Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We hope this FAQ information serves as a helpful introduction to the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild (CDCG) and its programs. If you need additional information please call us at (919) 460-1551 and leave a message or contact us via email.
Is it a nonprofit organization?
Yes, the Carolina Designer Craftsmen is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization. As such, contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
How can I support the organization?
As a nonprofit, contributions of time, talent and treasures are vital for the organization to work towards achieving its mission. Our 501 (c)3 status makes your donations tax-deductible.
If you are interested in making a gift or volunteering to serve on the governing board, find more details on this website: Support CDCG
Support this local nonprofit by attending our annual fundraiser event, the Carolina Artisan Craft Market, November 2 – 4, 2018 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Exhibit Hall C in downtown Raleigh. Bring friends and family and shop for amazing handmade art to add to your collection or to give as gifts!
According to Shop Local Raleigh every dollar you spend at an independent, local business, creates 3.5 times more local economic benefit than dollars spent at a national chain.
I’m an artist, how do I become a CDCG member?
Every year fine craft artists from across the U.S. have a chance to apply for membership into the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild. Through a rigorous two-step jury selection process, artists whose work reflects a mastery of technique and originality of design are juried into the Carolina Artisan Craft Market as provisional members.
If an artist chooses to accept this invitation to participate, an object jury at the fall showcase is the final step in the jury process. After participating in this show, artists who pass the object jury are invited to become exhibiting artist members. Exhibiting Artist Members pay annual dues of $70 to maintain membership in the Guild.
Our members work includes the following craft media: basketry, clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, wood, furniture, printmaking, photography and mixed media.
Find more information on this website: Fine Craft Artist Application
Is this a professional organization?
Yes, the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild is a professional organization for fine craft artists. The mission of the Guild is to support and perpetuate the professional pursuit of design and craftsmanship, education, and appreciation of the art of fine craft.
What does CDCG consider craft?
The Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild is a competitive juried organization attracting high-quality fine crafts. All work must be original and made by the artist. Designer Craftsmen are those who have perfected their craft with a mastery of technique and originality of design. The body of work should demonstrate the artist’s vision, and when viewed as a whole, should be seen as more than the sum of its parts.
Craft media represented include:
Basketry
Clay
Fiber
Glass
Jewelry
Leather
Metal
Wood
Furniture
Printmaking
Photography
Mixed Media
We do not accept watercolor, acrylic or oil paintings; drawings in ink or charcoal on paper or canvas; commercial photography or mechanical reproductions. Neither are objects made from kits, imported, commercially manufactured, cast from commercial molds, purchased bisque ware, embellished (painted boxes, china, furniture, ready-made clothing). Artists cannot represent a consortium. Absolutely NO buy-sell.
How can I participate in the CDCG shows and programs?
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers contributing their time, talent and expertise! Our Board of Directors is a governing board and is comprised of volunteers who agree to serve a three-year term. If you are interested in learning more about Board service please send us an email with a detailed message.
If you are interested in volunteering for our annual fall show or to help with other programs, administration or committees, please email us indicating your availability and interest.
How do I participate in the CDCG annual November show?
To exhibit at the annual fall event in November, artists must either be an Exhibiting Artist Member in good standing or be juried into the show as a provisional member. Through a rigorous two step jury selection process, artists whose work reflects a mastery of technique and originality of design are juried into the Carolina Artisan Craft Market. If an artist chooses to accept this invitation to participate, an object jury at the fall showcase is the final step in the jury process. After participating in the fall event, artists who pass the object jury are invited to become exhibiting artist members.
Find guidelines, eligibility and the application at our page on ZAPPlication:
Fine Craft Artist Application
I’m an Exhibiting Artist Member. Why isn’t my email address listed on my page?
In order to avoid your inbox becoming full of spam we’ve opted not to openly publish your email address. Visitors have ample means to get in touch with you through your own website or phone number. For artists who only provided an email as a means of contact, we’ve disguised that email by replacing the symbols “@” and “.” with words so that a spam robot can’t recognize it, snatch it and direct tons of spam their way.
Photo, right: Ceramic artist Courtney Tomchik’s booth at the annual Carolina Artisan Craft Market in Raleigh, North Carolina
Photo, left: James and Rombye Perry’s leatherwork at the
annual Carolina Artisan Craft Market in Raleigh, North Carolina