CREATING CRAFT CONSUMERS, COLLECTORS & LEADERS 

The 2008 Craft Organization Development Association (CODA) international leadership conference will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 10-13, 2008. The theme of this year’s conference is "Creating Craft Consumers, Collectors & Leaders" and will include the following sessions: Relationship of Collectors and Institutions, Interior Designers Using Craft Items, Selling Craft on Organization Websites, Wisdom of Hands (an arts in education program concept), Marketing and Promoting Your Craft Organization and Creative Economies Assessment along with the following standing peer group discussions.

1. Guilds/Membership Organizations

2. Craft/Art Schools and Education Center/Programs

3. Craft Exhibition Presenters /Museums/Galleries

4. Fairs/Festivals/Shows

5. Public Service/Development/Government Agencies

The conference will be held at the Double Tree Hotel located on the Arkansas River, just seven miles from the airport, offering a special discounted rate of $109.00 per night. You will want to come early and stay late to explore Little Rock’s newest attractions, the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library and the River Market District galleries and museums.

The Craft Organization Development Association Award for Leadership, Creative Thinking and Outstanding Service will be presented during the Thursday evening reception being held at the Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas’ leading cultural institution. "Since its inception as an association, CODA has positioned itself to become a dynamic force in moving forward those issues most directly affecting the arts professional. CODA is devoted to the development of the professional and to aid the service they provide their constituents, primarily the craftsperson", says Tim Glotzbach, CODA Board of Directors.

Each year, CODA holds an annual conference in a different location to give participants an opportunity to network with peers and hear from speakers learning about international and national trends and issues and to experience local craft/art projects and venues. CODA’s annual conference attracts the leading professionals in the craft field, providing opportunities for professional development and education, new ideas and resources, information and research, interactive panel discussions, building collaborations and new programs, advocacy and support for issues important to the crafts field. This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights into the newest ideas and projects created by some of the most forward thinking organizations devoted to craft. As confirmed by one of last year’s conference attendees, "It was important for me because it validated what I do as a professional, trying to promote art and craft and to find ways to bring an audience and the makers together in as many ways as possible. I felt encouraged by my colleagues to share my stories and positive experiences. THIS CONFERENCE WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION!!!"

The Craft Organization Development Association is a non-profit organization that serves organizations with education and professional development to foster public appreciation and understanding of craft. In 2000, CODA conducted the first-ever national economic impact study on the craft industry indicating that crafts contribute $14 billion annually to the nation’s economy.

Chair - Cheryl Hartley, Tamarack, Beckley, WV

Vice-Chair - Carolyn Patterson, Illinois State Museum Artisans Program, Springfield, IL

Secretary - Peggy Burgio, Berea College Student Crafts, Berea, Kentucky

Treasurer - Mary Lacer, American Association of Woodturners, St Paul, MN

Nominating Chair - David Willard, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN

Tim Glotzbach, Berea College Student Crafts, Berea, Kentucky

Steve Loar, Center for Turning and Furniture Design, Indiana Univ. of PA

Dennis Stevens, Teachers College/ Columbia University, New York, NY

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