Artist Awards

We take great pride in awarding markers of excellence each year to fine craft artists showing mastery of technique and originality of design.  Below is a description of each award and the recent recipients of these awards.

Craftsmen Choice Award

2018 Craftsmen Choice Award Honoree, Paveen “Beer” Chunhaswasdikul

Exhibiting Artists at the annual Carolina Artisan Craft Market select the artist who has consistently shown quality craftsmanship. $200 award.

Paveen “Beer” Chunhaswasdikul, 2018
Erica Stankwytch Bailey, 2017
Kevin Duval
, 2016
Marti Mocahbee; Lisa Oakley, 2015
Amy Flynn
; Michael Costello; Sasha Bakaric, 2014
Andy Smith, 2013
Archie Smith, Sasha Bakaric, 2012
Alan Bennett, 2011

Cedar Creek Gallery Award of Excellence

2018 Cedar Creek Gallery Award Honoree, Bayley Wharton

The Award of Excellence is presented by Cedar Creek Gallery as the mark of excellent work deserving of special recognition. $250 award.

Bayley Wharton, 2018
Logan Louis, 2017
Erica Stankwytch Bailey, 2016
Bayley Wharton, 2015
Andree Richmond, 2014
Fong Choo, 2013
Megan Clark, 2012
Michael Brown, 2011

Jan Gregg Award

2018 Jan Gregg Award Honoree, Cathy Vaughn, and Board Chair Jeanne Maher

In 2005, the first Jan Gregg Award was presented to Jan in honor of her commitment to craft and her service to the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Board of Directors for 36 years.  Jan’s dedication and efforts to realize a guild organized by craft artists and for craft artists is greatly appreciated.  $150 award.

Lisa M. LeMair and Cathy Vaughn, 2018
Barbara Mann, 2017
Nell Chandler, 2016
Elizabeth Lyne, 2015
Deborah Harris, 2014
Sandra McEwen, 2013
Evelyn Ward, 2012
Elizabeth Lyne, 2011

2018 Dino Read Foundation Award Honorees, John Wayne Jackson and Page Jackson

Dino Read Foundation Award

This award is presented in memory of and to support and nurture artistic education and achievement in keeping with the joyous creativity and artistic spirit of Dino Read.  $1,000 award.

John Wayne Jackson, 2018
John Furches, 2017
Sasha Bakaric, 2016
Deana Blanchard & Chuck Young, 2015
Liz Spear, 2014
Sandra McEwen, 2013
Teddy Devereux, 2012
John Garland & Mary Paul, 2011

The Don H. Johnson Award, Presented by Creative Metalsmiths

2017 recipient, Sandra McEwen, had this to say about receiving the scholarship: “I was honored to receive the Don H. Johnson Scholarship Award in 2017. Although I never met Don, his family was gracious, kind and enthusiastic about my work—It was such a pleasure to meet them and hear stories about Don! The award itself was a welcome addition, and I used the funds to travel to meet other enamel artists, as well as to purchase some equipment to make educational videos on enameling. Don’s generosity has inspired me to share my knowledge of enameling and I hope to pay it forward some day!” Pictured here is her necklace, entitled Perseus.

2018 Don H. Johnson Award Honoree, Marie Wright

This award was created in honor of Don H. Johnson – whose life was spent in the pursuit of the magic and alchemy of “making”. Don began his exploration in art and the creative process through music and poetry. It was his joy and passion to explore, discover, share and encourage others.

Therefore this award is open to all disciplines of art by the exhibiting artist members of CDCG participating in the show; an organization Don loved and believed in. It is our hope that this will allow others a unique opportunity to further the pursuit of their own passion and self-exploration! This $1,000 award, presented by Creative Metalsmiths, must be used for an educational quest.

Marie Wright, 2018
Sandra McEwen, 2017
Nancy Kubale, 2016
Julie Kradel, 2015
Chris Horney, 2014
Betty McKim, 2013
Megan Clark, 2012
Phillip Nolley, 2011