About us

We are a collaborative craft-centered space for shopping, learning & connecting

What is Alloy Atelier?

Alloy: a compound, mixture, or union of different things

Atelier: an artist's or designer's studio or workshop

Alloy Atelier is an experiential retail space in Philadelphia that offers a curated selection of jewelry and crafts, along with hands-on workshops and classes. We celebrate the spirit of craftsmanship by showcasing locally made, high-quality goods and providing workshops that foster hands-on learning and skill development.

Our goal is to build a welcoming community that inspires creativity, encourages collaboration, and forms lasting connections between creators and supporters of the handmade arts.

Meet the founders...

  • Kaitlin Kerr

    Owner & Jeweler behind Echo Metals

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    Kaitlin crafts modern talismans through traditional metalsmithing, with each piece designed to evoke joy and nostalgia. Her work, rooted in a passion for community, collaboration, and celebration, reflects the vibrant contrasts of life’s kaleidoscopic beauty and darkness.

    https://echometals.com/ 

  • Maricha Genovese

    Owner & Jeweler behind The Tiny Jeweler

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    Maricha creates limited production and custom fine jewelry that honors our fulfilling and irreplaceable connection to the natural world. Each piece is meticulously handmade with intention and encourages us to learn important life lessons through time spent outdoors.

    https://thetinyjeweler.com/ 

The Dream Team...

Kaitlin Kerr and Maricha Genovese met while studying crafts and metals in Philadelphia from 2005-2009. While studying under esteemed jeweler Sharon Church at The University of The Arts, Kaitlin and Maricha were trained in the ultra-traditional, process-driven art of gold and silversmithing.

Post-graduation, the two continued to steadily develop their individual studio practices while diverging slightly in their professional focuses... Kaitlin delving into education and Maricha exploring shops and galleries. Between shared studio spaces and commissioned works, Alloy Atelier is far from the first collaboration between the two.

A Legacy of Craft

Craft in Philadelphia...

Philadelphia has a long-standing history as a hub for craftspeople and creatives. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the nation's oldest museums, was founded in 1876 as the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, following the Centennial Exhibition—a world’s fair held to commemorate the founding of the United States. The museum and school were originally established to showcase industrial objects and decorative arts, as well as to provide training for craftsmen. Eventually, in 1964, the school would separate from the museum and go on to become The University of the Arts.

The University of the Arts...

The sudden closure of The University of the Arts this year shocked the city and marked a final blow in a series of losses for the UArts crafts community. After years of gradually dismantling the crafts department, the entire university ultimately closed its doors, leaving a significant void. Craftspeople, often sentimental by nature, deeply value their lineage, with skills passed down through generations—a tradition our mentor emphasized throughout our training.

Preserving tradition at Alloy...

At Alloy Atelier, our primary educational goal is to preserve and expand the rich tradition of metalworking, not only within our community of skilled artisans but also by introducing these crafts to a wider audience. We envision the atelier as a collaborative space where people can gather, learn, exchange ideas, and participate in critiques and exhibitions, all while enjoying a unique and immersive retail experience. Kaitlin and Maricha will showcase their brands, Echo Metals and The Tiny Jeweler, alongside a curated selection of wearable jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces from other artists. As jewelry is crafted in the shared studio space, visitors will have the opportunity to shop while observing a working metals studio in action.