Meet Ann Sanicola Jewelry from Cochise, Arizona

 

American Craft Week is delighted to welcome first time participant, Ann Sanicola Jewelry from AZ to ACW2020. Her work specializes in bracelets, earrings and necklaces using local stone. Anne notes, "All are one of a kind pieces which grew out of stones, which tell me their stories. " 

Check out her website to see samples of her creations, read her story & give her a big welcome to ACW2020.

Mountain Made in Asheville, N.C., creating poetry in the mountains for ACW2020

 

A long time supporter of American Craft Week, Mountain Made in Grove Arcade, Asheville,  N.C., has great ideas for ACW2020... they'll be hosting a graffiti painting project and doing a book of poetry & thoughts on 'The Year of 2020.' The book will eventually be published and sold with profits going to charity. How cool is that? Be sure to check out their website for more information. And if you're in the area, definitely attend their events. They're going to be such fun  ... don't forget your mask!😊

Welcome to CLAYFOLK .. Southern Oregon Potters Assoc

 

American Craft Week is delighted to welcome Clayfolk - Southern Oregon Potters Association to ACW2020 and we look forward to a long and happy relationship for many more years. Check out their talented members under the gallery menu on their website. We look forward to hearing what events they have planned and we'll be sure to let you know. 

Please Support Crafting The Future

Shanti Broom, a Crafting the Future recipient, during her 2019 summer workshop at Penland School of Crafts.

 Photo courtesy of Crafting The Future's website

American Craft Week  promotes all American craft and crafters/artists with enthusiasm. And when crafters/artists help other crafters/artists, we love it even more. So we'd like to introduce you to Crafting the Future. Their website explains, "Crafting The Future is a collective of artists concerned about the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the fields of craft, art and design. We formed in order to change our community. Working together and combining resources, we support the careers of young, underrepresented artists by connecting them to opportunities that will help them thrive."
Crafting the Future partners with organizations around the country, such as the renown Penland School of Craft  in North Carolina, The Haystack School in Maine and YAYA, a youth arts organization in New Orleans, La. They raise funds through subscriptions, grants and kickstarters to enable crafters to attend workshops and courses in their field.
Whether you're an artist or crafter, a collector or a passionate supporter of the arts, please consider helping. Check out, and follow, their website and Instagram
We wish them, and the talented recipients, continued success in this wonderful endeavour.

Vermont Virtual Spring Studio Tour, May 23 and 24 - don't miss it!

For 27 years bright yellow signs have popped up all over the verdant state of Vermont to direct visitors to art studios and galleries for the VT Spring Studio Tour.  This year Covid19 has put a dent in the long tradition, so the Vermont Craft Council and their artists quickly adapted and are holding a virtual studio tour this weekend, May 23 and 24.
Check out the website for information.  Artists have pictures of their work with links to their social media pages, websites and videos showing their studio space and working styles.  You browse through them and be sure to have the credit card ready ... there are wonderful treasures to be found.  It all starts at 8 a.m. this Saturday, May 23... enjoy!

Sculpture by metal artist Steve Bronstein of Blackthorne Forge. image courtesy of VT Craft website

Art therapy in the time of Covid19 ... artist contest

American Craft Week has announced the artist contest for 2020. Check it out - there's a $500 prize for the winner... and more, plus the top finalists will be featured in the showcase website. Check out the rules, download the application form...get really good photos and apply before 12 June.  Links on the website. Good luck! 🌟

How are you promoting your work during quarantine?

Artists, crafters, businesses are all trying new ways to promote themselves in this time of lockdowns and change. Some already had an active online presence, others are just starting. Sending out challenges is something many have done. Or special offers on certain pieces. Virtual studio tours. Videos showing their process of creating. Search art groups for ideas. Facebook haslots of creative groups...join some and experiment with news techniques, ask questions, don't be afraid to make mistakes.
What have you done? Let us know, please share with us and the world ...
I'll leave you with this great time lapsed video of Athens, Georgia based artist, Will Eskridge. Its a wonderful glimpse into his creative process. Will is a full time professional artist, so working from his home studio is not too different for him. He's a talented painter, musician (yes..the background music is his own composition) and he's pretty nifty with technology.  Check out his website and blog and see the various challenges & ideas he's tried.
We're all in this together - let's help each other.

Video courtesy of artist