The 49th American Craft Made Baltimore, held February 20–22, 2026, was more than a marketplace—it was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when community and creativity come together.
This year, the American Craft Council welcomed 458 artists across exhibitors, partners, School-to-Market participants, and new community booths. Nearly 10,500 people attended, a 15 percent increase over 2025 and our strongest attendance since before the pandemic.
But the true impact can’t be measured by numbers.
More than 60 participating early-career artists, many craftspeople new to ACM Baltimore, and a robust representation of longstanding exhibitors who have shaped this show for decades created a dynamic mix that attendees described as the best they had seen in years.
Launching new careers while sustaining established ones and bringing people together who care about the handmade is the heart of our work. For emerging printmaker MC Carey of Femme Prints, their experience at ACM Baltimore was transformative. They shared how supported and prepared they felt entering the show and went on to receive ACC’s Award of Excellence in Printmaking, a new medium introduced this year. Jewelry artist Kate Joseph of Clouds + Ladders reflected that after completing our Early Career Artist Program, “it felt like you all were ready to catch me as I made the leap! The program helped me immensely to learn and refine how to participate in a large-scale show.” At the other end of the career spectrum, celebrated textile artist Ann Brauer told us American Craft Made Baltimore 2026 was her second-most successful show ever.
A sense of shared purpose extended throughout the weekend. Ten partners activated Let’s Make! workshops, four organizations presented awards, three convened their communities on-site, and new relationships with Etsy and Homo Faber expanded our national and international participation. Four additional partner booths featured students, including Touchstone Center for Craft. Deputy Director Stefanie Glover shared, “I cannot say enough about our positive School-to-Market experience as it is truly a beneficial opportunity for our budding artists and the organization.” ACC’s volunteer corps also grew by more than 40 percent over last year, strengthening the ecosystem that makes this event thrive.
As we look ahead to ACC’s 50th year in Baltimore, we are building on this momentum with intention. Leaders from the City of Baltimore and the Maryland State Arts Council joined us for a tour. A newly launched VIP experience also welcomed longtime friends and promising new supporters.
Marketplace programs like American Craft Made Baltimore don’t just happen—they are built through your belief, investment, and care. If you believe in creating opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers, we invite you to support ACC’s marketplaces with a donation today.
