Vermont American Craft Week Kicks Off Today

The state of Vermont Tourism Division will be a major sponsor of American Craft Week for the second year in a row joining Americans in all 50 states celebrating the art of handmade craft. From today, Oct. 4 to 13, American Craft Week will feature hundreds of diverse events in galleries and artist studios, museums and schools, as well as at fairs and festivals.

American Craft Week in Vermont: More than 120 potters, silversmiths, glassblowers, watercolorists, furniture designers and other makers will greet the public in their private workspaces all taking part in Open Studio Weekend October 5 & 6. In addition, to the artists and artisans participating in Open Studio Weekend, the organizers are putting out a call to galleries, crafters, museums, schools, festivals and other arts organizations to join the celebration.

"American Craft Week shows us how craft enhances our lives, makes us feel good and brings people together," said Diane Sulg, co-chair of American Craft Week. "By taking part in the celebration, people are joining in on the trend of buying products made in America while shopping locally."

"We are looking for both sponsors and participants," says Lynn Barrett, media representative for American Craft Week in New England. "There are different levels of participation to make it affordable to anyone interested in joining the celebration." Involvement in American Craft Week is open to everyone, from craft artists to retailers to schools and beyond. For more information, email prime@svcable.net or call 802-258-3992.

Since its inception in 2010, American Craft Week has grown from 240 to nearly 1000 participating events. "Many regions have found American Craft Week an excellent way to connect with fall tourists to their area," said Sherry Masters, co-chair of American Craft Week. "The celebration brings together individuals, small businesses and organizations while providing an opportunity to learn a craft or acquire that one-of-a-kind work of art."