American Craft Council Overview

As I stated in my earlier post I participated in the American Craft Council’s “Let’s Make” Station in Baltimore. It was so much fun! Even though I was sick and it snowed heavily Saturday, I had a blast!

I got into Baltimore on Friday night to put up my paper cut art along with Annie from B’morecuts and to see the layout. Our station had a table with three stools and three dividers. Annie had beautifully created a banner and put up examples of our templates on the dividers.

Saturday, I was scheduled to be there at 10:00am and to man the station till 3pm. I had many inquisitive visitors stop by the station and lots of people actually sat down to try their hand at paper cutting. I talked to the visitors and showed them techniques to make the paper cutting process easier. Paper cutting art can be a long and boring process so most people started but didn’t finish their template. I ended up encouraged them to take it home and finish it later which most people were happy to hear. The Baltimore Convention Center is a huge place and there were many displays of quality artwork, so I understood when people stopped cutting their paper cut art templates. I was just glad they tried.

My family came out Saturday to support me and I made a couple of connections with people for interesting business collaborations.  

My Brother in law - Matthew Washington

Sunday was the last day and I got in that morning around 11am. This time Annie’s assistant was able to come and help since the snow in the area melted. I started to feel worse so I didn’t stay as long as I wanted. The crowd was a bit thinner than Saturday, understandably. There were more kids this time and they wanted to participate, which made me uneasy. I had two accidents, one from an adult and one from a teenager. They both cut their finger but they were good sports about it. So glad we had a emergency kit...

Overall the “Let’s Make” stations were a success. Many people told me that they enjoyed all the stations and would like to see this format again next year. Hopefully, I will be asked to come again!

Janelle Washington of WashingtonCuts

WashingtonCuts and B'More Paper Cuts Art Display

American Craft Council Fair in Baltimore

I will be attending my first large art fair in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22. I was invited by Annie Howe of Bmore-papercuts to attend this event with the American Craft Council. Annie is hosting a station and wanted to have other paper cut artist from the area to join her for this event. The craft fair will have over 650 exhibitors from all over the country showcasing their work ranging from contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home decor artists.

We will be participating in the 2015 Make Your Mark Inspiration Stations. At these station you will meet some of the artisans and watch or participate in the artist’s creative process.

Here is a list of who will be hosting a station:

BALTIMORE

Visit the “Make Your Mark” inspiration station and try your hand at the art of paper cutting. Experience different techniques inspired by Annie Howe of Bmore Papercuts in Baltimore and Janelle Washington from (WashingtonCuts) in Alexandria. Learn how paper cutting artists use simple tools, like small blades and scissors, to create complex and intricate images from paper.

Art Glass Center at Glen Echo

Artists from the Art Glass Center explain how glass is transformed in a kiln with temperature and time. Join in the discussion and handle samples of glasswork made with various techniques in a variety of styles.

Baltimore Area Turners

Accomplished woodturners will be making functional and artistic items out of ordinary wood, demonstrating their technique and process from start to finish.

Bowerbox Press

Experience the power of the printed word. Using a traditional letterpress and wooden type, you can add your voice to an ongoing poem started by Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press.

Sebastian Martorana

Using many of the same tools as Renaissance masters, Sebastian Martorana carries on the traditions of marble hand-carving. Join this present-day master in this centuries-old art.

Station North Tool Library

What’s the Station North Tool Library? Think of your neighborhood lending library, only with tools. Learn about their wide array of classes and check out a selection of tools – everything from simple hammers to portable table saws and palm sanders. If you’re feeling daring, pick one up and give it a try.

Towson University Metalsmithing and Jewelry

Towson University Metalsmithing + Jewelry program, in conjunction with the university’s Interdisciplinary Object Design program, presents a variety of processes in traditional and experimental metalsmithing and jewelry techniques, as well as digital technologies. Attendees can help develop the creative content for a thematic multimedia project.

Mark Melonas of Luke Works

Mark Melonas is an artist, designer, and craftsman with experience in many materials and a unique interest in concrete. With his team of skilled artisans at Luke Works, Melonas designs and creates one-of-a-kind furniture in wood, concrete, and metal. Get your hands dirty as Melonas demonstrates how to make functional objects out of concrete.

MAKE TRIBE

MAKE TRIBE is a series of community-driven craft workshops and skill-share suppers, produced in partner-ship with a variety of Baltimore businesses and artisans. Each day, MAKE TRIBE invites a different local maker to their show booth to demonstrate how their products are made and to share their skills.

Union Craft Brewing

The Union Craft Brewery makes award-winning ales and lagers. Stop by for a taste of what’s brewing right in the heart of Baltimore.

Baltimore Clayworks

Join Baltimore Clayworks as they host a free interactive workshop for ACC goers! In this hands-on experience participants will donate time and creativity to craft unique cups, mugs and tumblers that will be donated to support Community Arts programming at Baltimore Clayworks. Make cups, make friends, make a difference!

Weaver’s Guild of Greater Baltimore

Dedicated to the exploration of the fiber arts, The Weaver's Guild of Greater Baltimore joins with the ACC to host a 'Spinning Bloom of Looms.' We kindly extend our invitation to you to sit at the loom for a while and by 'throwing the shuttle,' add your own signature to a weaving-in-progress. Sit and weave or you can also felt a woolen pin to wear home.

The Baltimore Convention Center

One West Pratt Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

SHOW DATES AND HOURS

Friday, Feb. 20: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 22: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Advance Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here. Tickets will also be available the day of the show - one day passes are $16.00 and a 3 day pass is $34.00.

Friday after 5pm the tickets will be $5.00