Art Town Ely, Nevada Murals are a must see

 

Ely, Nevada on the Eastern end of US 50  - the loneliest highway - boasts a superb mural tour. The little town hosted the 2004 Global Mural Convention which attracted artists from many countries. Some painted murals alongside local artists. The murals depict numerous aspects of the cultures and industries that built the area, e.g. the Basque shepherds,  the pony express and mining. It's a great example of wonderful public art bringing life to a small town. Mark Ely, Nevada on your bucket list, it's a great experience. Close by is the beautiful Great Basin National Park. Plus driving Hwy 50 is an experience of stark beauty and endless vistas. For more info check out the website and Nevada website

Art Town - Trinidad, Colorado

 

Trinidad, Colorado, sits right on the NE border of New Mexico, you get to experience the mountains and the plains. It's a funky, lively town and has a great art and crafts vibe. Home to everything from fine arts to jaw-dropping art cars to fun public art. The esteemed organisation, ArtSpace, is restoring a historic building in to a performance arts facility plus building a block of live & work artist apartments on the edge of town near the old train depot. There's fabulous outdoor adventures and drives in the surrounding area with a long history in mining. Much of the public art pays homage to their mining history.

Check out the website and add it to your list of must visit art spots! Enjoy.

Jewelers Extraordinaire

 

Images courtesy artists website

If you're looking to buy an exclusive piece of jewelry for a present or for any reason ... please check out American Craft Week supporters, Tom Reardon and Kathleen Doyle. They create beautiful  jewelry in their studio in Asheville,  North Carolina combining gold, sterling silver, mixed metals and gemstones. Check out their website or if your interested the area, give them a call to set up an appointment. 

Excellent article in Handmade Business Magazine

 

A big thank you to Handmade Business Magazine for running this article on #ACW2020 Art Therapy in the Time of Covid contest featuring all the winners! We appreciate your support. Please share, buy the magazine and spread the word.  Link here for ACW website with list of winners.

Regina Design 2 month exhibit & October 3 studio events

 

An exciting exhibit featuring ACW2020 participant, the talented Regina Designs is opening at Blackboard Gallery, October 1 through November 30. She is also hosting an open studio with weaving demos throughout the day on October 3 at Studio city at the Studio channel Islands in Camarillo, California. Check out her website for details and mark your calendars.  

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.

Welcome to Dinkra Stylez from Maryland

 

We're delighted to welcome teen owned and operated craft design firm, Dinkra Stylez of Brandywine, MD to ACW2020. Her mission is to create colourful, fun and engaging products to promote literacy about African heritage. Check out her website and watch 'her story' video ... it's very cool. Brava and good luck to this determined and talented young lady!

Art Therapy in the Time of Covid winners

Artist Susan Wiersema of Bainbridge Island, Washington State, one of the winners in the exhibit

Have you seen all the fabulous winners of American Craft Week Art Therapy in the Time of Covid art contest yet? Click here right away and check them all out. It's an amazing exhibit ... enjoy!

Cape Anne Artisans plan 2 summer mini-studio tours July 18 and August 15

Cape Anne Artisans plan two special “mini-tours” in July and August. Many of the artists can't open their studios because of Covid-19. However, a few can and they have scheduled Saturday, 18 July and 15 August to hold a mini-tour from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. They encourage you to make an appointment, but it is not essential, and Covid-19 rules will apply, so please wear a face mask, practise social distancing and use hand sanitizer. Remember to look for the pink tour banners!

The participating Gloucester artists (with links to websites) are ;

Jillian Demeri, Beth Williams Studio, Cape Ann Designs - Jacqueline Ganim-Defalco, Plum Cove Pottery - David Archibald.

The Participating Rockport artists are :

Cynthia Curtis, Pam Stratton, Twin Lights Studio – Scott and Erin O'Sullivan-Place

For details, the Cape Anne Artisans website has information and links.
American Craft Week encourages you to attend these mini studio tours, support local craft and art... and have fun but please, be safe! Please also share this notice on your social media and to your friends. Thank you!

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! 🌟

Did you know? Libraries can sign up for free!

American Craft Week loves libraries! ACW offers all libraries free participation. It's a wonderful way to involve your community in crafts, reading and a grand time. The library plans to hold a craft event during the week of 2-11 October 2020 and lists it on our participants page and then it's seen around the nation. How cool is that? Please help us and spread the word! It takes just a few minutes to sign up online, here is the link to our sign up page.

The Village Potters Clay Center rocks!

It is always a delight to welcome The Village Potters Clay Center back to American Craft Week! They throw a grand event filled week every time, so inspiring! Located in the fabulous Asheville River Arts District in the Western North Carolina mountains, they are creative, fun and share their joy of pottery whole heartedly. There are 6 resident potters, they hold workshops, have a Scholarship fund and so much more. Be sure to bookmark their website and Facebook page so you don't miss out on their events and news. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by.
ACW can't wait to see what their plans are for the week of fun, 2-11 October, this year.

Image courtesy of The Village Potters Facebook page

Mark your calendars for a great 2020 American Craft Week!

 It's never too early to get excited and make plans for American Craft Week during
 2-11 October 2020! Mark your calendars and get those creative juices flowing. We look forward to welcoming new and previous participants (not old participants, we never get old, right?)
Spread the word and let the fun begin...

Happy New Year!

As 2019 draws to it's close, American Craft Week wishes everyone a happy New Year and all the best for 2020. Let's all make the new decade a special time with great creativity. Be safe and have fun! See you in 2020 🌟🎆🎉.

http://americancraftweek.com

Star Award..Best State Side Craft Event AND Outstanding Craft Community Event

 Congratulations to Tennessee...they put on an amazing show of Craft and talent during American Craft Week!!
Bravo/Brava to TN Craft Week! They hosted a great example of the wonderful celebration of craft... Check out their website and follow them on Facebook.
Tennessee also received the Outstanding Craft Community Event..... The McNairy County Quilt & Craft Trail in Selmer, TN. Who can resist a display of beautiful quilts...the stories, the color and the craftsmanship!
Congratulations to them all.

Star Awards! Best multi day event winner ...

Image courtesy of Firefly gallery website 

Big congratulations to Firefly Craft Gallery in Flat Rock, NC for the wonderful events during American Craft Week! Firefly Craft Gallery is a must visit. They carry the work of some of Western North Carolina's most accomplished Crafters and artist.
To get a taste to this marvellous gallery, follow this this link to their website and start planning your trip to visit them. You're assured of a warm welcome!

Passport Trail in Pennsylvania! Oh yes!

American Craft Week is nearly here. You don't want to miss this cool event! Cumberland Valley Arts in PA has a special Passport Trail planned. There are 15 galleries, studios and shops on the trail and events include artists demonstratios and trunk shows. Enter for a gift certificate plus 10% discount on any item. Check out their website and Facebook page and events page for details and more information. It will be a great time...enjoy!

Celebrate Cape Ann Artisans

American Craft Week is proud to welcome back the Cape Ann Artisans Studio Tour in Massachusetts joining with us from 12-14 October to celebrate their 36th year. This is one of the oldest studio tours in the country. Help them make it one of the best yet! Start planning for it now, go to their website and download the map and brochure. Have a great time!

Congratulations to the winners!

http://americancraftweek.com

American Craft Week announced the winner, runners up and honourable mentions for the Paying Homage to the Number 10 - a fun competition to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Congratulations to the winner of the grand prize, Charlotte Arvelle from Mount Carroll, Illinois for her beautiful glass work. Her piece, "Crafting Under a Star Studded Sky," cleverly depicts the tools used by artists of the many craft disciplines.
Check out her piece, and see how many tools you can find, and how many 10's you can count!  Take time to see all the other great runners up and honourable mentions on the Showcase website. Congratulations to them all.

Http://facebook.com/charlottearvelleglass