American Craft Council

Join host Rob Lee in an engaging episode of "The Truth in this Art," as he explores Baltimore's vibrant maker scene alongside Andrea Specht from the American Craft Council and ceramic artist Whitney Simpkins. Together, they dive deep into the essence of the American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace, sharing their passion for the event and the tight-knit community it fosters among artists. With a personal flair, they also dish out their baking delights and go-to local eateries, all while underlining the significance of genuine, in-person connections within the art sphere. Tune in for a genuine and lively conversation that celebrates creativity and community.Episode HighlightsAndrea and Whitney's insights on Baltimore's art community [00:02:30] 🌟Excitement for the American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace [00:10:45] 🎉Favorite baking delights: Japanese milk bread & pastries [00:18:20] 🍞The value of in-person communication for artists [00:25:50] 🗣️Preferred working hours: Post-lunch vs. early morning [00:33:10] 🕑Top Baltimore spots for a bite: Good Neighbor & Dutch Courage [00:40:15] 🍴Key takeaways:The importance of community and connection in the arts sceneDiscovering and supporting new artistic talent at local eventsPersonal preferences and routines can influence creative processesThe role of local businesses in fostering the arts cultureFace-to-face interactions remain crucial in the digital ageSocial Media:Instagram: akspecht, personalbestceramicsFacebook: Andrea Specht LinkedIn: Andrea Specht📣 Show your support for the arts! Visit Andrea Specht and Whitney Simpkins on their social media to see their amazing work. Don't forget to rate and review this episode of "The Truth in this Art," and if you love what you're hearing, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps keep the conversation going!

Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith is the Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships for the American Craft Council. With over 27 years of experience in the craft world, Gwynne has a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for supporting craft artists. She is dedicated to creating programs that provide meaningful value to artists and foster connections within the craft community.Patricia Sehar Peerzada is a fiber artist, clothing designer, and general creative. Influenced by traditional sources in Africa, Asia, Native American culture, and Europe, Sehar creates clothing that is unique and reflects her own personal style. She has been participating in the American Craft Council's Emerging Artist program and is excited to showcase her work at the upcoming craft marketplace.Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, the Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships for the American Craft Council, and Sehar Peerzada, a local artist participating in the Emerging Artist program, join host Rob Lee to discuss their experiences with art and craft. Gwynne shares her first memory of creating art in kindergarten and how it led to her career in the craft world. Sehar talks about growing up in a family of artists and how her love for creating clothing developed from a young age.They also discuss the American Craft Council's Emerging Artist program, which provides a platform for early-career artists to showcase their work at craft marketplaces. The program offers subsidized booth costs and professional development training to support emerging artists in their craft careers. Gwynne and Sehar both express their excitement for the upcoming craft marketplace and the opportunity to connect with other artists and art enthusiasts.American Craft Made Marketplace Returns to BaltimoreAmerican Craft Council to bring 350 contemporary craft artists together March 3-5, 2023 The American Craft Council (ACC), a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting craft and its artists, is bringing its in-person flagship event to the Baltimore Convention Center March 3-5, 2023. The three-day American Craft Made marketplace is a celebration of all things handmade featuring a juried selection of artists from across the country working in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and basketry.  With 350 contemporary craft artists selected following an application and jury process, the 2023 event will allow collectors, supporters and enthusiasts of design, craft, and art to discover and shop the best quality craft in the country. This year’s marketplace will once again feature the Emerging Artist Program, an initiative that provides a pathway for early-career artists into ACC’s established craft marketplaces. With lower-cost booths, extensive exhibitor support, and marketplace award opportunities, this program gives emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to grow their clientele and careers. The event will also include ACC’s School-to-Market program which bridges the gap between higher educational curriculum in craft and the marketplace by providing undergraduate and graduate students a public venue for a curated, collective exhibition of their work.  In this installment, we:Join us on a captivating podcast episode as we delve into the American Craft Council's impactful Emerging Artist program, unraveling how it serves as a pivotal platform for budding artisans to exhibit their creations at esteemed craft marketplaces.In this enlightening episode, explore the multifaceted support provided by the program, where we dissect the subsidized booth costs and invaluable professional development training aimed at nurturing the growth of emerging artists.Embark on a journey of cultural fusion in this podcast episode, where we explore Sehar Peerzada's clothing designs that intricately interweave influences from Africa, Asia, Native American heritage, and Europe, creating a vibrant tapestry of traditions.Tune in for an inspiring discussion that peers into the dedication of Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, as we uncover her passion for crafting programs that not only offer tangible value to craft artists but also cultivate a tightly-knit community of creatives within the craft world.Join me in welcoming Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith and Sehar Peerzada from the American Craft Council as we dive into the world of art and craft! Discover their inspiring stories and learn about the upcoming Craft Made Marketplace. Don't miss out on this incredible event! #AmericanCraftCouncil #CraftMadeMarketplace🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

Join host Rob Lee as he welcomes Keona Tranby to the Truth In This Art Podcast. Keona, the distinguished Director of Marketing and Communications at the American Craft Council, illuminates her remarkable journey. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a degree in business administration and entrepreneurship, Keona's path was ignited by her print magazine venture during college, propelling her into a dynamic startup role in San Francisco and, subsequently, the vibrant realm of Venice, California. Here, she collaboratively worked alongside fashion designers, photographers, and models. Keona's pursuits extend beyond the professional sphere; her free time is artfully woven with passions like canine companionship, interior design, event hosting, gardening, and the transformation of thrift store finds. A torchbearer for creative entrepreneurship and artist empowerment, Keona's episode promises a captivating exploration of her dedication to amplifying the craft field and nurturing innovative spirits. About the American Craft CouncilThe American Craft Council is a national nonprofit organization that connects and galvanizes diverse craft communities and traditions to advance craft’s impact in contemporary American life and to keep craft artists and the community connected, inspired, and thriving.In this episode, we explore:The multifaceted support system of the American Craft Council as Keona delves into the organization's profound impact, spanning print publications, immersive events, and a digital arsenal of resources, all aimed at nurturing and amplifying the vibrant world of craft.The heart of artist interactions and financial sustenance with Keona, as she explores the indispensable role of in-person events in fostering meaningful connections between creators and buyers, while also acting as a vital income stream for artists.Journey into the realm of opportunities with Keona, as she unveils the ACC's exciting initiatives, from the open call for applications to its esteemed online directory to the upcoming Craft Made marketplace in Baltimore, offering a platform for artists to exhibit their masterpieces and engage with a discerning audience.Engage in a dialogue about sustainability and artist empowerment with Keona, as she unveils the American Craft Council's unwavering commitment to championing handmade, eco-conscious practices, and providing invaluable resources, such as social media mentorship, to propel artists toward success in the modern creative landscape.Join us and learn from the best! Keona discusses the organization's mission to support the craft field and its artists. She highlights the importance of in-person events for artists and the impact of the pandemic on their livelihoods. Keona also shares information about the ACC's online directory and the Craft Made marketplace in Baltimore, emphasizing the organization's commitment to creative entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.Mentioned in this episodeAmerican Craft Made May 2022Mentioned in this episodeBaltimore Magazine🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧