Indie craft movement gains momentum in Pittsburgh

Indie craft movement gains momentum in Pittsburgh

Monday, January 14, 2008

By Jessica Gold, Allderdice High School (City of Pittsburgh Schools)

In November, Pittsburgh hosted its fourth annual Handmade Arcade independent craft fair, a fair showcasing alternative art, clothing accessories, and more.

While Pittsburgh may have hosted numerous craft fairs in the past, the merchandise sold at the Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh’s premiere "indie" craft fair, is a far cry from anything made at your grandmother’s knitting circle. This particular craft fair is a showcase for artists and crafters generally associated with a newer and arguably "hipper" movement, led by a younger group of artists.

What began as a small artsy subculture sometimes associated with feminism and avant-garde fashion has made its way across the country, and now, to Pittsburgh.

"We thought that there was something missing here. A lot of us were already traveling around to [indie craft fairs elsewhere]. We wanted to have that opportunity here in Pittsburgh," said Jennifer Baron, Handmade Arcade vendor, organizer, and press coordinator.

Baron, an active participant in both the Handmade Arcade and the independent craft movement in general, is herself a Pittsburgh native. While the majority of Handmade Arcade vendors are also from the Pittsburgh area, the 2007 vendors hailed from Japan, Canada, and all over the US.

As indicated by the diverse group of vendors, the movement is certainly gaining momentum. The independent craft movement even appears to be having a minor influence on mainstream art and fashion. More recently, popular chain stores such as Urban Outfitters have been mass-producing merchandise with an urban, DIY aesthetic. Clothing featuring unfinished hems, machine produced "hand stitching", and crafty details are piled high on shelves.

Still, young artists that associate themselves with the indie craft movement often look down on mass produced goods. They take pride in the values and processes (such as recycling and repurposing) central to their crafting.

"Today it’s a lot more overwhelming because of technology and everything being mass produced. We’re not really making things anymore in this country. I think [artists in the craft movement] are really drawn to this idea that we’re physically making things with our hands," said Baron.

Junior Charna Albert attended the Handmade Arcade craft fair at construction junction for the first time this year and gained some insight into what the whole indie craft movement is all about.

"I got the idea that it was a movement that takes creativity and uses it in an entrepreneurial fashion. It gives [creativity] to the people but not in the same way that big stores do. It’s kind of an underground movement," said Albert.

Most of the independent artists associated with the movement sell their goods at small shops, boutiques, and online. Still, craft fairs such as the Handmade Arcade are becoming increasingly common. Though the new craft movement is mainly popular among young adults, Baron hopes to engage even more high school students in this idea of alternative crafting.