artists.
  
• Prepare CAF student artists for higher education and career opportunities after high school.
  
• Provide the opportunity for CAF student artists to develop an appreciation for the history of handmade objects, and through the creative process shape their future in fine contemporary craft.

More information on Crafting A Future