Craft Alliance

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 🛠

We recently uncovered some incredible pieces of Craft Alliance history in our archives at The State Historical Society of Missouri, and we couldn't wait to share them with our community!

Pictured here is the legendary master metalsmith and former Washington University professor, Heikki Seppa, standing alongside one of his breathtaking, large-scale sculptural metal forms.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿" 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The accompanying St. Louis Post-Dispatch feature captures a monumental milestone: our 25th Anniversary "Silver Wear" exhibition. To commemorate the occasion, Seppa hand-forged a show-stopping necklace combining sterling silver, 18-karat gold, and a rare piece of rutilated quartz. He meticulously crafted five V-shaped bars to sit beneath the quartz—with each individual bar representing five years of Craft Alliance's history.

Seppa’s dedication to the "sophistication of slight gradation" and his refusal to rely on machine-made chains perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the maker movement. Every single link was individually fashioned by hand to proudly display the mark of true craftsmanship.

Carrying the Torch in the Delmar Maker District

Decades later, that exact same passion for contemporary craft, community education, and pushing the boundaries of metalwork thrives right here in our studios. Heikki Seppa helped shape the foundation of the St. Louis arts scene, and we are proud to continue honoring that legacy every day in the Delmar Maker District.

"Anyone who has worked for Craft Alliance has had to put some heart into it." — Heikki Seppa

Are you ready to make your own mark on St. Louis art history? Drop by our website to explore our upcoming metalsmithing and jewelry sessions, or visit our gallery shop to support the next generation of local makers.

Explore our studios & classes: www.craftalliance.org/classes/

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!

We are Craft Alliance, a nonprofit art center dedicated to nurturing creativity and engagement, educating and enriching our community through craft. Located right here in the vibrant Delmar Maker District of St. Louis, we provide an inclusive community for artists, enthusiasts, and students to explore and celebrate craft in all its forms.

Make sure to get updates on all our events, programs, and classes. Sign up for the Craft Alliance newsletter! Whether you are interested in our professional artist faculty or our studios for blacksmithing, ceramics, fibers, glass, metals, print & paper, and woodcraft, our newsletter is your gateway to it all.

At Craft Alliance, we believe craft can inspire, connect, and transform lives. We are so incredibly proud of the work our local makers do, and we want you to be a part of this amazing journey!

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