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Wendy Maruyama: Innovator, Master, ACC Supporter

Wendy Maruyama: Innovator, Master, ACC Supporter

Wendy Maruyama

Wendy Maruyama, ACC fellow and trustee

Some of us are called to make craft our mission in life. We may spend years honing technique and mastering our mediums. There are challenges and rewards in such a life; one of the most meaningful rewards is to be honored with induction in the American Craft Council College of Fellows.

Celebrating last month with the newest award honorees reminded me of the immense value of the College of Fellows and how its recognition and preservation of craft benefits the whole field.

Since 1975, the Council has awarded the distinction of Fellow of the Council to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to craft through outstanding artistic achievement and leadership in their medium for 25 years or more. While the program is overseen by ACC, awardees are selected by the existing members of the College of Fellows. Being recognized by one’s peers makes this award especially meaningful.

I received this award in 2008 for my work in furniture and sculpture. To be counted among this group of artisans — like Jere Osgood and Arline Fisch —whom I had studied under and revered, fills me with such pride. It’s a tremendous honor that I will always cherish.

The award is critical to the preservation of craft history. The ACC Library – a leading repository of contemporary American craft history – maintains artist files on all the honorees. The College of Fellows constituents are among the most frequently requested research subjects, making the files an invaluable part of ACC’s overall collection, a rich resource brimming with news clippings, exhibition postcards, photographs, and correspondence from the almost 300 inductees.

Many people might know about ACC only through its award-winning magazine, American Craft, or through the craft shows that bring together hundreds of artists into one marketplace. The College of Fellows is just one example of the many other ACC programs and initiatives that have a profound and positive impact on the field of craft.

As a nonprofit organization, the American Craft Council relies on your support to continue recognition programs like the College of Fellows and to build and maintain its library and digital archives, which are free of charge and open to the public. When you make a gift, you are contributing to the vibrancy of our shared craft community.

As a member of the College of Fellows and as a new board member of ACC, I have seen first-hand the Council’s commitment to championing craft. I am amazed at the dedication and effort, and I am proud to support this vital organization with my time and with my donations. I hope you will join me in ensuring a bright future for craft.

Sincerely,

Wendy Maruyama
Trustee and Fellow, American Craft Council

P.S. Get inspired — watch videos of the newest members of the College of Fellows and then and make your gift!
 

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