CRAFT Content Managers RSS Feed

CRAFT Committees and Committee Chairs

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:28:42 GMT

Booth & Volunteer
      Karen Hohler
     617-571-5267 kshohler@gmail.com
Education
      Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries
      713-984-1242 crafts@hansongalleries.com

Web Site SMM
     Randi Chervitz - Uncommon Threads

Board of Directors

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:26:52 GMT

Chairperson Emeritus David Brooks - Appalachian Spring President Karen Hohler Treasurer Randi Chervitz - Uncommon Threads Secretary Janet Francoeur - Carolina Creations Vice President Education Projects Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries Directors: Donna Milstein - Hanson Galleries Robert Rickard - Rickard Studio Diane Sulg - Maddis Gallery Karen Hohler - Whipporwill Janet Francoeur - Carolina Creations Randi Chervitz - Uncommon Threads Greg Worden - Vermont Artisan Designs Peter Toges - Ed Levin Jewelry Nicole Carroll - Nicole Carroll Consulting Q Evon - Q Evon Designs Maud Boleman - Black Mountain Studios Administrative Assistants: Laurie Wickham PO Box 293, Islamorada FL 33036 Phone 305-664-3650 Fax 305-664-0199 info@craftonline.org Rani Richardson 505 Fifth Ave S, Ste E, Naples FL 34102 Phone 239-435-0668 Fax...

Randi Chervitz

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:11:19 GMT

Randi Chervitz has been making jewelry since 1987. She began exploring forms in metal at Parsons School of Design, New York City, as part of her studies there. From Parsons, Chervitz transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, the "Harvard" of metalsmithing, to study with internationally-known jeweler, Richard Mawdsley.

Since graduating in 1991 with a Cum Laude double major in Metal and Fiber, Chervitz has been hard at work keeping her artwork at the center of her life. In 1991, she began selling her work, jewelry pieces that explore fiber techniques in metal. Her influences include couture fashion, its history, expressiveness, and relationship to everyday life. Also important are the transformation of the role of women in the past fifty years, and the emergence of the self as one grows through life.

While building a following on the retail art fair circuit, Chervitz continued her personal and professional development by working in leadership roles in national and local retail stores. These experiences taught her to respect the consumer, as well as created an understanding of how high-end, one-of-a-kind objects influence the mass market. Developing this knowledge has given her a unique perspective and understanding of how various market segments influence each other, and the impact that can have on artists choosing to make their livings through their art.

Chervitz feels privileged to make her own living through her art-making, and is constantly exploring new ways to create texture through metal. Her crocheted surfaces are her trademark, and hammered and soldered linear techniques reveal new directions.

Chervitz lives in Saint Louis, MO with her family.

Nicole Carroll

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:08:25 GMT

Nicole Carroll Nicole Carroll teaches Artists Sales and Marketing skills through workshops, talks and individual consultations. She is an accomplished professional who is passionate about helping artists make a living from their Art. Nicole Carroll also consults for Non-Profits, and Arts Organizations. Services include new marketing strategies, exploring new revenue streams, fund-raising, board training, and professional development. She is available for speaking engagements on a variety of topics relating to Sales and Marketing. Nicole Carroll has been a distinguished speaker for many organizations including: the American Craft Council, The Furniture Society, The NY Gift Show, The Smithsonian Craft Show and the New York Foundation for the Arts. Why I do what I do I love working with artists to develop the business side of their creativity. I can relate to them as people; their passion,...

Q Evon

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:41:25 GMT

While attending Parsons School of Design I discovered my greatest skill was in wax carving. With this skill, and a passion for medieval metalwork and architecture, Q Evon Design was born. In 1992, I began as a small production business that grew to several hundred gallery and catalog accounts worldwide.

After ten years of production, I realized I needed to expand my skills to move in a new artistic direction. I began studying privately with a master metalsmith and continue this study today.

My current body of work includes fabrication, granulation, acid etching, reticulation & casting of gold, silver, and argentium. During this exploration, I found that incorporating a variety of methods brings about a richness in texture that gives each piece the unique and timeless quality that i strive for in my work.

My work has always reflected a love for ancient metalwork and architecture. My current collections combine both gold and silver with an emphasis on texture. Reticulation, anti-clastic raising, acid etching, granulation, roller printing and the ancient art of keum-boo are combined to create rich metal tapestry.

Each piece is as unique as the individual that chooses to wear my designs.

Becoming a Member

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:26:04 GMT

The Value of CRAFT Membership What is important to YOU as a Craft business person? Supporting American craft? Improving your gallery? Growing your sales? Networking? Your CRAFT membership will help you achieve these goals. CRAFT has a voice. Membership Benefits Membership in CRAFT will save you money, time and aggravation. Networking opportunities, the most valuable tool you can use Friday Email providing business tips you can use Educational programs Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates Packaging providers of gift bags, paper and boxes at very good price levels Consulting Property and casualty insurance Long term care insurance Statistical surveys to gather industry data for benchmarking In short, you won't feel like you are reinventing the wheel. For more information on the discount programs available to our members, visit the Affinity Partners page of...

Benefits - Eligibility - Dues

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:22:10 GMT

Membership Benefits Membership in CRAFT will save you money, time and aggravation. Networking opportunities, the most valuable tool you can use Educational programs Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates Packaging providers of gift bags, paper and boxes at very good price levels Consulting Property and casualty insurance Long term care insurance Statistical surveys to gather industry data for benchmarking Constant Contact Mentoring In short, you won't feel like you are reinventing the wheel. View our Affinity Partners page for more details on discounts available to our members. Retailer Eligibility Requirements Active membership is open to licensed storefront retailers of American craft who maintain inventory of at least 50% American made craft. Active Members shall have all the privileges of membership and their representatives shall have the right to be...

Affinity Partners

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:14:03 GMT

Cost-Saving Affinity Programs The Craft Retailers' Association for Tomorrow (CRAFT), leverages the collective purchasing power of member retailers to find and offer high quality, favorably priced business services, all designed to meet the specific needs of American craft retailers. Programs available as a benefit to CRAFT members include: Bank of America Merchant Services for preferred card processing discount rates. Through our partnership with Bank of America Merchant Services, we have negotiated a program that entitles every CRAFT member, regardless of size or volume, to the same low interchange pricing for their credit card processing. A number of our members have already compared these rates to their present programs and switched to the Bank of America Merchant Services/CRAFT program because of the cost savings. Every switch has resulted in annual savings far in excess of annual CRAFT dues. We encourage every member who is interested, to contact...

Reviews and Photos

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:10:46 GMT

Glorious American Craft Products

Glorious American Craft Logo

Glorious American Craft Banner

Glorious American Craft Tissue Paper

Glorious American Craft Window Decal in Use

Raku Demonstration at Carolina Creations - New Bern, NC

Karen Hohler - Whipporwill

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:51:32 GMT

Karen is one of CRAFT’s staunchest cheerleaders. Participation on committees and the Board of C.R.A.F.T. have created opportunities for networking, learning, growing, changing and coping with change.

Whippoorwill lost its lease and closed at the end of January 2009 after being a Boston shopping destination for 29 years.

Contact Karen

Kelley Padrick

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:05:02 GMT

In Spring 2008, I purchased a fine crafts gallery in Laguna Beach that had been in existence since 1995, but had been suffering in the tough economy, and was in need of an update. In the first year, I rebranded the gallery and launched an initial ecommerce presence, revitalized the space, and introduced some exciting new work from around the world. I also reinvented my freelance creative director/visual design practice, collaborating with the same talented agency professionals I've worked with over the years, along with a slew of new and amazing talent from every creative discipline imaginable via the social media explosion. Together we have welcomed many new clients to M A R Q U E's portfolio. Here at M A R Q U E, I'm part of the art, motivated by the light and texture and color. Every day, I learn something new about the artisans, their techniques, and materials. Leandra Drumm's playful work inspired by fairytales and K.C. Willis with her audacious cowgirls have...

Membership Services

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:10:18 GMT

Membership in CRAFT allows you access to the top American Craft Galleries and Craft Artists in the Country in their effort to promote American Craft.

Click on the link below

CRAFT Membership Directory

CRAFT Committees

Affinity Partners

CRAFT Newsletter Archives

Discussion Forums

CRAFT It's Friday Email Archives

Mentoring Program

Miscellaneous Documents

Website Tutorial

CRAFT - A Brief History

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:22:37 GMT

CRAFT, the Craft Retailers & Artists for Tomorrow, was incorporated in Pennsylvania as a not-for-profit trade association headquartered in Philadelphia in July 2002. CRAFT is a descendent and successor to two prior associations active in the industry, ACRA, American Craft Retailers Association, a volunteer led and administered association, and ACA, American Craft Association which was created upon ACRA's absorption into ACC, American Craft Council. Although both organizations held themselves out as associations interested in meeting the needs of storefront retailers of American craft, neither was able to deliver much in the way of programs benefiting storefront retailers, other than in the area of education. The ACRA/ACA model for Table Topics is the foundation upon which CRAFT's current programs are based. A few years after ACC dissolved ACA, events and changes in the community of storefront retailers led several gallery/shop owners to enter into discussions of the...

Martin Rishty Award

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:13:59 GMT

The Martin Rishty Award, is named after a founder of CRAFT in tribute to his efforts as a member of the Board and Membership Committee. CRAFT’s Executive Committee annually selects the association member who has made the greatest contribution toward CRAFT’s accomplishing its mission and best exemplifies Martin’s work on behalf of the organization.

The Winners are

2010 ACW Co-Chairman Ann Pifer, The Grand Hand

Diane Sulg, Maddis Gallery

Carol Sauvion, Craft in America

2008 Wendy Rosen, Rosen Group
2007 David Brook, Appalachian Spring

Janet Francoeur, Carolina Creations

Nancy Vince, Wholesalecrafts.com
2006 Don Gorenberg, Seldom Seen
2005 Hardin Abrams, Meadowlark Gallery
2004 Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries

Polly Brooke, Appalachian Spring
2003 Joanne Sterlacci, Simple Pleasures Gallery

CRAFT 2011 Survey

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:31:15 GMT

CRAFT (Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow) has a mission to:

Support and encourage creativity and artistic excellence of American craftspeople
Promote high ethical standards and business practices within the craft community
Foster the appreciation and understanding of American craft by the general public

CRAFT is growing. To help us make sure it grows in a direction that best suits your wants and needs, please complete this survey:

Click here for the 2011 Survey

Survey will close on February 22, 2011.

Don Gorenberg

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:44:02 GMT

Don was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1948 and received his BA in History from the University of Florida in 1969, his JD from the Univeristy of Virginia School of Law in 1972 and his LLM in Estate Planning and Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law in 1976.

He practiced law from 1972 until entering the retail business with Mini Mart Corporation, a chain of convenience grocery stores in 1988. His partner and he sold the business.

In 1989, his wife Charlotte, and he opened Seldom Seen Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, FL which they operated until selling it to Ama Gallery Inc in September 2006.

Charlotte and Don moved to Gainesville, FL home of the "Fighting Gators of the University of Florida" 2006 National NCAA Football and Baseball Champions in 2007.

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:01:37 GMT

Visit your state governor's website. There should be a link to request a proclamation. They request you suggest the wording. Below is the wording from the North Carolina proclamation, so that you can highlight, copy & paste the text, should you wish to use it as a guideline for your own proclamation request.

Whereas, the State of North Carolina believes in the enduring value of handmade crafts and celebrates the artists and craftspeople who create them; and

Whereas, settlers came to North Carolina in the early 18th century, bringing their skills of furniture making, pottery, weaving, metalsmithing, and glassblowing, the State and People of North Carolina have a centuries-old tradition of these crafts; and

Whereas, these crafts help to build the economic base of our State and still contribute to its reputation and success; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina acknowledges its appreciation to all the craftspeople who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the rich culture of our State; and our citizens;

Now, therefore, I, Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 1-10, 2010, as "American Craft Week" in North Carolina, and I urge all all citizens to commend its observance.

Robert Rickard - Kronosworks

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:05:01 GMT

I spent my college years in the 1960's on a meandering path of exploration through many majors, searching for one that could keep my interest. I eventually landed in Theatre where I learned to design, build and light stage sets. After college my creative needs were challenged staging productions for a regional California theatrical company.

The birth of my daughter turned my attention towards support of my family. Rather than move into the larger world of unionized theatre, I took a 30+ year diversion into creating abstract work ... computer software.

Seeking a way to return to producing more concrete works, I've combined a lifelong interest in "puttering out in the garage" with the visual aspects of the theatre. My tools are those common to metal fabrication shops: saws, shear, brake, torch, plasma cutter, welder, drill press, grinder, blast cabinet, spray booth.

While I've had no formal art edcuation and no training in metal fabrication, my experience in the theatre and the garage provide me with skills which I am constantly expanding through experimentation with designs and processes.

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:22:18 GMT

CRAFT is looking for a few good people with the drive and sanity to contribute to making CRAFT a better organization. Can you work on or chair the following committee? Don't forget...meetings are at most once a month and can be done in your jammies! Let's reactivate the Membership Committee: · Develop methods to reach and attract potential members outside the structure of the wholesale trade shows. · Update mailings used to recruit and welcome new members, renew existing members. · Ensure that members feel they have a reason to renew. Affinity Partner Liaison · Work to recruit new Affinity Partners for CRAFT. · Be the contact person between CRAFT and each Affinity Partner. · Keep Affinity Partner page on web site up to date. · Ensure that only active members utilize Affinity Partners Networking and Social Committee · Explore ways to keep CRAFT members networked. · Oversee Team structure and Team...

Membership Application

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:18:33 GMT

/attachments/wysiwyg/2418/CRAFTGeneralApplication.pdf