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WHEREAS, Contemporary Craft is one of the city’s only free art facilities, serving approximately 145,000 people a year at its home in the Strip District’s Produce Terminal and its downtown satellite gallery, and encourages people to better understand themselves and their world through seeing, making, and learning about art; and
WHEREAS, for 46 years, this nationally recognized nonprofit organization has offered cutting edge exhibitions focusing on multicultural diversity as well as hands-on studio workshops, community outreach programs, and a retail store; and
WHEREAS, Contemporary Craft has taken on a leadership role in bringing artists and citizens together to address urgent social problems and come up with creative solutions using art to provide insights and opportunities for change and use its social justice exhibitions to empower people to foster more meaningful lives and build more vibrant communities using the transformative and healing power of art; and
WHEREAS, through Saturday, February 17, 2018, Contemporary Craft is presenting a major exhibition, Shelter: Crafting a Safe Home, to focus public attention on the basic human need for safe housing, given that shelter is universally identified as a basic human right, yet refuge and protection are out of reach for millions worldwide; and
WHEREAS, featuring more than 40 works of art in diverse craft media by 14 artists, Shelter: Crafting a Safe Home explores increasing public concerns about housing insecurity and displacement, and demonstrates both the local and worldwide impact housing insecurity has on both individuals and society through art that conveys personal stories and encourages thoughtful conversations; and
WHEREAS, through community partnerships with social service organizations including the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, and more, Contemporary Craft connects Shelter visitors to community resources and programs in a meaningful, genuine way; and
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate Contemporary Craft for its commitment to building community through art with its socially engaged art exhibitions that serve thousands of local families free of charge; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 “Contemporary Craft Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.