American Craft Show Returns To San Francisco With Feast of Artisan Goods
Author:Robyn WiseAmong the maker fairs cropping up everywhere, American Craft Council’s venerable fine craft show in San Francisco (August 3-5) remains one of the most respected for its juried selection of contemporary handmade objects from top artisans across the country. Now in its 43rd year, the three-day event returns to Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture with shoppable exhibits and hands-on demonstrations by more than 250 independent makers of quality ceramics, textiles, jewelry, houseware, clothing and small furniture.
Carved wooden panels by 2018 American Craft Show artist Joe Graci
At this year’s edition—the first under leadership of American Craft Council’s new executive director, Sarah Schulz (formerly of the Walker Art Center)—visitors can expect to see “a greater degree of playfulness and pops of color, especially from our emerging artists,” Schulz says, adding the 2018 selection jury also noticed use of natural dyes as a strong trend in the wearables category.
(clockwise from top left) 2018 Make Room designers Quinn Morgan, Katie Storey, Lindsay Meyer, Stephanie Fillbrandt & Chiya Ewald
As always, there’s plenty to want, including a short list of objects featured in the returning Make Room home-décor section, which is curated by Bay Area interior designers (see the 2018 picks in following links). This year, Lindsay Meyer (Batch), Stephanie Fillbrandt and Chiya Ewald (Marsh & Clark Design), Quinn Morgan (Quinn Morgan Design) and Katie Storey (Storey Design) will each create a color-themed vignette that showcases furniture and accessories from participating artists of their choosing. As part of the fair’s popular Style Slam event, local stylists Leah-Marie Bronson, Maya Alex Deschamps, Tracy Diamond, and Kristen Ikeda-Jones will bring the spaces to life with models dressed in statement pieces to complement each room.
Check out the full list of artists and come prepared to covet.
Horse-hair earrings by San Francisco-based jewelry designer Anna Monet
American Craft Council’s annual American Craft Show is on view at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture’s Festival Pavilion Aug. 3–5, craftcouncil.org/sf.
