Clay throwing, wood turning and amplified knitting needles in nimble hands. These are just a few of the many innovative events attracting art-lovers to the 31st American Craft Show in Baltimore.
“We?re presenting all different types of craft because we want to promote the understanding of what craft can be,” said Mary Fichter, spokeswoman for the American Craft Council. “Settling on one definition for ?craft? is tricky and controversial.”
More than 700 artists will be at the Baltimore Convention Center to present their handmade work ? primarily jewelry, furniture, clothing and decorative art. The annual event is the largest juried, indoor craft show in the nation.
Baltimore artist Jean-Pierre Weill will present his three-dimensional, mixed media art. The artist paints glass using oil and acrylics paints, and translucent and opaque enamel inks. “I introduce every day objects like wires into the pieces to add sculptural elements,” he said.
“The Baltimore show is highly respected and one of the most important fine art exhibitions in the country,” said artist Julie Girardini from Sykesville. “Buyers come back each year knowing they are not going to see, I hate to say it, but crochet doilies. People come with their personal or corporate collections in mind, either wanting to add a specific artist or piece, or begin a collection.”
The 14th annual Craft Show in Baltimore inspired Girardini and her husband to leave their jobs 17 years ago to pursue a career in metal. The Girardinis transform cold rolled steel into sculptural as well as functional pieces such as candleholders, clocks, tables and room dividers.
When crafting a piece, the artistic pair cut and welds tubed and angled metal. “We do a surface treatment, either grinding or polishing and then apply chemicals to change the color of the metal. We produce lots of bronze and copper colors.”
To Girardini, each booth at the show is a miniature gallery. “In addition to the artwork, we bring in carpets, walls and lighting,” she said.
“Getting to meet the artists at the show is really such a pleasure,” Fitcher said. “No other experience is quite the same. The artists are so friendly and eager to talk with people and the interactive demonstrations show people how their beautiful work was done.”
IF YOU GO
American Craft Show
» Venue: Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street, Baltimore
» When: Fri., Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
» Tickets: $14 per person, $20 for a two-day pass,
» Information: 800-836-3470, craftcouncil.org/baltimore
