About Us

About Us

HCCC serves as a treasured resource in the Houston arts community and the region by showcasing exhibitions that span a diversity of artists and concepts, introducing visitors of all ages to contemporary craft through a variety of educational programming and events, and supporting the development of working artists through artist residency and retail programs.

HCCC showcases the best in contemporary craft in a welcoming environment that invites you to stay for a while or drop in often. We hope that you’ll visit, follow us online, and become a supporter. Free Docent-led tours are available for groups, if scheduled in advance.

Our Story

Mission & Vision

Founded in 2001, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s mission is to inspire and connect people to the art and process of making. Our vision is to be a dynamic hub at the intersection of craft and contemporary culture.

As an arts center in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to be as inclusive as possible for all audiences and are committed to serving as an institution that welcomes and respects everyone–regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status.

What is Contemporary Craft?

Contemporary craft connects makers, materials, and methods to create art that shapes communities and enriches daily life. Traditionally, the craft community placed great value on the functional object and classified those objects by material–in particular, clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. However, craft today embraces skilled individuals who experiment with many materials and methods. Makers challenge the ways in which we think about objects and how we connect to each other through object making, providing an outlet to express ideas, emotions, and define who we are.

Getting ready to break ground for Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in 2000. 

Based on input from board, staff, artists, and community members, our strategic plan outlines major priorities for 2025 – 2028.

Our FY23-24 annual report highlights our recent accomplishments, exhibitions, and programming.

Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Bob Schwartz
President

Sara S. Morgan
Founding President

Mariela Poleo
Vice President

Isabelle Asakura
Second Vice President

Rob Greenstein
Second Vice President

Maggie McKay
Secretary

Duane Kelley
Treasurer

Judy Nyquist
Immediate Past President

Leila Cartier
Executive Director

Nana Booker
Porshae’ Brown
Dale Cover
Mona Elamin
John Guess
Alecia Harris
Edward Lane McCartney
Priya Ramkissoon
José Solís
Robert Tai
Tracye Wear
Lorie Westrick
Sandie Zilker

Advisory Committee

Eddie Allen
Houston

Laura Babka
Cleveland, OH

Jereann Chaney
Houston

Phyllis Childress
Houston

Helen Drutt
Philadelphia

Mel & Lee Eagle
Columbia, SC

Nicole Franklin
New York City

Sharon & John Hoffman
Kansas City

Anna Holliday
Houston

Anne Lamkin Kinder
Houston

Rody Lopez
Los Angeles

Anna Mavromatis
Houston

Zesty Meyers
New York City

Catherine Morgan
Houston

Shaheen Rahman
Houston

Rachel Rearick
Pittsburgh

Winifred Riser
Houston

Hannah Siegel-Gardner
Houston

Cindi Strauss
Houston

Jennifer Zwilling
Philadelphia

Staff

Leila Cartier (she/her)
Executive Director
713.529.4848 Ext. 103
Email Leila

Lucy Carranza (she/her)
Visitor Services Associate
713.529.4848 Ext. 101
Email Lucy

Sarah Darro (she/her)
Curator + Exhibitions Director
713.529.4848 Ext. 104
Email Sarah

Mary Headrick (she/her)
Deputy Director
713.529.4848 Ext. 107
Email Mary

María-Elisa Heg (she/her)
Digital Content Manager
713.529.4848
Email María-Elisa

René Henry (she/her)
Marketing Manager + Lead Designer
713.529.4848 Ext. 108
Email Rene

Zaynab Hilal (she/her)
Curatorial Fellow
713.529.4848 Ext. 113
Email Zaynab

Jessica Jacobi (she/her)
Development Manager
713.529.4848 Ext. 106
Email Jessica

Jeniffer Perales Garcia (she/her)
Education + Programs Manager
713.529.4848 Ext. 102
Email Jeniffer

Chloe Spradling (she/her)
Visitor Services Associate
713.529.4848 Ext. 101
Email Chloe

Victor Suarez (he/him)
Facility Manager
713.529.4848 Ext. 109
Email Victor

Natalie Svacina (she/her)
Associate Deputy Director
713.529.4848 Ext. 111
Email Natalie

Kerrisa Treanor (she/her)
Retail + Sales Coordinator
713.529.4848
Email Kerrisa

Sean Yarborough (he/him)
Accounting Director
Email Sean

Funding &
Partnerships

HCCC is funded in part by grants from The Brown Foundation; Houston Endowment, Inc.; the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance; Texas Commission on the Arts; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Kinder Foundation; the Morgan Foundation; Windgate Charitable Foundation; and the Wortham Foundation. HCCC is a member of the Houston Museum District and the Midtown Arts District.

Partners

Employment

Openings

Full-time Reception and Retail Associate

HCCC seeks a welcoming, detail-oriented individual with a passion for contemporary craft to join us as the Reception and Retail Associate. The person in this central, public-facing role is the first point of contact for visitors and should promote a warm and professional environment while supporting the sales of unique, handmade works. As part of a collaborative and creative team, the position manages a variety of administrative responsibilities, which contribute to the daily operations and overall mission of the organization.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated administrative experience plus customer service or sales experience. Knowledge and appreciation of creative arts is preferred. This position works a Tuesday – Saturday schedule and occasional evening events.

To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here

Internships

Thank you for your interest in interning at HCCC. Interns can take on meaningful roles in our education, exhibitions, marketing, and arts administration departments. Currently, we have no openings, but please reach out to your school’s internship and career center to ask about future partnerships and ways they might help us connect. 

Lorem Ipusm

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is an equal opportunity employer. HCCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, age, military and/or veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

All applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Visit the following links for more information Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Opportunities

Request for Proposals: Consultant for Marketing Audit & Plan

HCCC is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a thorough audit of its current marketing and communications efforts. The audit will assess the effectiveness of existing strategies, identify gaps and opportunities, and translate findings into a strategic marketing plan. This initiative will help the organization strengthen its marketing strategy, enhance audience engagement, and maximize the impact of campaigns during a critical juncture in the organization’s history.

Click here for the complete details. 

Founded in 2001, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) is a nonprofit arts organization with a mission to inspire and connect people to the art and process of making. The Center’s major emphasis is on objects of art made primarily from craft materials such as clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials.

4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located in the Houston Museum District, two blocks south of Highway 59, near Rosedale St. Visitors should park in the free parking lot located directly behind the building, off Rosedale and Travis Streets, and enter through the back entrance. 

Free Admission

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10 AM – 5 PM

4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located in the Houston Museum District, two blocks south of Highway 59, near Rosedale St. Visitors should park in the free parking lot located directly behind the building, off Rosedale and Travis Streets, and enter through the back entrance. 

Free Admission

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10 AM – 5 PM