Spotlight on American Craft

Emily Catherine Johnson, whose “Cell Band Set” is shown, is an artist at the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Kalin Kauppila

This fall, connect with artists, galleries and museums that focus on fine handmade American craft during American Craft Week, Oct. 1-10. The national roster includes venues like the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and Grovewood Studios in Asheville, N.C. We’ve highlighted events in just a few states below. You’ll find a full list at www.americancraftweek.com.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Organized by Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow and Craft in America, the two-day conference “Crafting a Nation” will convene Oct. 8-9 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to examine the roots and future of handmade American craft.

MINNESOTA

“On & On,” an exhibition at the Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul, will explore the work of local painter Ta-coumba Aiken juxtaposed with the work of four ceramic artists Sept. 11-Oct. 10.

“Ceramics Then/Ceramics Now,” an exhibition at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul, will feature regional ceramic work from the 1950s to the present Sept. 30-Oct. 21.

Head to the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis for the First Thursday in the Arts District Oct. 7 to explore the studios of more than 40 artists.

MISSOURI

The Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson celebrates its 50th anniversary with the National Harvest Festival Sept. 11-Oct. 30, which features the work of 50 American artists in a special “Craft in America” exhibition.

NORTH CAROLINA

Wander the streets of downtown Asheville for its monthly Art Walk Oct. 1 to visit more than 20 galleries offering everything from handmade jewelry to art glass.

Visit the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown Oct. 2-3 for its 37th annual Fall Festival to explore the booths of more than 200 artisans.

Head to Asheville’s Grovewood Studios Oct. 9 for a self-guided Open Studio Tour, where you’ll see everything from fiber to garden sculpture by 10 artists.

Wind your way through the back roads of East Asheville, Black Mountain and Swannanoa during the East of Asheville Studio Tour Oct. 9-10, when 30 artists open their studios.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild rings in the week with a variety of Craft Demonstrations at the Asheville Folk Art Center Oct. 1-10.