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

Lauren Markley, Jeweler in Raleigh, NC creates one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces utilizing sterling silver, brass, reclaimed wood, thread and painting.

Announcing: Artists in 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market

The Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild is thrilled to announce the exhibiting artists for the Carolina Artisan Craft Market. Juried into the event, this year’s lineup represents 113 of the very best craft artists across North Carolina and the United States, including 20 artists who are new to the event. All will bring their fine craft to the Raleigh Convention Center Exhibit Hall, Raleigh, North Carolina, November 6 – 8, 2015.

Selected works include the following craft disciplines: glass, pottery, wood, basketry, wearable and decorative fiber, metal, leather, photography, printmaking and mixed media, as well as furniture and jewelry.

Victoria Sexton, Clay Sculptor in Greenville, NC, builds original, whimsical, satirical sculptures in rich matte colors - no two are alike!

The 2015 Carolina Artisan Craft Market welcomes back many returning Exhibiting Artist Members including Instrument Maker Archie Smith, Clay Sculptor Victoria Sexton (image, left), Jewelers Tom Reardon and Kathleen Doyle and Fiber Artist-Designer Michael Kane.  Click here for a preview and the full list of all the 2015 Exhibiting Artists.

Among this year’s exciting additions to the Market are:

Jim and Shirl Parmentier, potters in Mars Hill, North Carolina who design, hand build and carve exquisite sculptural lamps, vessels, vases, boxes and bowls.

Lauren Markley (featured image), studio jeweler in Raleigh, North Carolina creates one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces utilizing reclaimed wood, sterling silver, brass and thread.

Paul Willsea, glass artist in Naples, New York creates complex, beautifully colored, blown forms that exude both structure and lightnessRon Lentz, Woodworker in VA creates jewelry and valet boxes and humidors from wood with exceptional color and grain, hand finished to a high luster.

Ron Lentz (image, right), woodworker in Midlothian, Virginia creates jewelry and valet boxes and humidors by carefully selecting wood for their color and grain, each neatly appointed with natural suede.

Buy tickets to this year’s Market here: Day Tickets & Weekend Passes

Learn more about the Market here: Carolina Artisan Craft Market