Artist Beer's Pottery is always a fun discovery at the Carolina Artisan Craft Market!

Artist Deadline Tonight! April 30, 2016

Artist Chrissie Callejas' Ceramic Figure at the Carolina Artisan Craft Market

Chrissie Callejas, Ceramic Artist

CALL FOR ARTISTS deadline is April 30 at midnight.  Set indoors at the contemporary Raleigh Convention Center in vibrant downtown Raleigh, NC, this well-promoted event draws thousands of art enthusiasts, collectors and shoppers together to enjoy a unique and festive event!  

The Carolina Artisan Craft Market is a trusted resource and popular tradition for the region featuring original handmade work of 130 juried exhibiting artists.  Loyal and new attendees come ready to buy for their homes and the holidays, knowing they can find one-of-a-kind items and unique contemporary craft for everyone on their list.

Artists who are not currently members of the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild and are creating in these disciplines are encouraged to apply: glass, ceramics, wood, fibers, metal, leather, basketry, printmaking, photography, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, furniture and jewelry.

2016 marks the 47th year of the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild’s annual November event.

Mixed Media Artist Teresa Merriman

Teresa Merriman, Mixed Media Artist

  • New jury every year; friendly and organized staff and volunteers

  • 6 cash awards

  • Covered load in/load out connected directly to the exhibit hall; complimentary coffee, booth-sitters and artist parking

  • A special Preview Party for donors and sponsors opens the event on Friday and doors open to the public immediately following with live music, cash bar, and an energetic atmosphere for shopping that drives booth traffic and sales

  • CDCG website displays artist profiles, schedules, directions and maps; Facebook (Carolina Designer Craftsmen), Twitter (NCCraftsGuild) and Instagram (CarolinaDesignerCraft) provide additional up-to-date info

  • With 98% of exhibiting artists reporting in 2015, 70% of the artists rated weekend sales “Good” to “Excellent” and 77% of the artists reported their experience “Good” to “Excellent”

Apply Now: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4759

We're carrying the nonprofit baton on March 10 - look for photos of CDCG action on Instagram.

Follow Us on the First EVER Nonprofit Baton Sprint!

Have you ever wanted to get a sneak peek inside the life of our staff at the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild? Well, now is your chance.

On March 10, our mighty staff of one is posting photos to the community photo project Nonprofit Baton – npbaton.tumblr.com. The Nonprofit Baton is a collaborative photo project to show the world the inspiring life that nonprofit professionals lead every day. Our job might not be glamorous, but we’re so happy to spend it serving you – our supporters and donors.

The Guild’s Executive Director Amy Etheridge will take you on a visual tour of this grassroots nonprofit art organization founded by a group of dynamic artists in 1970!  The Guild’s vision is to be a community of artisans advancing fine craft as an art form and creating opportunity for economic prosperity.  From potters, sculptors, and glass blowers to fiber artists and furniture makers, the pursuit of design, form, function and beauty will on display.

Interested in becoming an Exhibiting Artist Member of the Guild?  Learn more about how to apply by clicking here:  Call for Artists.

The project is hosted on Instagram, but it will be shared on Facebook, Twitter and through the project website. We’ll be posting pictures all day, so please come support us with a quick double-tap or a comment. Thanks!

Carolina Artisan Craft Market

Call for Artists!

Call for Artists!

Carolina Artisan Craft MarketThe Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina, since 1970 has hosted a profitable marketplace for the finest contemporary craft being made in the U.S.

Emerging and career fine craft artists who are creating work that reflects a mastery of technique and originality of design in the following disciplines are encouraged to apply: glass, ceramics, wood, both wearable and decorative fibers, metal, leather, basketry, printmaking, photography and 2-D and 3-D mixed media, as well as one-of-a-kind handmade furniture and both precious and semi-precious jewelry.  Applications accepted until midnight on April 30, 2016.

Read our call for artists and submit your fine craft artist application
by clicking here:

CDCG prospectus at ZAPPlication.com

Our 47th annual indoor show this November provides a premier showcase for CDCG Exhibiting Artist Members and provisional artists in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.  The Carolina Artisan Craft Market is a trusted resource for art collectors and first-time buyers looking for unique handmade craft!

Carolina Artisan Craft Market
November 11 – 13, 2016
Raleigh Convention Center

AT A GLANCE:

  • Media partnerships with social media, radio, television and regional weekly newspapers
  • Strong and affluent region that draws attendees from multiple counties across North Carolina
  • Known for high-quality juried artists and qualified attendees (approx. 5000+)
  • Covered load in/load out with 9 loading docks connected directly to the exhibit hall with early set up available on Thursday
  • Friendly, organized and supportive staff and volunteers
  • CarolinaDesignerCraftsmen.com displays artist profiles, schedules, directions & maps, and supporting membership information; Facebook (Carolina Designer Craftsmen), Twitter (NC Crafts Guild) and Instagram (CarolinaDesignerCraft) accounts provide additional up-to-date promotions and images.
  • Indoor contemporary venue provides a climate controlled festive shopping experience
  • 6 merit awards with cash prizes totaling $2,950
  • With 98% of exhibiting artists reporting in 2015, 70% of the artists rated weekend sales “Good” to “Excellent” while 77% of the artists reported their experience “Good” to “Excellent”

 

Victoria Primicias, mixed media artist in Wake Forest, NC, creates encaustic paintings using a mixture of beeswax, damar tree resin and colored pigment.

5 Facts About the Carolina Artisan Craft Market

Nancy Ryall Jeweler in Oxford, NC, creates jewelry from sterling silver and 14k gold with highly polished surfaces, contrasting textures and finishes.

Nancy Ryall, Jeweler

CAROLINA ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET is the annual show and marketplace for fine craft being designed and created in the US today.  Hosted by the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, this 46th annual event will take place in the Raleigh Convention Center Exhibit Hall B this weekend, November 6 – 8, 2015.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know in five quick facts about the Carolina Artisan Craft Market.

1. Expect to see a lot of fine craft, both functional and decorative—and variety of media represented. The Market features artists presenting an eclectic body of art with a variety of media represented including: glass, pottery, wood, basketry, wearable and decorative fiber, metal, leather, photography, printmaking and mixed media, as well as furniture and jewelry.

As you enjoy the Market, you’ll find something different in each artist’s booth.  If you are looking for unique and collectible gifts with a story, the Carolina Artisan Craft Market is your event!

2. The Market represents the finest craft being made in America today. More than 110 artists from across North Carolina and the U.S. will converge in Raleigh for this annual juried show and market.

Professionals like Woodworker and Instrument Maker Archie Smith and Jeweler Klaus Spies were chosen this year to present their work in the Smithsonian Art Museum Craft Show.

James Barnes, woodworker in Woolwine, Virginia, creates turned wood vessels with inlay and metal to design original, one-of-a-kind wood cloisonné sculpture.

James Barnes, Woodworker

What sets the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild apart? 2015 Juror Linda Johnson Dougherty says, “The consistently high level of quality—both in craftsmanship and aesthetic design.”  From our master fine craft artists to those who are emerging on the scene, at the Carolina Artisan Craft Market you’ll find artists whose knowledge of materials intersects with creative and experimental techniques along with traditional craft and design foundations.

3. There’s a stellar live music line up too!

Opening Night features Ed Stephenson, with an extensive guitar repertoire, along with percussionist Cat Albanese.  Saturday morning The Thomas Taylor Trio performs jazz and popular tunes, followed by Gene Bario Duo with Cort Stewart. Sunday you’ll enjoy rock and roll, blues, New Orleans, pop and R & B from the Big Chief Trio!
Learn more about our Live Music Schedule.

4. This is the start of a new cultural tradition in downtown Raleigh – fine craft, artist demonstrations and live music. Since 1970 the Guild has contributed to Raleigh’s flourishing reputation as The Southern Capital of Arts and Culture.  Leading in the promotion of outstanding design and craftsmanship, education and appreciation of fine craft, the Guild has hosted this annual event in Raleigh for 45 years – supporting career artists and making a local investment in our community.

Miriam Carter Fiber Artist and Felt Maker in NH creates handmade clothing and hats using fine wool fiber and yard, silk and cotton fabrics.

Miriam Carter, Fiber Artist

In it’s 46th year, the Guild brings its prestigious juried designer craft show and marketplace to downtown Raleigh. The arts industry and creative class continue to grow in Raleigh – lead by a vibrant artist community – and the Guild is contributing with this cherished event.

5. Here are the details for attending the event:
Price: $7 for a single day ticket, $10 for a weekend pass, and free for kids age 15 and under with a paid adult accompanying. Get tickets here for the Carolina Artisan Craft Market.
Hours: Fri, 5PM – 10PM, Sat, 10AM – 6PM, and Sun, 11AM – 5PM.
Venue: Raleigh Convention Center Exhibit Hall, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Andy Kearney, Woodworker in Conway, SC designs and builds bedroom and dining room furniture, mirrors and clocks with Art Deco and Shaker design.

Meet the Juror: Linda Johnson Dougherty

Carolina Artisan Craft Market: 2015 Juror, Linda Johnson Dougherty

Linda Johnson Dougherty, Chief Curator & Curator of Contemporary Art at the North Carolina Museum of Art served as juror for the fine craft artists applying for a spot in the 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market.  Twenty Provisional Exhibiting Artists will join existing Exhibiting Artist Members of the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild for this festive shopping event held November 6 – 8 in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

(Feature image: Andy Kearney, furniture maker and provisional exhibiting artist, chosen by the juror for the 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market.)

Jim and Shirl Parmentier, potters in Mars Hill, North Carolina, create one-of-a-kind hand built and carved lamps and other functional pieces.
Jim and Shirl Parmentier, potters and provisional exhibiting artists, chosen by the juror for the 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market

What’s the most rewarding or challenging aspect of serving as juror?

Jurying a show like this gives me the opportunity to see the diverse range of work being made by artists working in a wide variety of media, that otherwise I would not have a chance to see.  The most challenging aspect is trying to judge an artist’s work from just a few digital images and trying to imagine what the work is truly like in person, especially with 3-D works. 

What sets the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild apart?

The consistently high level of quality—both in craftsmanship and aesthetic design—of all the submissions.

What do you look for when selecting artists for the Carolina Artisan Craft Market?

I’m looking for artists whose knowledge of materials intersects with creative and experimental techniques, and who are challenging conventional notions of craft and design.

Michael Mikula, Glass Artist from Cleveland, OH, creates architectural blown glass and metal sculptures inspired by urban energy and built environment.

Michael Mikula, glass artist and provisional exhibiting artist juried into the 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market

What craft trends have you seen emerging among this year’s applicants?

An interest in exploring a wide range of materials; an incorporation of historical or established techniques along with more experimental and contemporary methods.

 

Linda is currently organizing exhibitions of contemporary art and developing artists’ projects for the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Museum Park. Prior to joining the staff at the North Carolina Museum of Art, she co-directed the public art program for the state of North Carolina for several years, and was a curator at The Phillips Collection, a research associate at the National Gallery of Art, and a research assistant at the National Museum of American Art in Washington, DC. She has a BA in Art History from Wesleyan University and an MA in Art History from Williams College.

The 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market, hosted by the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, is on a new date, in a new location: Nov. 6 - 8 at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh.

New Date, New Location, New Name: Carolina Artisan Craft Market

The Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild presents, Carolina Artisan Craft Market!

The 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market, hosted by the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, is on a new date, in a new location: Nov. 6 - 8 at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh.Our annual event, the Carolina Artisan Craft Market (formerly known as the Fine Designer Craft Show) will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 6 – 8, 2015 at the Raleigh Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B, in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina!

We’re looking forward to hosting our 46th annual event.  North Carolinians and visitors alike will enjoy the festivities.  Highlighting the best fine craft being made in America today, the Carolina Artisan Craft Market includes a juried marketplace of amazing artists, dynamic artist demonstrations, live music and a premier shopping experience.

For those seeking handmade, one-of-a-kind, unique and collectible gifts, functional and decorative art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, printmaking, photography, clothing, furniture, photography and more – this is your event.  Shop local and meet the artists, learn about their materials and process, and hear the story behind each piece!

We have a stellar line up of 115 Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild Exhibiting Artist Members and new provisional artists to bring you a diverse collection of the finest craft made in the United States!

Advance tickets are on sale now! To receive the latest event news and special announcements, sign up for our eNewsletter today.  Mark your calendar and we’ll see you the first weekend in November – Friday, Nov. 6, Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8, for our 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market!  #CarolinaCraft15

Photo credit: Brian Gassel

*Date Change for 2015* Countdown to November Event in Raleigh

NEWS FLASH:  WE’VE CHANGED THE DATE OF OUR 2015 ANNUAL EVENT!

Mark your calendar November 6 – 8, 2015 for the Carolina Artisan Craft Market at the Raleigh Convention Center!

As many people are welcoming family into their homes, prepping in the kitchen for a Thanksgiving feast, 123 fine craft artists are making their way to the Capitol City for our Thanksgiving Event in Raleigh: the 45th Annual Fine Designer Crafts Show held this weekend at the Expo Center (NC FairgroundsThanksgiving Weekend Event Raleigh includes artist demonstration by Roy Underhill of PBS Woodwright Shop.)

Looking for things to do with family and friends?  Stretch your legs Friday (7pm – 9pm), Saturday (10am – 6pm) and Sunday (11am – 5pm) and join us at our show –  THE place to buy amazing, one-of-a-kind gifts directly from artists across North Carolina and the U.S. And enjoy artist demonstrations including Roy Underhill, host of the PBS series The Woodwright’s Shop, and live music too!

Shop local and support small business (every independent artist is a small business!) during this gift-giving season.  And, you get to support an innovative nonprofit organization that is making sure the skills of craft artists are recognized and kept alive for the next generation!

http://blog.visitraleigh.com/2014/11/24/popular-crafts-show-returns-thanksgiving-weekend/
Discover Handmade with the Caroline Designer Craftsmen at the Carolina Artisan Craft Market, Nov 6-8, 2015 in downtown Raleigh, NC at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Shiny Happy Website

Thrilling Website Re-design by Julie Holmes Design!

We hope you will find our new fresh website designed by Julie Holmes engaging and easy to navigate.  Look for your favorite Exhibiting Artist Member and discover new artists exhibiting at our 45th Annual Fine Designer Crafts Show in Raleigh Thanksgiving weekend.  You can search by name or medium.

There are details about the artist demonstrations we’ve planned including wood carving on Saturday, November 29 by Roy Underhill of the PBS Series The Woodwright’s Shop and founder of The Woodwright’s School in Pittsboro.  On Sunday, November 30 it’s a Jewelry-a-Palooza with demonstrations by Janet Harriman of Beaufort, Ginger Meek Allen of Wake Forest and Ben Dyer of Hillsborough!

Take a spin through our website and let us know what you think.  We’d love to hear from you.

See you at the show,

Amy