Arts Travel: Desert Glass Grows in Phoenix

January 2009 | BY admin | April 2009, Issue 66 | NO COMMENTS

If you haven’t seen the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona, go during “Chihuly: The Nature of Glass” to catch 15 massive installations that mimic and complement desert plants before the exhibition ends May 31.

Although Dale Chihuly is no stranger to installing his work in gardens, this is his first desert project, so it allowed for exciting new works. “Saffron Tower,” for instance, stands almost 30 feet high. “Desert Wildflower Towers” mimics agaves, and tall “Red Reeds” runs parallel to oversized cacti.

Set among the red buttes of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is a sight in and of itself—it’s one of 44 gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums, and showcases more than 50 acres of outdoor exhibits, including 139 rare, threatened and endangered international species. The garden gives the Chihuly exhibit a boost with “Spiked! Chihuly Nights” on select Thursday evenings in March, April and May.

The events pair sculptures with Chihulyinspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for both members and non-members. Admission is $15 per person and may be purchased by calling 480-481- 8188 or visiting www.dbg.org.

Arts Travel: Art In Motion

January 2009 | BY Christine Kloostra | April 2009, Issue 66 | NO COMMENTS

: Photo courtesy of Jeff DeBevec

From bumper stickers to custom paint jobs, cars often serve as a canvas for personal expression, but don’t often make the leap to a work of art. On May 9, more than 250 canvases on wheels will take part in the 22nd annual Art Car Parade on the streets of Houston, Texas. What began as a procession of 40 decorated vehicles and a handful of onlookers has grown into the world’s largest art car parade, drawing more than 200,000 spectators. For more information, visit www.orangeshow.org.

Arts Walk: From Wicked to Wonderful

December 2008 | BY Jennifer Cushman | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

: Photo credit: Donna Chesler

When Donna Chesler, owner of Gallery 527 in Jerome, Ariz., is asked to describe the town’s First Saturday Art Walk, she keeps it brief: “It’s a helluva party,” she says with a grin.

Twenty-three participating studios and galleries pull out all the stops for Art Walk, a monthly event when Jerome stays open all evening. Few tourists ever experience the hilltop town at night, when the old-fashioned sodium vapor lights twinkle magically in the darkness.

“Jerome has always been an artists’ colony, but there’s new energy and excitement about the town’s art scene since our First Saturday Art Walk began,” explains Chesler, a photographer who is also the president of Jerome Art Walk, a nonprofit spearheading the celebration, which started in 2006.

“We’ve really put Jerome on the map as a national arts destination,” she proclaims.

Jerome has been an authentic artists’ colony since the early 1970s, when creative hippies discovered its charms. Prior to that, it was a boomtown mining camp from the late 1800s to the mid-1950s. A citizenry comprised of miners, prostitutes and opium dealers led the New York Post in 1903 to brand Jerome as “the wickedest town in America,” a moniker that’s still proudly peddled at a few establishments.

Jerome dwindled to less than 100 residents in 1953 when Phelps Dodge closed its copper mine. The small population survived the lean years by promoting Jerome as a historic ghost town, a gimmick that’s mostly died out. Even now, Jerome is still a tight-knit community of only 400 residents.

A major accomplishment was the dedication of the entire town as a National Historic District in 1966. The designation provides a legal foundation to ensure that its rustic, tumbled-down look remains intact. Visitors can still look out over sweeping desert vistas and taste the true flavor of the Old West.

For more of “Arts Walk: From Wicked to Wonderful,” pick up the February 2009 issue of AmericanStyle today!

Arts Travel: Hot Venue, Hotter Sculpture

December 2008 | BY admin | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

Are you ready to escape your wintry den for warm weather? Sculpture Key West is the perfect remedy. The annual juried outdoor exhibition of 32 sculptures by 35 local, national and international contemporary artists graces the tropical island this winter.

The 2009 participating artists faced a jury of five, led by Shamim Momin, co-curator of the 2008 Whitney Biennial, who were asked to consider cohesion when making final choices. Environmental, temporal, ethereal and site-specific works are the focus of the 2009 show. A few are so fragile they may break apart or “cease to exist” before the show ends.

Highlights include a tower of Cuban bread, a giant glowing halo and a hot pink trailer filled with snarling dogs.

The majority of the works will be shown at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park March 1-April 18, with an opening reception March 1 and an artist lecture preceding it Feb. 27. The other main venue, West Martello Tower, will display nine works Jan. 18-April 18, with an artist lecture Jan. 16.

All work on display is for sale, and the artists may also be contacted for commission work through Sculpture Key West. Visit www.sculpturekeywest.com for more information.

Arts Travel: Shining Light for Peace

December 2008 | BY admin | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

: Mirrors reflect light down the road to a 6-ton pillar of ultra-clear laboratory glass that stands on the 1998 Omagh bombing site in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland marked the 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement and the Omagh bombing last August by unveiling a memorial designed by artist Seán Hillen and architect Desmond FitzGerald.

Although some argue that a work of art makes an inappropriate memorial— it marks the site where 31 people, including two unborn twins and two Spanish nationals, were killed on Market Street by a car bomb in 1998, and hundreds more were injured—Hillen explains that the installation is designed to bring hope to the community by showing humanity at its best.

“I thought I would represent the enormity of the tragedy by showing what humans are capable of at their best, because we saw what they were capable of at their worst,” he says. “So I’ve put a heart symbol at that spot. … It’s a universal symbol of compassion.”

The mural features a 6-ton pillar of ultra-clear laboratory glass standing on the bombsite. A torso-sized heart made of cut crystal hangs at its core. The pillar connects to a garden memorial site via light. A series of mirrors installed at the memorial garden overlooking a small pool reflect light to another bank of mirrors, then onto the heart in the pillar.

Hillen’s wish is that residents will draw hope from the light when it reflects onto the heart, even if Omagh is known for receiving the least sunlight of all of Ireland. It adds to the poetic truth, Hillen says.

“The sun isn’t going to shine all the time, and that’s one of the sad truths of life, but we hope it will shine again.”

Arts Focus: Jewelry, Exalted

December 2008 | BY Frank Stankus | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

: A deck of cards inspired George Sawyer to create “Nautilus” in 2003 out of 18kt yellow and red gold, shakudo and South Sea pearls.

When designer, author and jewelry school founder Alan Revere was jurying one of the selections in Lark Books’ highly popular 500 series more than a year ago, the idea came to him for a different type of book. As president of one of the country’s most important jewelry organizations, he was keenly aware that he was figuratively sitting on a treasure trove of incomparable contemporary jewelry.

Revere belongs to a group of top American designers who banded together 20 years earlier under the name of American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) for the express purpose of bolstering the appreciation of jewelry design as art. As part of that mission, AJDC members set themselves the task of creating a work of art every year that expressed a theme chosen by committee. The topics for these “projects,” as they came to be called, ran the gamut from the literal, as in “sphere” and “pyramid,” to the more abstract, such as “peekaboo” and “hidden treasure.”

As a collection, the jewels could be used to demonstrate that, like painters and sculptors, jewelry designers also possess a broad artistic vision. When on display, the projects bring that point across forcefully. They are beautiful to look at, but the AJDC audience is limited. On occasion, the organization has been able to display the jewelry at museums and jewelry trade shows. But a book, Revere mused, could bring the message to a far greater amount of people.

: Kent Raible’s 2006 “Cosmic Clam Ring” graces the cover of Brillance!, chosen for the inventive way it fulfills the design challenge.

Revere broached the subject to Marthe Le Van at Lark Books and she immediately took to the idea. He further suggested two authors, the wife-and-husband team of Cindy Edelstein and Frank Stankus, and shortly afterward Brilliance! was conceived. In discussions about the book, it became clear that explaining the projects was as important as displaying them, so that approach was adopted.

While the AJDC members, who number about three dozen and are admitted by invitation only, are free to express themselves in any medium, most rely on what they know best—jewelry. The photographs show how they translate their ideas into three-dimensional forms and demonstrate what can only be called superior craftsmanship. The accompanying commentary provides insight into the thought processes of these gifted artisans when they are looking for ideas.

Not that it all comes easy. It’s amusing to read that some of the designers freely admit they didn’t like this or that theme. But when pressed to produce something, every designer invariably creates an astonishingly inventive and beautiful piece. There may be lessons to be learned from this, but the reader is far better served by simply indulging in the lush beauty of the works themselves. For those who do, the experience will be informative, gratifying and inspiring. It may even stir some emotions the way great art can. If that happens, the designer-artists at the AJDC will have done their job.

Arts Abroad: Sifnos, Greece

December 2008 | BY Vera Marie Badertscher | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

: The tiny hilltop communities of Sifnos, Greece, boast beautiful ocean views and a rich history of pottery.

Stone steps climb the steep hills covered with little white houses. Sifnos housewives outline the flagstones on the narrow paths and sketch daisies with whitewash. Scarlet geraniums and electric purple bougainvillea cascade from a tall, ridged pot once used for olive oil. Another stately vessel stands sentinel at a doorway, with a bright silk scarf tied around its neck.

Famous for excellent chefs, classic Cycladic architecture and a profusion of churches, the Greek island of Sifnos also answers to “Island of Potters.” At one time, every kitchen in the Aegean depended on heat-resistant cooking pots from Sifnos, shaped from the special siliceous clay soil of the island. The popularity of this rough earthenware, keramika, peaked in the 18th century, but as gas and electric replaced the aroma of wood smoke in kitchens, aluminum pans pushed aside clay pots.

The new millennium has seen a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts and culinary techniques, fueling the resurgence of Sifnos keramika. The work is quite affordable, usually ranging from 5 Euros for a small plate or bowl to 150 Euros for a large, complex piece. Since craftsmen generally sell their wares only in their own shops, browsing for plates and bowls provides a good excuse to explore the laid-back island.

For more of “Arts Abroad: Sifnos, Greece,” pick up the February 2009 issue of AmericanStyle today!

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Where to Go, What to See

December 2008 | BY Pat Worrell | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

Quilts are a symbol of our nation’s history, and continue to be an inspiration for highly regarded contemporary artists. No matter what corner of the country you live in, or what time of the year it is, there’s probably a venue close by where you can view world-class studio quilts. Here’s a look at some of the museums and galleries across the country that focus on quilts, as well as a few of the exhibitions and shows planned for this year.

Museums & Galleries

International Quilt Study Center & Museum
Lincoln, Neb.
www.quiltstudy.org
The new museum, opened last March, houses more than 2,300 quilts and a study center dedicated to the research and display of important quilts from international cultures.

Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
Paducah, Ky.
www.quiltmuseum.org
Established by Bill and Meredith Schroeder, founders of the American Quilter’s Society, the museum educates, promotes and honors today’s quilt artists.

New England Quilt Museum
Lowell, Mass.
www.nequiltmuseum.org
The museum’s permanent collection ranges from 18th-century quilts to contemporary quilts by renowned artists.

Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery
Alexandria, Va.
www.potomaccraftsmengallery.com
This co-op of 70 artists features 11 juried shows a year, exhibiting all forms of fiber art.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
Golden, Colo.
www.rmqm.org
In addition to a full exhibition schedule, the museum offers a permanent collection of more than 350 quilts, ranging from historic and traditional to contemporary.

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
San Jose, Calif.
www.sjquiltmuseum.org
Offers exhibitions of historical and contemporary quilts, gallery walks, artist talks and an educational outreach program for children.

The Textile Museum
Washington, D.C.
www.textilemuseum.org
While the museum’s permanent collection does not include quilts, it does organize quilt exhibitions as part of its ongoing exhibitions series, as well as public programs on all aspects of fiber arts.

Textile Museum of Canada
Toronto, Ont.
www.textilemuseum.ca
The museum’s permanent collection includes traditional fabrics, garments, carpets, beadwork and basketry. Contemporary exhibitions feature the work of Canadian and international artists.

Virginia Quilt Museum
Harrisonburg, Va.
www.vaquiltmuseum.org
Features three major exhibitions each year, as well as a permanent collection of early and contemporary quilts.

Visions Art Quilt Gallery
San Diego, Calif.
www.quiltvisions.org
Owned and operated by Quilt San Diego/Quilt Visions, the gallery hosts a new exhibition every two months.

Exhibitions & Shows

“By Chance/By Design: Mary Anne Jordan”
“Variations2: Eleanor McCain”
Through Jan. 25, 2009
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
San Jose, Calif.
www.sjquiltmuseum.org
Jordan’s quilts use simple designs with soft-focus lines and dots. McCain uses a square and grid to create sophisticated statements in quilt form.

“Speaking in Cloth: 6 Quilters, 6 Voices”
Through Jan. 31
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
Golden, Colo.
www.rmqm.org
This traveling exhibit offers entry into the worlds of six Northwest quilt artists.

“Quilts by Suzanne Marshall and Linda Roy”
Through Feb. 3
Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
Paducah, Ky.
www.quiltmuseum.org
Celebrating the art of hand technique through the eyes of these award-winning artists.

“Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee’s Bend Quilts, and Beyond”
Through Feb. 8
Loveland Museum
Loveland, Colo.
www.ci.loveland.co.us
Bendolph’s talent first gained national attention when it was featured in the 2002 blockbuster exhibition of Gee’s Bend, Ala., quilt artists.
The exhibition will also be shown at the Missouri Historical Society Museum in St. Louis, Mo., April 11-Sept. 13.

“Recycling and Resourcefulness: Quilts of the 1930s”
Through March 15
American Folk Art Museum
New York, N.Y.
www.folkartmuseum.org
Features quilts made by women who lived by the saying, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” during the Great Depression.

“Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Political and Patriotic Persuasion”
Through April 17
The Women’s Museum
Dallas, Texas
www.thewomensmuseum.org
This group of 19th- and 20th-century quilts explores the ways that women cast their votes in the years before suffrage.

“Form, Not Function: Quilt Art at the Carnegie”
Jan. 9-March 7
Carnegie Center for Art & History
New Albany, Ind.
www.carnegiecenter.org
A juried show of contemporary quilt art.

“Quilts of the Mid-Atlantic”
Jan. 16-March 10
Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
Quilts by guild members in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

“Personal Visions”
Jan. 16-March 22
Visions Art Quilt Gallery
San Diego, Calif.
www.quiltvisions.org
Features work by past jurors of the Quilt Visions biennial show.

“Yikes, Stripes!”
Jan. 16-April 5
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
Lincoln, Neb.
www.quiltstudy.org
An eclectic assortment of striped quilts.

“Fabric Connection: Seven Swiss Contemporary Quilt Artists”
Jan. 22-April 18
New England Quilt Museum
Lowell, Mass.
www.nequiltmuseum.org
Features the work of a seven-member Swiss quilt group founded in 2005.

“The Global Quilt: Cultural Contexts”
April 2-4
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
The 2009 biennial symposium will explore the ways in which a quiltmaker’s art is expressed and transmitted across cultures.

“Kaleidoscope Quilts: The Art of Paula Nadelstern”
April 21-Sept. 6
American Folk Art Museum
This is the museum’s first one-person exhibition highlighting the work of a contemporary quilt artist.

Quilt National ’09
May 23-Sept. 7
Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center
Athens, Ohio
www.quiltnational.com
This biennial international juried competition will feature more than 80 works that represent unique approaches to the medium.

“Seeing Green: Visions of a Changing Planet”
June 20-Aug. 16
Visions Art Quilt Gallery
An invitational exhibition of environmentally themed work.

Lowell Quilt Festival
Aug. 6-9
Lowell, Mass.
www.lowellquiltfestival.org
An annual citywide celebration of quilts, including a juried show, live auctions, gallery talks, workshops and more.

“Masters: Art Quilt”
Aug. 13-Nov. 10
Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
Featuring the recognized masters of the medium.

Fine Art of Fiber
Nov. 6-8
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, Ill.
www.fineartoffiber.org
The area’s oldest and largest fiber event includes quilts, as well as art-to-wear, weavings and beadwork.

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Studio Quilts for Everyone

December 2008 | BY Pat Worrell | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

Appreciation for studio quilts is growing, largely due to the hard work of organizations nationwide. There are hundreds of quilters’ guilds and cooperatives throughout the country (far too many to list here), so we urge you to do your own research to locate organizations in your area. Read on for a list of some of the national and international organizations that are working to push the medium further, as well as some of the events they have in the works.

Organizations

The Alliance for American Quilts
Asheville, N.C.
www.allianceforamericanquilts.org
A nonprofit that aims to document, preserve and share the American quilt heritage by collecting the stories of historical and contemporary quilts and their makers.

Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative
Burton, Mich.
www.alzquilts.org
This grassroots organization raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research through art exhibitions and projects.

American Quilter’s Society
Paducah, Ky.
www.americanquilter.com
Provides a forum for quilters of all skill levels to expand their horizons in quilt making, design, self-expression and collecting.

Friends of Fiber Art International
Western Springs, Ill.
www.friendsoffiberart.org
Plans programs, lectures, trips and exhibitions to educate potential collectors about the values and relevance of fiber art.

International Quilt Association
Houston, Texas
www.quilts.org
Dedicated to the public recognition and advancement of quilting as an art form, through a grant program, shows and other projects.

The National Quilting Association
Columbus, Ohio
www.nqaquilts.org
This nonprofit is involved in all matters pertaining to the creation, collection and preservation of quilts.

Quilt San Diego/Quilt Visions
San Diego, Calif.
www.quiltvisions.org
An international organization that presents exhibitions, workshops, lectures and discussions to promote the appreciation of quilts as art.

Studio Art Quilt Associates
Storrs, Conn.
www.saqa.com
A nonprofit organization that promotes art quilts through education, exhibitions, professional development and documentation.

Surface Design Association
Sebastopol, Calif.
www.surfacedesign.org
Aims to increase awareness and appreciation of textiles, including quilts, in art and design communities, as well as in the general public.

Events

“Transformations 08: Icons and Imagery”
Through Feb. 21, 2009
Coos Art Museum
Coos Bay, Ore.
www.coosart.org
This international traveling exhibition, organized by Studio Art Quilt Associates, explores the ability of icons to elicit meaning beyond the objects represented.

Quilt Visions 2008
Through March 1
Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside, Calif.
www.quiltvisions.org
This major international juried biennial, organized by Quilt San Diego/Quilt Visions, presents contemporary work from around the world.

“Alzheimer’s: Forgetting Piece by Piece”
Traveling through 2010
Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative
www.alzquilts.org
More than 50 quilt artists, many internationally renowned, offer interpretations of the Alzheimer’s experience in fiber.
To view the travel schedule, which includes Maine Quilts 2009 in Augusta, Maine, July 24-26, and the Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival in Algood, Tenn., Sept. 18-19, visit the website.

“Quilted Fashions: 400 Years of Quilting”
Feb. 22-25
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Va.
www.history.org/conted
This symposium gathers national experts to provide lectures on quilts from the year 1600 to the present. Optional workshops and tours are also available.

International Quilt Festival
April 17-19
International Quilt Association
Rosemont, Ill.
www.quilts.com
Dubbed “the world’s fair of quilts,” this show and sale offers classes, lectures and exhibitions.
Other locations this year include Long Beach, Calif., July 24-26, and Houston, Texas, Oct. 15-18.

25th Annual Quilt Show and Contest
April 22-25
American Quilter’s Society
Paducah, Ky.
www.americanquilter.com
This international event attracts 37,000 attendees, and awards almost $130,000 in cash prizes.

“Off the Grid”: 2009 International Textile Conference
May 28-31
Surface Design Association
Kansas City, Mo.
www.surfacedesign.org
The association’s conference includes a members’ trunk show on May 29 that is open to the public.

40th Annual NQA Quilt Show
June 18-20
The National Quilting Association
Columbus, Ohio
www.nqaquilts.org
Features 400 judged quilts, special exhibitions, vendors and classes.

New Mexico Fiber Arts Trails
Ongoing
New Mexico Arts
North Central, Northwest and Southern regions
www.nmfiberarts.org
More than 200 pre-vetted New Mexico fiber artists await you on these regional arts trails. Download a trail guide from the website.

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Parting Shot: Man vs. Machine

December 2008 | BY The AmericanStyle Staff | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

“Nude”

Typewriters may have fallen out of fashion, but artist Jeremy E. Mayer still sees them as methods of communication. Through a cold-assembly process, he transforms the antiquated machines into full-scale life-like figures, bringing together his lifelong interests in science and science fiction with what he calls the “subtleties of the human form.” Mayer’s work will be featured in a show at Device Gallery in La Jolla, Calif., this July.

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Fair Weather, All Year ’Round

December 2008 | BY Dominique Covelli | February 2009, Issue 65 | NO COMMENTS

Art Fair on the Square surrounds the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis.

We’re closing in on the end of the first decade of the 21st century—is your craft collection up to date? Whether you’re a local art enthusiast or a cross-country traveler, consider this month-by-month compilation of national fairs, festivals and shows as the ultimate contemporary craft resource.

It’s your key to exploring art from a wide range of artists—from students and emerging artists to established craftspeople—in a variety of settings including outdoor parks, universities and convention centers. This guide has something to please every arts patron, regardless of which region of the country you call home.

January

Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Bonita Springs, Fla., Jan. 10-11
This high-end show, celebrating its 10th anniversary, offers a range of two- and three-dimensional pieces from more than 200 artists. Admission: $3 donation; visit www.artinusa.com/bonita.

palmbeach3 Contemporary Art Fair 2009
West Palm Beach, Fla., Jan. 15-18
This show encompasses a range of cutting-edge contemporary art, photography, video, installation art and design from 95 international galleries. Admission: $15 per day or $20 for a multi-day pass; visit www.palmbeach3.com.

Celebration of Fine Art
Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 16-March 29
Artists and patrons foster relationships at this unique festival, where artists set up working studios. Admission: $8 for a season pass; visit www.celebrateart.com.

The New York Ceramics Fair
New York, N.Y., Jan. 21-25
A must-attend for ceramics enthusiasts! Featuring international exhibitors whose work ranges from classical to contemporary, the fair is the state’s flagship event for the show and sale of ceramics, glass and enamels. Admission: $20; visit www.caskeylees.com.

St. Armands Circle Art Festival
Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 31-Feb. 1
More than 200 artists transform St. Armands Circle into an outdoor art gallery. Admission: free; visit www.artfestival.com.

February

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
Jupiter, Fla., Feb. 14-16
Two programs for emerging artists—Homegrown Art and Cultural Corner—are recent additions to this show that helps artists make a name for themselves. Admission: $6 advance and $10 at the gate; visit www.artigras.org.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Coconut Grove, Fla., Feb. 14-16
This established outdoor show is a signature event on the South Florida cultural calendar, attracting nearly 350 artists who work in many mediums. Admission: $7; visit www.coconutgroveartsfestival.org.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2009
Louisville, Ky., Feb. 21-22
Experience the country’s first state-sponsored craft event, featuring traditional, folk and contemporary crafts as well as two-dimensional art, all produced by Kentucky’s finest artists. Admission: $8; visit http://kycraft.ky.gov.

Naples National Art Festival
Naples, Fla., Feb. 21-22
This festival pleases serious art collectors and gift-hunters alike. Cambier Park provides the perfect ambiance for the show’s 30th year. Admission: $4; visit www.naplesart.org.

The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore
Baltimore, Md., Feb. 27-March 1
Find emerging artists’ work at the Searchlight Artists Gallery or browse jewelry, clothing, ceramics, glass and wood from more than 700 artists. Admission: $14 per day or $20 for a two-day pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore.

March

La Quinta Arts Festival
La Quinta, Calif., March 12-15
The breathtaking Santa Rosa Mountains are a magnificent background as artists fill the Civic Center Campus, displaying jewelry, textiles, mixed media and more. Admission: $12 per day or a $15 multiday pass; visit www.LQAF.com.

The American Craft Council Show in Atlanta
Atlanta, Ga., March 13-15
Enjoy spring crafts, jewelry and fashion accessories at the 20th anniversary of this show as it returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre. Admission: $12 per day or $18 for a two-day pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta.

Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Bonita Springs, Fla., March 14-15
(See January’s listing for more information.)

Contemporary Crafts Market
San Francisco, Calif., March 14-15
Patrons will find everything from furniture to fashion to fine art on paper by nearly 250 artists. Admission: $7; visit www.craftsource.org.

Palm Beach Fine Craft Show
West Palm Beach, Fla., March 20-22
The convention center creates an atmosphere of professionalism through the quality contemporary craft it showcases. Admission: $15; visit www.craftsamericashows.com.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Marlborough, Mass., March 20-22
Designed to reflect an artist’s perspective, this show builds its reputation on uniqueness. From special themed exhibits to acoustic jazz in the sculpture cafe, the festival inspires patrons and artists alike. Admission: $12; visit www.paradisecityarts.com.

Scottsdale Arts Festival
Scottsdale, Ariz., March 20-22
Located downtown at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, this show includes a variety of craft from 200 artists, live performances and entertainment. Admission: $7; visit www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
Winter Park, Fla., March 20-22
Explore the work of approximately 225 artists working in a variety of mediums in Central Park. Admission: free; visit www.wpsaf.org.

Bayou City Art Festival
Houston, Texas, March 27-29
Engage all of your senses with work from 300 artists, installations and more. Admission: $10; visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

CraftBoston 2009
Boston, Mass., March 27-29
Both established and emerging artists are featured in New England’s premier show and sale of contemporary craft, art and design. It also offers an educational lecture series. Admission: $15; visit www.craftboston.org.

Spring Crafts Park Avenue
New York, N.Y., March 27-29
Join sophisticated, discerning buyers from around the world as they peruse one-of-a- kind and limited-edition crafts in all mediums. Admission: $12; visit www.artrider.com.

Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
Tempe, Ariz., March 27-29
This show is perfect for first-time collectors searching for affordable pieces as well as high-end collectors seeking unique artwork. Admission: free; visit www.tempefestivalofthearts.com..

Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show
Philadelphia, Pa., March 28-29
Check out the available work from skilled furniture makers or commission your own piece. Admission: $12; visit www.PhilaIFS.com..

April

Best of the Northwest
Seattle, Wash., April 3-5
Visit the only indoor juried fine art and craft show in Seattle for its 15th anniversary to find distinctive art in all mediums. Admission: $8; visit www.nwcraftsalliance.com.

Spring Crafts at Morristown
Morristown, N.J., April 3-5
Indulge in fashion, furnishings and crafts from national artists at this biannual show. Admission: $7; visit www.craftsatmorristown.com.

Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival
Fort Worth, Texas, April 16-19
This outdoor festival presents works in all mediums from 200 national juried artists along nine blocks in downtown Fort Worth. Admission: free; visit www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

SOFA New York
New York, N.Y., April 16-19
Moving from its traditional Memorial Day weekend dates, this distinctive exhibition of international sculpture and functional art will hold its opening night gala April 15. Admission: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass; visit www.sofaexpo.com.

The American Craft Council Show in St. Paul
St. Paul, Minn., April 17-19
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the council’s only Midwest show, featuring nearly 250 artists. Admission: $10 per day or $16 for a two-day pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/stpaul.

Fiesta Arts Fair
San Antonio, Texas, April 18-19
Some 125 high-caliber artists show work in all mediums on the historic Southwest School of Art & Craft’s grounds. Admission: $10 per day or $12 for a weekend pass; visit www.swschool.org.

Smithsonian Craft Show
Washington, D.C., April 23-26
Presented by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, this show features a select group of 120 artists, with proceeds supporting the institution’s education, outreach and research programs. Admission $15; visit www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.

May

Paradise City Arts Festival
Philadelphia, Pa., May 1-3
(See March’s listing for more information.)

Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst
Tarrytown, N.Y., May 1-3
For the cause, for yourself: purchase fiber, jewelry, clay, metal, glass and more at the 67-acre Lyndhurst estate to benefit the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Admission: $10; visit http://craftsatlyndhurst.com.

TACA Tennessee Craft Fair
Nashville, Tenn., May 1-3
This event is the only fair that shows crafts exclusively from some 200 accomplished Tennessee artists. Admission: free; visit www.tennesseecrafts.org.

Broad Ripple Art Fair
Indianapolis, Ind., May 16-17
Enjoy the lush 12-acre Artspark grounds while shopping for fine art and craft at the Indianapolis Art Center. Admission: $15; visit www.indplsartcenter.org.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Reston, Va., May 16-17
The Reston Town Center welcomes guests who seek fine art and craft. Live music, an interactive children’s art tent and other vendors provide entertainment for art patrons of all ages. Admission: $5 donation; visit www.restonarts.org.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Northampton, Mass., May 23-25
(See March’s listing for more information.)

June

Columbus Arts Festival
Columbus, Ohio, June 5-7
Interact with more than 200 artists in the city’s Discovery District. Admission: free; visit www.gcac.org.

Contemporary Crafts Market
Santa Monica, Calif., June 5-7
(See March’s listing for more information.)

57th Street Art Fair
Chicago, Ill., June 6-7
Get ready with “Art-Buying Boot Camp,” where you’ll learn about the work displayed by 250 artists, along with art-buying tips. Admission: free; visit www.57thstreetartfair.org.

Art in the Park
Columbia, Mo., June 6-7
Approximately 40 percent of the work displayed each year is from new artists, keeping this show’s selection both eclectic and fresh. Admission: free; visit www.cal.missouri.org.

SOFA West
Santa Fe, N.M., June 11-14
The Santa Fe Convention Center’s Pueblo Revival design sets the stage for the first annual elite showcase of 40-45 dealers in Santa Fe. Admission: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass; visit www.sofaexpo.com.

Allentown Art Festival
Buffalo, N.Y., June 13-14
Approximately 450 juried fine artists, sculptors and craft artists convene in historic Allentown. Admission: free; visit www.allentownartfestival.org.

American Crafts Festival
New York, N.Y., June 13-14 & 20-21
Known for consistent mastery and diverse expression in all mediums, this show is a goldmine for astute buyers. Admission: free; visit www.craftsatlincoln.org.

Old Town Art Fair
Chicago, Ill., June 13-14
More than 250 national artists turn out for the show’s 60th anniversary in the charming residential streets of Old Town. Admission: $7 donation; visit www.oldtowntriangle.com.

American Artisan Festival
Nashville, Tenn., June 19-21
Take the entire family to the park Father’s Day weekend to discover metal, glass, clay, fiber and photography by 170 artists. Admission: free; visit www.american-artisan.com.

Lakefront Festival of Arts
Milwaukee, Wis., June 19-21
Located at the Milwaukee Art Museum, this show features work by 175 artists, along with a wine garden, silent auction and a college art tent. Admission: $7 advance and $10 at the door; visit www.mam.org.

Crafts at Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, N.Y., June 20-21
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds host 300 artists who present unique crafts for discriminating art lovers and collectors alike. Admission: $7; visit www.craftsatrhinebeck.com.

Des Moines Arts Festival
Des Moines, Iowa, June 26-28
Two programs presented at the festival—Emerging Iowa Artists and Nurturing a Student’s Vision—bring emerging and student artwork to the public. Admission: free; visit www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

Sawdust Art Festival
Laguna Beach, Calif., June 26-Aug. 30
This interactive show seeks to educate the public about art created in Laguna Beach. Guests can craft their own artwork or purchase work sold by one of the 200 exhibitors. Admission: $7; visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

Art-A-Fair
Laguna Beach, Calif., June 26-Sept. 6
Local, national and international artists gather in the serene Laguna Canyon. Purchase fine art, attend free workshops and enjoy live entertainment. Admission: $7 for a season pass; visit www.art-a-fair.com.

Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival at Midway College
Midway, Ky., June 27-28
Hospitality between artists and visitors fosters a welcoming environment at this show. Watch artist demonstrations, participate in public and children’s art projects and enjoy live music. Admission: $5 per vehicle; visit www.franciscosfarm.org.

Indian Market and Festival
Indianapolis, Ind., June 27-28
Explore the work of 150 artists and make sure to catch the craft demonstrations. Festival admission includes entrance to the Eiteljorg Museum. Admission: $10; visit www.eiteljorg.org.

Manayunk Arts Festival
Philadelphia, Pa., June 27-28
This interactive show features painting, pottery, jewelry and sculpture from 250 artists. Admission: free; visit www.manayunk.com.

July

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Denver, Colo., July 3-5
Don’t miss the special opportunity to meet and interact with more than 200 artists working in 13 mediums. Admission: free; visit www.cherryarts.org.

The Festival of Arts
Laguna Beach, Calif., July 5-Aug. 31
Its jury process and open-air gallery setting allow this festival to please all types of connoisseurs. Special attractions throughout the eight-week event provide entertainment for all ages. Admission: $7 for a season pass; visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach, Calif., July 8-Aug. 31
“The Muse” is this year’s theme for the world-famous celebration of tableaux vivants, where volunteers become recreations of classical and contemporary works of art. Admission: $20-$100; visit www.pageanttickets.com.

Art Fair on the Square
Madison, Wis., July 11-12
Celebrating its 50th year, the camaraderie among the fair’s 450 artists makes the atmosphere and the experience incomparable.
Admission: free; visit www.mmoca.org.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original
Ann Arbor, Mich., July 15-18
The original of four award-winning fairs marks its 50th anniversary with quality work from 170 artists. Admission: free; visit www.artfair.org.

Guilford Craft Expo
Guilford, Conn., July 16-18
This outdoor show features fine craft from 175 artists, including limited-edition fashions, home and office decor and functional objects. Admission: $7; visit www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Asheville, N.C., July 16-19
This four-day event fills two f loors of the downtown civic center with craftspeople who live and work in Appalachia. Admission:
$7; visit www.craftguild.org.

Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair
Bellevue, Wash., July 24-26
Find inspiring art from more than 300 North American exhibitors while enjoying free admission to the museum during the fair weekend. Admission: free; visit www.bellevuearts.org.

Art Santa Fe
Santa Fe, N.M., July
Browse the bountiful selection of works from 1,000 international artists and listen to a keynote speaker from the art field at this contemporary art fair. Admission: $8; visit www.artsantafe.com.
(Show dates were unavailable as of press time.)

August

2009 Park City Kimball Arts Festival
Park City, Utah, Aug. 1-2
For 40 years, this show has paired a breathtaking atmosphere with outstanding art. The show’s 220 exhibiting artists display exquisite works in a range of mediums. Admission: TBD; visit www.kimballartcenter.org.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair
Newbury, N.H., Aug. 1-9
The 76th annual fair offers more than 350 craft booths in addition to its “Living With Craft” exhibition and sculpture garden. Admission: $10; visit www.nhcrafts.org.

Anacortes Arts Festival
Anacortes, Wash., Aug. 7-9
Nearing its half-century mark, this show features 250 juried artisans and a fine art exhibit, “Arts at the Port,” a waterfront display of cutting-edge artwork. Admission: free; visit www.anacortesartsfestival.com.

The American Craft Council Show in San Francisco
San Francisco, Calif., Aug. 14-16
Join 250 artists at the Fort Mason Center for a show and sale of all craft mediums. Admission: $12 per day or $18 for a two-day pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/sf.

Santa Fe Indian Market
Santa Fe, N.M., Aug. 22-23
Attracting more than 1,200 artists from 100 tribes, this event is a rare opportunity to learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures from the artists themselves. Admission: free; visit www.swaia.org.

American Craft Exposition
Evanston, Ill., Aug. 28-30
Celebrating its 25th year, this show offers museum-quality work from 150 artisans in 12 mediums in support of medicalresearch at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. Admission: $12 advance and $15 at the door; visit www.americancraftexpo.org.

Bucktown Arts Festival
Chicago, Ill., Aug. 29-30
More than 20 years ago, this show began as an intimate gathering between local artisans. It’s evolved into one of Chicago’s leading events for nearly 200 painters, sculptors, fiber artists, jewelers and photographers. Admission: free; visit www.bucktownartsfest.com.

Art at Marymoor Park
Redmond, Wash., August
Enjoy Marymoor Park’s lush landscape as this outdoor summer festival, which features 120 artists working in all mediums.
Admission: free; visit www.nwcraftsalliance.com.
(Show dates were unavailable as of press time.)

September

Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival
Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 4-7
Looking for an inspiring outdoor gallery experience? Find it at this show, along with fine art and craft and a stellar cast of exhibitors. Admission: $8 advance and $10 at the gate; visit www.longspark.org.

Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, Calif., Sept. 4-7
Take in the waterfront view at Marinship Park along with work in glass, photography, sculpture and more from nearly 300 artists. Admission: $20; visit www. sausalitoartfestival.org.

Autumn Crafts Festival
New York, N.Y., Sept. 5-6 & 12-13
(See June’s listing for more details.)

Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Portland, Ore., Sept. 5-7
Giving meaning to Labor Day, this festival is an entirely artist-run event that features 125 exhibitors in mediums ranging from wood to jewelry. Admission: free; visit www.artinthepearl.com.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Upper Arlington, Ohio, Sept. 7
This unique one-day event features work by its 1966 founder alongside 200 artists displaying work in all mediums. Admission: free; visit www.ua-ohio.net.

Art & Apples Festival
Rochester, Mich., Sept. 11-13
Located in the Rochester Municipal Park, this show features a variety of fine art and craft mediums from more than 250 artists amid fall foliage. Admission: $5 donation; visit www.artandapples.com.

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst
Tarrytown, N.Y., Sept. 11-13
(See May’s listing for more information.)

Alexandria Festival of the Arts
Alexandria, Va., Sept. 12-13
Set in historic Old Town Alexandria, this fair gives guests the opportunity to meet and purchase original pieces directly from artists. Works range from handmade jewelry to large metal sculptures. Admission: free; visit www.artfestival.com.

Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend
Wausau, Wis., Sept. 12-13
Enjoy three shows in one: Art in the Park, Festival of Arts and the opening weekend of “Birds in Art” at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Admission: free; visit www.wausaufestivalofarts.org.

Plaza Art Fair
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 25-27
More than 200 artists showcase work in mixed media, ceramics, wood, prints and more in a Spanish-inspired plaza. Admission: free; visit www.countryclubplaza.com.

TACA Fall Craft Fair
Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 25-27
(See May’s listing for more information.)

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show–Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 26-27
Find handcrafted furniture, accessories, fine art and craft from 150 artists working in all mediums at this invitational show. Admission: $10; visit www.finefurnishingsshows.com.

Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria, Ill., Sept. 26-27
Join 150 juried artists at the scenic Riverfront Park for a weekend of fun. Artists showcase work in ceramics, fiber, glass and more. Admission: $5; visit www.peoriaartguild.org.

Peters Valley Craft Fair
Augusta, N.J., Sept. 26-27
Nearly 200 artists show and sell their work at this family-friendly fair, which also features artist demonstrations. Admission: $7; visit www.petersvalley.org.

October

St. James Court Art Show
Louisville, Ky., Oct. 2-4
Historic Old Louisville’s Victorian architecture provides the backdrop for more than 700 artists working in 16 mediums. Admission: free; visit www.stjamescourtartshow.com.

Armonk Outdoor Art Show
Armonk, N.Y., Oct. 3-4
At the peak of fall, this outdoor show offers work in jewelry, mixed media, sculpture and other mediums from 185 national artists. Proceeds fund programs at North Castle Library. Admission: $9; visit www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

Crafts at Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, N.Y., Oct. 3-4
(See June’s listing for more information.)

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown
Houston, Texas, Oct. 10-11
(See March’s listing for more information.)

Sedona Arts Festival
Sedona, Ariz., Oct. 10-11
Experience Sedona’s red rocks while perusing ceramics, photography, drawings and mixed media by 150 artists. Admission: $8; visit www.sedonaarts festival.org.

Craft as Art Festival
Roslyn Harbor, Long Island, N.Y., Oct. 10-12
Join 100 craft artists at the Nassau County Museum of Art to view artist demonstrations and purchase jewelry, wood, fiber, ceramics, mixed media and glass. Admission: free; visit www.craftsatlincoln.org.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Northhampton, Mass., Oct. 10-12
(See March’s listing for more information.).

Westchester Craft Show
White Plains, N.Y., Oct. 16-18
This selective contemporary crafts show and sale draws a national audience to the work of 115 talented crafts artists. Admission: $12; visit www.craftsamericashows.com.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Asheville, N.C., Oct. 16-19
(See July’s listing for more information.).

Kentuck Festival of the Arts
Northport, Ala., Oct. 17-18
Pairing fine contemporary art and craft alongside nationally recognized folk art gives this show its trademark eclectic personality and showcases the spirit of the community. Admission: $15; visit www.kentuck.org.

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show–Providence
Providence, R.I., Oct. 23-25
(See September’s listing for more information.)

November

The American Craft Council Showin Charlotte
Charlotte, N.C., Nov. 6-8
Now in its 15th year, this show features 165 artists exhibiting a wide range of craft at the Charlotte Convention Center. Admission: $8 per day or $14 for a twoday pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/charlotte.

Contemporary Crafts Market
Santa Monica, Calif., Nov. 6-8
(See March’s listing for more information.)

SOFA Chicago
Chicago, Ill., Nov. 6-8
Elite dealers from 100 international galleries show and sell the best in contemporary art and craft. Admission: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass; visit www.sofaexpo.com.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 12-15
Nearly 200 artists convene at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to show and sell clay, fiber, wood, metal, glass and jewelry. Admission: $15 per day or $20 for a two-day pass; visit www.pmacraftshow.org.

Best of the Northwest
Seattle, Wash., Nov. 13-15
(See April’s listing for more information.)

CraftBoston Holiday 2009
Boston, Mass., Nov. 13-15
The second annual show offers work in ceramics, baskets, fiber, jewelry and more, for one-stop holiday shopping. Admission: $15; visit www.craftboston.org.

Downtown Festival & Art Show
Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 14-15
Locals and travelers alike find exquisite works from 250 artists working in glass, metal, ceramics, wood and mixed media at this show. Admission: free; visit www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Marlborough, Mass., Nov. 20-22
(See March’s listing for more information.)

Washington Craft Show
Washington, D.C., Nov. 20-22
Presentation is everything for this show! Nearly 200 artists take advantage of the elegant floor plan that sets off each booth
exquisitely. Admission: $15; visit www.craftsamericashows.com.

CraftArt 2009
St. Petersburg, Fla., Nov. 21-22
This show exhibits work by nearly 150 artists in glass, fiber, wood and more. It also offers artist demonstrations, music and fine food. Admission: free; visit www.floridacraftsmen.net.

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair
Winston-Salem, N.C., Nov. 21-22
Artists endure a rigorous two-part jury process, ensuring that guests can select from only the highest-quality crafts. Demonstrations and hands-on children’s activities are also available. Admission: $6; visit www.piedmontcraftsmen.org.

Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival
Laguna Beach, Calif., Nov. 21-22 & 27-29
Festival grounds transform into a winter wonderland, offering guests a unique escape for holiday fun and shopping. Admission: $6; visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

Greater Cincinnati Winterfair
Covington, Ky., Nov. 27-29
Loyal artists and patrons continue to return to this fair for its variety of ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, photography, wood and more. Admission: $7 for a weekend pass; visit www.ohiocraft.org.

December

Columbus Winterfair
Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 3-6
(See November’s listing for more information.)

One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago
Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3-6
Guests have the chance to interact with creators of the handcrafted works they purchase. Approximately 500 artists working in all mediums exhibit. Admission: $10; visit www.oneofakindshow.com.

The American Craft Council Show in Sarasota
Sarasota, Fla., Dec. 4-6
Join 200 craft artists at the convention center to find the perfect holiday gift, or something for yourself. Admission: $8 per day or $14 for a two-day pass; visit www.craftcouncil.org/sarasota.