Betty Raphael Main Menu An Evangelist for the Arts Riverview Community Action Corporation A federally funded anti-poverty program operating in the boroughs of Oakmont and Verona of Pennsylvania. The Sociable Workshop Contemporary Craft

The Store

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In July 1971 two college students, Charles Knell and Nancy Gaydos, open "The Store for art & crafts & people-made things." “To finance it, they borrow $50 each from Dr. and Mrs. Tom Allen, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Erbe, Mr. and Mrs. Orin Raphael.”  By September 1971, The Store was preparing to close its doors when Mrs. Raphael got RCAC involved, who agrees "to continue selling local craftwork if The Store moves to a larger space where used clothing and household goods can be accommodated.”  So the Store moved a few storefronts down the street and began molding into a wonderful and unique space. 

Unlike similar organizations, the Store was a non-profit and did not operate in a consignment format because Betty Raphael felt the consignment system was unfair to craftspeople, most of whom were struggling to make a living. Instead, the Store bought items in full, and they would remain on the shelves until they were sold. Initially the Store predominantly displayed local artists' work, but as it gained national recognition began exhibiting the best known craftspeople in the country.

In 1973, a new project developed out of the Store that made the space even more varied and dynamic.  This project was called the Sociable Workshop.

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