Welcome - Witamy!
The Cracow Creche Workshop™, a division of cracowcrafts.com, is an educational endeavor established in 2003 to promote the appreciation of the Cracow Szopka (commonly called a crèche) Created by artist-educator David Motak with the assistance of his partner, Jack Samuels, a former education administrator, the Cracow Creche Workshop sponsors lectures and workshops in Western Pennsylvania and around the country, hosts an annual exhibition of student works and sponsors an annual Holiday Tour to Poland as well as various other cultural activities.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, the “Szopka Projects” has grown tremendously over the past several years, becoming both national and international in scope. During that time, through numerous workshops, lectures, exhibitions and cultural events Dave has established the Szopka Art Form in the United States and has become the nation’s leading expert on Szopka Making and history. Dave’s efforts have been supported by various funding agencies, including the Institute for Cultural Partnerships, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the PA Humanities Council, among others. In addition, Dave’s individual work as an artist continues to attract increased recognition. He was recently presented the prestigious 2009 Working Artist Award by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. For more information on Dave, please click here.
2009 Holiday Tour to Poland
Announcing the 2009 Holiday Tour to Poland.
Work of Art Awards
Dave was recently selected as the recipient of the prestigious Work of Art Awards, presented by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
One of the highest recognitions that can be bestowed on an individual artist in Western Pennsylvania, the Working Artist Award recognizes an individual artist who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, boldness and creativity in advancing their art form. In presenting the Award, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council recognized Dave “as a leading promoter and practitioner of the Cracow Szopka art form in the United States, whose individual works, student workshops, szopka exhibitions and cultural events have shown tremendous leadership, innovation and drive in promoting his Pittsburgh-based initiative.”
The Award was presented on Monday, June 1 at gala ceremonies at the Pittsburgh Opera’s new building in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.
