Scottish designers invited to American Craft Show 2017
A group of 20 makers and designers based in Scotland are to showcase their work at a prestigious craft show in the US.
A group of 20 makers and designers based in Scotland are to showcase their work at a prestigious craft show in the US.
Craft Scotland has forged a trade agreement with the American Craft Council (ACC) which will allow Scottish arts and crafts to display beside US-based designers.
American Craft Show Baltimore 2017 has up to now only showcased the work of US crafts people and is expected to be attended by more than 20,000 people between February 24 and 26.
Fiona Logue, director of Craft Scotland, said: Scotland has a rich heritage in craft and making, and what is particularly exciting is how that influences makers working in Scotland today.
The makers and designers selected are a mixture of emerging and established talent, all of whom challenge perceptions of what Scottish craft might be, and it is that vibrancy that has been recognised by the American Craft Council.
We're delighted to be able to facilitate this opportunity for Scotland's makers and to continue to develop links between Scotland and North America.''
The 20 people and ranges selected include Adam Henderson's precious metal jewellery and Lara Scobie's sculptural ceramics.
Jewellers, ceramicists and textile artists are also represented with works inspired from Scotland's seascapes and coastline, flora in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scottish folklore and Scotland's urban creatures.
Pamela Diamond, director of marketing and communications at ACC, said: ACC firmly believes in the value and inspiration that exchanging ideas, cultural influences and methods of making can provide for both artists and show attendees alike.
We look forward to hosting this exciting showcase of 20 artists representing Scotland's fresh and contemporary take on craft.''
The five-day show includes two trade days, followed by three retail days which are open to the public.
Creative Scotland believes it will allow Scottish makers to connect with an American audience.
Clive Gillman, director of creative industries at Creative Scotland, said: This is a great opportunity to showcase this work and to introduce it to new audiences across the Atlantic.''