This is NoCo
Our Story
We are The Novelty Collective (NoCo), a Christian nonprofit organization on a mission to redeem the arts & cultivate creativity in community. We welcome artists & aesthetes alike, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, faith, background, or identity. Our network, our space, & our programs function to connect people to each other, to new opportunities, & to conversations about art & faith.
Restore Creation to its Creator
The vision of NoCo, to restore creation to its Creator, is anchored in our belief that everything in existence was created by God for His pleasure, with man alone formed in His image & likeness (Gen. 1:26, Col. 1:16-17). Since all people were made by God, our true purpose can only be found in God. We believe that purpose is to bring Him glory & enjoy Him forever (Ps. 100, Is. 43:7, Eph. 2:10, 1 Cor. 10:31). We can think of no better way to engage our purpose than by exercising our creativity. Each of us has inherited a unique aspect of God’s limitless imagination, & we are all invited to create in partnership with Him—to express our love & appreciation of Him & the beauty of His creation through the arts.
Art For All
Our organization was formed not only to serve active musicians & makers, but to give everyone a chance to express themselves through the arts by lowering the bar of entry & removing common barriers. We make art accessible & affordable, illuminate the intrinsic value of art, & empower the artist to create by providing free studio space, art supplies, enrichment programs, & community events. No matter where you are in your creative journey, you are welcome here! Explore the rest of the NoCo website to discover more about our offerings.
The Genesis
The Novelty Collective began as the dream of one brilliant visionary & clever innovator with a passion to redeem the arts. With an extensive background in positive youth development & an impressive network of DIY artists, Brittany was more than ready to open her own art center in Pittsburgh by the time she came across the unique space in which our organization now resides. Brittany wrote a proposal to the Parish & Community Development grant board & was awarded enough capital to establish The COVE Art Center in 2016.
What began as a unique after-school program has grown to become a network of families & individuals across the United States who share our passion for art in all its beautiful forms, for intentional community, & for the kingdom of God. The Novelty Collective has served hundreds of middle school & high school students from Pittsburgh, jump-started dozens of fledgling creative careers among adult artists, & brought thousands of patrons & participants to our events. Best of all, NoCo has created countless opportunities for people to experience the perfect love of Christ that casts out fear and invites everyone to the table.
