April Love Letter
Back in 2019, I participated in a residency at Fallingwater with a group of Pittsburgh-based artists. It's one of those experiences that has stayed with me in a very specific way.
I've always been drawn to mid-century design, and Frank Lloyd Wright's work has held my attention for years. Living in Pittsburgh now, I don't take for granted how close I am to Fallingwater—I've visited many times—but this experience was different.
We stayed on the grounds and had extended access to the house, moving through spaces that are usually closed to the public. It shifted the scale of everything—less of a site to visit, more of a place to move through and sit with.
One day at lunch, I sat across from Rona Chang of Otto Finn and we immediately hit it off. She was working with old kantha quilts and reclaimed textiles—cutting, reworking, building them into reversible jackets by hand.
At the time, I was already deep into thinking about slow fashion—what it means to work with what already exists, to make things that last, to pay attention to process. A lot of those ideas would eventually shape Safran Everyday.
That conversation turned into a friendship, and over time, into collaboration.
One project I still think about is Every Body, a public photo series we worked on together. We would set up outside businesses with our jewelry and clothing and invite people passing by to model for us. We met so many people that way—some complete strangers who we're still in touch with now. It became a really direct way of engaging with the city and the people moving through it.
This week, I'm with Rona again—this time in Washington, DC, helping her at the Smithsonian Craft Show, held at the National Building Museum.
We drove down on Tuesday and spent the day setting up her booth, unpacking work and laying everything out until it started to settle into place.
The Smithsonian Craft Show
Rona will be showing her work alongside contemporary craft artists from across the country.
Show Hours:
April 23–25 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
If you are in the DC area, we would love for you to stop by the booth and visit us!
We are also in incredible company this week. If you are exploring the show—or just want to discover some beautiful craftsmanship from afar—make sure to check out these wonderfully talented Pittsburgh artists who are also exhibiting:
