Art Town Silver City, New Mexico

 

Tucked in to the foothills in SW New Mexico near the Arizona border is a delightful old Western town, Silver City. It's historic district is a creative dream. Lots of studios, galleries, cafes, restaurants and great public art. They host biannual art weekends and much more. The revitalization has retained the character of the town and includes green space. It's added bonus to the arts and crafts is the surrounding area. The dramatic and stunning Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Aldo Leopold Wilderness, historic Fort Bayard and the amazing Cat Walk amoung the attractions. Plan on staying a few days to enjoy and experience it all. 

Check the website and put it on your 'to go to' list!

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!

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!😊

Congratulations to Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City, OR, Star Award 2019

American Craft Week celebrates 2019 Star Award winner for Exceptional Nonprofit Support, Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City, OR. Crossroads is without a doubt the backbone of the area's arts scene. They are strong supporters of the annual studio tour, offer workshops, exhibitions and their outreach program is exceptional. During 2019 ACW one of their events was to bring in K-2 students on a field trip from Keating Elementary, a remote, rural traditional one-room schoolhouse. A children's author read a book to them and then they all illustrated scenes from the book. What a wonderful day for those children! Check out their website and Facebook page for more information. If you're in the Eastern part of Oregon, don't miss Crossroads!

Image of students courtesy Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center

Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City OR

Celebrate a 2019 Star Award winner - Berea College Student Craft in Kentucky

A salute to Berea College Student Craft, KY, for the ACW Outstanding Legacy of Craft Education & Demonstrations 2019 Star Award.
Berea College is a craft lovers dream.  They started in 1893 with weaving and have grown to be one of the great traditional & new crafts teaching institutions anywhere. Any visit is a treat, plan a trip, you won't be disappointed! Check out  their website and Facebook page for more information. Congratulations Berea College Student Craft!

Image courtesy of Berea College Student Craft Facebook page

Star award nominations??

It was a great week to showcase American Craft. All the artists, galleries, studio tours and fun events were creative and you had fabulous time, right? And now we want to hear from you, just a few days left to nominate your favourite event, crafter, gallery for a Star Award. Quick...fill in the entry form and show support for your artists or gallery or studio tour,  or ...or..! So, check the list out and let us hear from you now! Enteries must be in by Saturday, October 20.
Thank you for supporting American Craft Week 2019 💗

Straw bales Studio open in Philo, California

William MacLeod at work in his studio. Image courtesy of artists website

You need to visit this home and studio in California during this American Craft Week! Artists William and Nancy MacLeod built their straw bales home and studio themselves. He is a carpenter, she is a painter and the magical result is Folk Art Fantasy Furniture in Philo, CA. They are hosting an open studio October 11-13 at 21921 Panorama Way. Don't miss a chance to visit this unique studio. Information on their website. Make your plans and have a fun day out. Enjoy American Craft Week!

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!

Get your State involved!

Last year the American Craft Week Star Award for Exceptional Support from the Public Sector went to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD.) A well deserved award. TDTD supports Tennessee Craft Week (check out one of their fabulous videos below) with an annual monetary sponsorship - and this makes a big difference. State support can really make an impact on the craft & arts industry. And the craft and arts industry is a big money earner for states. It should be a natural partnership.
Find out how your state is involved in promoting the creative economy and what more they could do. Raise awareness - a creative community enriches every day life. Make sure people discover, and joins, American Craft Week - ACW highlights the crafts on a national scale. Help us, help your state and help local crafts and artists! 
And mark your calendar for 4-13 October 2019 for this is our 10th anniversary. It's special!

https://youtu.be/s9CxdBct_-4