Events

Adiante Franszoon Artist

Baltimore-maker Adiante Franszoon, creator of Wood Designs by Adiante, will come to Pittsburgh

Baltimore-maker Adiante Franszoon, creator of Wood Designs by Adiante, will come to Pittsburgh for the Modern Craft Market from March 27-29

Adiante Franszoon Artist:

Baltimore-maker Adiante Franszoon, creator of Wood Designs by Adiante, will come to Pittsburgh for the Modern Craft Market from March 27-29 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Franszoon learned to carve wood following the traditions of his Saamaca Maroon ancestors growing up in a small village on the Suriname River in the Amazon River basin. Franszoon will sell his mosaic wood furniture, jewelry, cutting boards, and wall art. He will also do artistic demonstrations at the event, showcasing how he creates both bold and intricate designs in wood using a simple chip carving method.

"I was born and raised in the Amazon basin rainforest in Suriname, on the north coast of South America in a Saamacca Maroon village, one of many communities established by my ancestors, enslaved Africans, who escaped from plantations on the coast beginning in the late 1600s," says Franszoon in his artist statement. "I learned to carve from my father and relatives when I was a young boy. I came to the United States in 1968 to get an American education. After the war in Suriname in the 1980s, when I realized I would live mostly in the US, I decided to make a business integrating my traditional craft with modern furniture and artwork design. The designs are inspired by my tradition but are my own conceptions, what I see in my minds’ ‘eye, what the wood suggests to me. For the furniture-making, I am largely self taught, with occasional help from fellow woodworkers. In the culture I grew up in, art is part of everyday life. We believe in making the “ordinary” things we use every day beautiful. I try to apply that in my work today- everyone deserves to have beauty and craftsmanship in their surroundings whether it's mosaic wood jewelry, furniture, wall art, cutting boards or the many custom items clients may order."

To learn more about Adiante Franszoon and his work, visit https://adiantefranszoon.com/ or follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/woodesignsbyadiante.

Adiante’s work is featured above in the photo gallery.

Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers from around the country

Tickets are now open for Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center from March 27-29, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. This juried market is the first of its kind in the region, featuring contemporary handcrafted goods created with traditional materials by nearly 100 makers from 12 different states.

"The Modern Craft Market was created to help amplify Pittsburgh as a destination location for celebrating the best of contemporary craft," saysKelsey Ford, Handmade Arcade's Executive Director. "It follows in the footsteps of other juried fine craft markets around the country, including American Craft Made Baltimore, the Smithsonian Craft + Design Show in Washington, D.C., and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show. This new shopping event puts Pittsburgh on the map as a retail destination for buyers to shop for contemporary craft and regional and national makers to showcase their work."

The inaugural Modern Craft Market will feature handcrafted products from over 100 makers and artists specializing in traditional handcrafts like metal, wood, fiber arts and textiles, ceramics, and glass. Shoppers will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. The market was juried by Jennifer-Navva Milliken (Executive Director & Chief Curator, Museum for Art in Wood), Jessica Todd (Curator, Tampa Arts Alliance), and Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy (Independent Curator).

The Modern Craft Market has received a welcomed reception from both makers and local arts organizations alike. In addition to funding from PA Creative Industries, the 2026 Modern Craft Market is supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, two organizations that are also committed to elevating Pittsburgh as a destination for craft.

"The Pittsburgh region has a rich history of making - and primarily making things that come from craft materials. As our region expands our craft offerings and strengthens our ecosystem, this event is a perfect way for artists to connect their products to a marketplace and furthermore, put our city on the national stage as many craft markets around the country shrink," says Rachel Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft. "We're grateful to Handmade Arcade for being bold enough to launch this initiative and honored to sponsor this inaugural market."

In addition to shopping, attendees can experience the artistry of handcrafted goods firsthand with live artistic demonstrations from arts organizations like Pittsburgh Glass Center and artist collectives like Turners Anonymous.

“An essential part of Pittsburgh Glass Center’s mission is to cultivate, nurture, and support diverse and passionate glass artists, while expanding opportunities for them to create and share their work in Pittsburgh and beyond," said Heather McElwee, the Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr. Executive Director at Pittsburgh Glass Center. "The Modern Craft Market aligns beautifully with that commitment, connecting artists to other makers, new audiences, collectors, and industry partners, and celebrating contemporary craft where traditional skill meets forward-thinking design."

Handmade Arcade, Contemporary Craft, and Pittsburgh Glass Center are three of many organizations throughout the country hosting exhibitions and events - including the 2026 Modern Craft Market - that are part of Handwork 2026, a nationwide Semiquincentennial celebration of craft presented by Craft in America.

Event Schedule:
Attendees can get an exclusive look at the Modern Craft Market and shop without the crowds during a ticketed VIP preview event on Friday, March 27 from 5 - 8 PM and a ticketed early bird shopping event on Saturday, March 28 from 9 - 11 AM.

Pay-What-You-Can General Admission Weekend Passes are available for attendees to shop on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 11 AM - 6 PM both days. Suggested prices for Weekend Passes are $5, $10, or $20, but free tickets are available to anyone who needs them thanks to support by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). RAD works here. There is also a Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hour on Sunday, March 29 from 10 - 11 AM.

For tickets, the maker catalog, and more information, visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/modern-craft-market.

Virtual Career Fair NAACP

NAACP Holds Virtual Career Fair to help Black Workers Under Attack

In 2025, 316,000+ Black women have had a mass exodus out of the labor force, with the national rate for Black unemployment rising to 7.7% as of February 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Primarily due to sweeping cuts in public-sector agencies, mass deportation, and federal downsizing that target Black people, especially Black women's traditional strongholds in middle-class employment.

The NAACP recognizes the intentional attacks on the Future of Black Workers and will not stand by and watch the decline of the Black economy and talented people left behind. We are seizing opportunities in our own hands and connecting available job positions with host employers. The NAACP is bringing diversity, equity, and inclusive hiring practices, while also providing equitable job opportunities.

Join the NAACP’s Virtual Career Fair, powered by TalentAlly, open to everyone, on April 29, 2026.

Celebrating Women in March

Women’s History Events in Pittsburgh & Statewide

For Women's History Month in March 2026, Pennsylvania is hosting a wide range of events from historical tours and community marches to professional expos and storytelling slams.

Pittsburgh Events

Women’s Day March Pittsburgh
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Starts at Market Square, ends at Point State Park
- Description: An annual demonstration advocating for gender equality and women's rights. The route follows Forbes Avenue to Wood Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard.
- Cost: Free
Women in the Windows Tour
- Date & Time: Multiple dates starting March 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM
- Location: Heinz Memorial Chapel, S Bellefield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Description: Guided tours highlighting the women depicted in the chapel's famous stained-glass windows, aligned with the 2026 theme of sustainability and fairness.
- Website: Heinz Memorial Chapel Calendar
Women in Public Safety Expo
- Date & Time: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: The William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
- Description: A networking event for students and job seekers to meet with local, state, and federal first responders. Features guest speaker Brenda Tate, a retired Pittsburgh Police officer.
- Cost: Free
HERStory Slam
- Date & Time: Monday, March 23, 2026, 5:30 PM
- Location: Cathedral of Learning, Frick Auditorium (3rd Floor), Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Description: A signature storytelling event where members of the university and local community share personal narratives exploring the diversity of womanhood.
- Website: University of Pittsburgh Events
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 5:30 PM
- Location: Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Description: A cocktail reception and on-stage conversation hosted by WNBA star Ashley Battle, celebrating the success of Pittsburgh Promise alumnae.
- Cost: Individual tickets $150; Alumni $50

Statewide Events (PA)

Women's History Night
- Date & Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Description: An after-hours event featuring a screening of "For the Common Good" and a discussion on the revolutionary women who shaped the nation.
- Website: AmRev Museum Events
EmergeHer: Women's History Month Edition
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 AM
- Location: Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 17011
- Description: A celebratory event highlighting women's contemporary and historical contributions to society.
Women Making History 2026
- Date & Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, 7:00 PM
- Location: Mercyhurst University, Performing Arts Center, 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546
- Description: The 33rd annual ceremony honoring remarkable women dedicated to the Erie community.
- Cost: Free
Revolutionary Women Program
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
- Location: Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
- Description: An engaging educational program focusing on the courage and resilience of women throughout history. Museum of the American Revolution

Women in Public Safety

Women in Public Safety Expo

Save the date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

The Fourth Annual Women in Public Safety Expo hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Police Department in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the William Pitt Union. Admission is free, and attendees are welcome to stop by any time during the expo.

This event is primarily an opportunity for college students and job seekers to network with public safety professionals and to learn about their career paths and opportunities for internships or employment.

We will also be joined by guest speaker Brenda Tate, retired officer from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and author of Journal of a Black Woman in Blue: Navigating Abuse, Addiction, Racism & Sobriety, for a special presentation at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP in advance to secure your seat for Ms. Tate’s presentation.

At noon, we will recognize the recipients of our inaugural Women in Public Safety Awards during a special ceremony. Please join us to congratulate this year's winners!

tapescape

a fan favorite returns! tapescape opens saturday, january 24

The Children’s Museum is delighted to open its fourth version of Tapescape, an indoor climbing, sliding, rolling art installation made of more than 50 miles of packing tape stretched over a steel frame, designed by creator Eric Lennartson.

Explore and crawl through the twisting tunnels and curving walls of this unique climbing terrain showcasing an unexpected and delightful use of a common material.

Learn about Opening Weekend activities.

Tapescape will be open to explore 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM every day that the Children’s Museum is open.

My America: An Illustrated Experience

My America: New History Center Exhibit Kicks Off America’s 250th

As the region and the nation prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Senator John Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI) on a new exhibition that uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the America’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Opening this Saturday, Oct. 11 in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery, My America: An Illustrated Experience features 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators that answer the question: what does America mean to you? From paintings and portraiture to sculpture and cartoons, the artwork asks visitors to consider how American ideals have been realized, challenged, and redefined over time. The My America exhibition invites visitors to celebrate voices that shaped our nation, embrace diverse perspectives, and continue the shared work of building a more perfect union to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Exhibit highlights include:

Portraits of beloved Pittsburghers like civil rights activist Daisy Lampkin, environmentalist Rachel Carson, and television host Fred Rogers
A large-scale sculpture of 50 historical figures, including the flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, highlighted by imagery of Americans through time
Illustrations of iconic places, from Plimoth Plantation to Pittsburgh neighborhoods, that explore the power and meaning of home and community
The artwork “Thoughts and Prayers” which is designed to spark reflection and civil discourse about freedom of expression
Hands-on interactives that invite you to create your own art, from designing a felt flag to piecing together a puzzle that reflects your vision of America

The exhibition also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, one of the largest illustrator groups in the United States. Visitors can meet and interact with PSI artists throughout the exhibit’s opening day on Saturday, Oct. 11. My America: An Illustrated Experience will be on view through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Celebrating America’s 250th in Pittsburgh The exhibition is a core component of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA. America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. My America is also part of the History Center’s America 101 initiative, which empowers and inspires citizens to learn more about history and civics through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum. Learn more at heinzhistorycenter.org. The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, presents American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center was voted as the #1 history museum in America by readers of USA TODAY (2024, 2025) and “Pittsburgh’s Best Museum” by Pittsburgh Magazine (2022, 2023, 2024). The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The History Center’s family of museums includes the Sports Museum; Fort Pitt Museum in historic Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa., in Washington County. The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are always free for kids, supported by the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative. More information is available at heinzhistorycenter.org.

Featuring 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators, My America: An Illustrated Experience uses the power of illustration to reflect on ideals associated with the American Revolution and the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Image: “History of Persistence” by James Mellett.

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen

The exhibit includes the Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight exhibit

Don’t miss our newest exhibit inspired by the tools, tasks and history of airplanes and flying! Children of all ages can imagine themselves as future aviators through hands-on activities including rocket building and launching, a cockpit flight trainer and wearable wings.

The exhibit includes the Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight exhibit featuring a series of historic artifacts that tell the story of how African Americans, despite facing racial barriers, attained great achievements in the world of aviation.

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen was created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Hosanna House, Inc.

hands-on components

Cockpit Flight Trainer: Step into the role of flight captain in the Cockpit Flight Trainer, where you get a pilot’s vantage point complete with control panel, flight videos and a row of actual seats
Plane and Rocket Building & Launching: Build your own paper airplane or rocket, then use the launcher to fire it through the air to hit the bullseye
Imagination Mirrors: Try on costumes from various aviation fields, then stand in front of an interactive mirror and play the part!
Land the Plane Maze: Tilt a large table maze inspired by air traffic control radar to avoid obstacles and guide your “plane” to a safe destination on the landing strip
Wearable Wings: Build a pair of airplane wings or an entire rocket ship to wear, then “fly” through the sky
Things that Fly Praxinoscope: Draw anything that flies and make it come to life around a spinning column using this early form of animation

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen is presented in Pittsburgh by
PPG Foundation.

Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and made possible by the generous support of MetLife Foundation.

MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Carnegie Museum of Art

Black Photojournalism Heinz Galleries Sept. 13, 2025–Jan. 19, 2026

Photojournalism is work and it is livelihood, it is craft and it is documentation, it is a way to be in the world and to share the world, it is a way to resist oppression while insisting on the fullness of life.

Black Photojournalism presents work by nearly 60 photographers chronicling historic events and daily life in the United States from the conclusion of World War II in 1945 to the presidential campaigns of 1984, including the civil rights movements through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Drawn from archives and collections in the care of journalists, libraries, museums, newspapers, photographers, and universities, the original work prints in the exhibition were circulated and reviewed in publishing offices before anything went to print. Each one represents the energy of many dedicated individuals who worked to get out the news every single day. One picture leads to another, making visible multiple experiences of history while proposing ways of understanding today as tomorrow is being created.

Responding to a dearth of stories about Black lives told from the perspectives of Black people, Black publishers and their staff created groundbreaking editorial and photojournalistic methods and news networks. During a period of urgent social change and civil rights advocacy, newspapers and magazines, including the Afro American News, Atlanta Daily World, Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, and Ebony, transformed how people were able to access seeing themselves and their communities. Their impact on the media landscape continues into the digital present.

The exhibition, designed by artist David Hartt, is co-organized by Dan Leers, curator of photography, and Charlene Foggie-Barnett, Charles “Teenie” Harris community archivist, in dialogue with an expanded network of scholars, archivists, curators, and historians.

Learn More