In 1997, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in contemporary craft, with a focus on the theme of transformation. Named for Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael (1920-1998), the founder of Contemporary Craft, this biennial juried exhibition has built a significant international legacy. It highlights both emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of clay, glass, metal, wood and found materials—challenging traditional techniques and reimagining craft in innovative and thought-provoking ways. 

 

This program offers a $5,000 grand prize award in conjunction with a video profile, exhibition catalog, and a juried group exhibition—Transformation Series. Prizes are selected by medium, with the designated medium changing with each award. 

 

The 2027 prize will be awarded for an artwork in SMALL METALS. 

 

Past winners and winning artworks include:

 

Vivian Chiu, Revolving Vase (9 Peaches) (wood), 2025

Lauren Kalman, To Hold… (glass), 2022

Melissa Cameron, 1.1.2017 (found materials), 2018

Linda Swanson, Cypreus Lumen (clay), 2013

Meghan Patrice Riley, Interstitial (small metals), 2011

Christian Burchard, Days of Summer by the Pond (wood), 2009

Mark Zirpel, Pair (glass), 2007

Jim Rose, Quilt Cupboard (found materials), 2005

SunKoo Yuh, The Memory of Pikesville, TN (clay), 2003

Suzan Rezac, Opus Tessellatum (small metals), 2001

David Sengel, Haloed (wood), 1999

Sibylle Peretti, Vogelkuss-Birdkiss II (glass), 1997

JURYING PROCESS

Jurying will take place in TWO phases. From the initial submissions, a group of finalists will be invited to submit a new work on the selected theme for the final jurying and inclusion in the Raphael Prize exhibition. Only one work per artist may be provided for final jurying. Artists are eligible to include work made after May 2026.

SHIPPING

Artists who are selected as finalists will be responsible for one-way transportation of works to Contemporary Craft; Contemporary Craft will pay return transportation costs and insurance for the work that arrive in a ready-to-ship condition. Works must be packed securely and double boxed in reusable containers with thorough re-packing instructions and complete forms for return.

 

In addition to being featured in the group exhibition and an exhibition catalog, the prize winner receives a $5,000 cash award, and a 5-7 minute video will be made of the artist and their work. 

 

JURORS

A five-member panel will select finalists from the initial submissions, and also select the prize-winning entry. 

Guest Juror – Carissa Hussong. 

 

Carissa Hussong has served as Executive Director of the Metal Museum since 2008. Under her leadership, the Museum has grown significantly, expanding its collection, educational programming, and staff. Hussong is currently leading a $35 million capital campaign to support a major expansion that will transform the Museum, advance the field of metalworking, and have a lasting impact on the greater Memphis community. Prior to joining the Metal Museum, Hussong was Executive Director of the Urban Art Commission, a Memphis-based non-profit managing public art for the City of Memphis and private clients. She also served as Associate Curator at Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis and as a curatorial fellow at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Hussong holds an M.B.A. from the University of Memphis, a B.A. in English Literature from Boston University, and a B.A. in Art History from the University of Washington. She has been recognized as a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal (Class of 2022) and as one of 25 Who Shaped Memphis: 1989–2014 by the Memphis Flyer.

 

Guest Juror – Seth Papac. 

 

Seth Papac grounds their practice in a deep love of jewelry, an appreciation of its 150,000-plus-year history, and a sincere belief in its ability to affect our experience of—and existence in—the world. Their exploration of jewelry includes teaching and mentoring students, researching and producing conceptual one-of-a-kind jewelry, and creating production and fashion jewelry. In addition to being an Associate Professor in Jewelry + Metalsmithing at Rhode Island School of Design, Seth lectures and serves as a visiting critic throughout the US and beyond. Seth received their BFA from the University of Washington, Seattle and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Their work is exhibited and published internationally, and is part of numerous permanent collections including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Cranbrook Art Museum, and the Rotasa Foundation.

 

Catherine Raphael, Metalsmith, storyteller, and daughter of Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, Pittsburgh, PA

Rachel Saul Rearick, Executive Director, Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 

Yu-San Cheng, Director of Visual Engagement, Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA

 

ABOUT CONTEMPORARY CRAFT

Presenting contemporary art in craft materials by regional, national, and international artists since 1971, Contemporary Craft offers cutting edge exhibitions focusing on multicultural diversity and contemporary art, as well as a range of artist-led studio workshops, community engagement programs, and a store featuring work by top artists from across the country. Located at 5645 Butler Street in Pittsburgh, PA (USA), Contemporary Craft’s exhibitions are free to the public. 

 

www.contemporarycraft.org