Support your local artists!

"Support your local artist," may sound like a no-brainer, but have you thought about how much it impacts the local economy and community? Say you're on a vacation and want a special memento or a unique gift to take to your best friend. Take the time to find out where the local artists are, which galleries they're in or do they have open studio days? If you buy the perfect unique piece of jewelry, a beautifully blown glass container, a wooden bowl turned to perfection or that piece of pottery you can't resist, it will remind you of your special time. And the money you spent doesn't need to be a huge amount but it will have a big impact if many people spend locally... perhaps it'll help pay for a child's school, to buy groceries, fill a tank of gas... you get the picture.

So, spend some time going through the wonderful participants over the years of American Craft Week, check out their websites – here's an example, Alexis Moyer, one of ACW's 2017 Star Award winners, has pottery which will have you reaching for your wallet without a second thought. If you're in California be sure to look her up.

So, now go buy local craft and art. It will make a big difference and you will have a fun time hearing the stories from the artists or the gallery owner. They make great dinner party stories when you get home ...

Photo of Alexis Moyer courtesy of the artist's website

Are you voting for your town?

America's Top Ten Craft Towns....
Voting is open for America's Top Ten Craft Towns... are you voting every day for your town? or your favorite craft town? Head over to American Craft Week Facebook page and vote... it's important!

Welcome back to a wonderful participant!

It's always good to see old friends! Every year we love having supportive participants of American Craft Week return for another grand celebration in October. We're going to highlight a participant every so often over the year and today we're delighted to welcome back Vermont Artisan Designs, they are stalwart of ACW. So, welcome back, Vermont Artisan Designs and thank you for your support!

Check out their website, make a note of their info and see how they do it so well!

Vermont Artisan Designs – plus their upstairs’ Gallery 2 – has been an extensive “showcase of fine art and hand-crafted gifts” in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont for more than 40 years

When you’re in southeastern Vermont, be sure to head to 106 Main Street and see this great gallery. They’re open 7 days a week. And they always take part in the local monthly event, First Friday Gallery Walk and are strong supporters of American Craft Week every October.

Phone is (802) 257-7044

Visit and like their facebook page 

VOTE! oh yes you must....

Here's a heads up folks! 
Voting for the Top Ten Craft Towns starts March 15... and there's room on the ballot for a couple more. Do you think your town should be listed? Go to the American Craft Week Facebook page, add it to the poll and start voting. Time is short.... it is a great boost for your town, travel writer's follow the competition every year. 

But you have to vote! Round up your town's fans and vote....and have fun.

Be inspired

Joining us for American Craft Week is easy and we want you to have fun. We ask you to arrange one event at least during the week. This can be a demonstration of throwing pots on a wheel, an artist talk to an elaborate multi-media group exhibit. You can get a number of arts related businesses near you to join up and throw an arty party for a weekend with studio tours, gallery events and performance art. Whatever works for you, the activities help the chorus of voices to highlight how important our crafts are to the quality of life and the economy of our communities.

So, now you've signed up to join us in 2018 and you need some ideas to get the creative juices going? Try checking out what previous participants have done.
A fabulous example for an exhibit during American Craft Week is North Carolina's Asheville Area Arts Council. They were the winner of the 2017 Star Award for "The Perfect ACW Exhibit." Check out all our Star Award winners AND other participants...they're all are fabulous!