Enriching Our Community Through Craft
About our mission...
Chicago is home to an enormous community of talented artists and makers specializing in craft media, including slow fashion, ceramics, handmade books & paper, basketry, wood, textiles, glass, and much more. However, there is no central hub for artists working in craft to connect and engage with each other. Likewise, there is no central hub for those who are passionate about supporting artists working in craft-based practices.
The Chicago Center for Craft defines craft as the specialization of technical skills combined with artistic expression for both functional and non-functional objects, art, and other design/creative outcomes. The mission of the Chicago Center for Craft is to support and sustain the creative production of local and regional artists within the Chicago area by developing initiatives that will connect and expand our community's understanding and knowledge of craft.
The CCFC currently exists online as we build our board and expand our community of supporters and members. Leading the charge are artists Maggie Leininger and David Krauter, who both attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and have gone on to pursue passions within their creative practice, including founding and operating 10 Fold Projects in Greencastle, IN, from 2021 through 2025. The space functioned as a community-centered art studio providing workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies.
The Center's first action item is to create a directory and interactive map of craft-based artists in the Chicago vicinity. Events include workshops, demonstrations, artist lectures, exhibitions, retail opportunities, and the Chicago Craft Crawl. Our future site will encompass a small event space to be used for intimate workshops, lectures, and other gatherings, as well as a shared exhibition/retail space.
We want to hear from you! Share your work with us & consider becoming a craft representative!
Are you an artist working in wood, clay, fiber, glass, or other craft media looking to connect with fellow creatives? Would you like to be listed on our interactive map? Are you craft-curious and seeking ways to gain a deeper understanding of specific technical skills, or are you interested in supporting the creative and thriving ecosystem within Chicago? We want to hear from you! Fill out the form below to tell us more about who you are and consider joining as a member, donating, or subscribing to our mailing list.