Looking Forward to Show Time
ne
of the hallmarks of creativity is diversity and this month we look at the
opportunities for minority artists in the world of crafts. Despite two centuries
in a country dedicated to equal rights for all, minorities starting with
the American Indian have continually struggled for a share of economic parity
in the business arena. In our feature, “Opportunities Grow for Minority
Artists in Crafts,” we examine the avenues currently open to these
artists in the crafts industry.
Many local and national cultural organizations exist solely to support and foster these artists within their own communities; but only a small percentage of minority artists are regular participants in the mainstream of wholesale and retail arts and craft venues around the country. In the past few years, we have seen notable attempts by museums, retailers and exhibitors to give minority craft artists more visibility, but the progress is slow. This is a loss to all artists, depriving them of chances to learn fresh viewpoints, varied methods and innovative transformations of previous styles that contribute to growth and originality in art.
As I write this, I am planning my summer travels which take me to both wholesale and retail shows including five retail shows held simultaneously each July in Ann Arbor, Mich. I’m excited about the chance to see so many different artists and diverse works in many media. I expect to be overwhelmed by the displays of more than 1,500 artists who exhibit together on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; but I also think it’s my good fortune to be able to view all that talent and artistry in one place.
I hope to meet many of our readers in my travels and bring back a long list of topics, ideas and craftspeople to feature in future issues of The Crafts Report. Many of you have already written or talked to me this year and I know you are working hard to maintain your business in difficult times. Next month, the crafts industry observes the seventh annual Month for CERF by contributing part of September’s profits to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. With monies donated by craftspeople, CERF has helped hundreds of artists recover from fire, theft, and other business-related catastrophes. We hope many of you will be able to contribute again to this fund. A Month for CERF is a chance to store up resources, not only for other artists, but for yourself as well and could someday mean the difference between staying in business or leaving the career you’ve come to love.
