You and yours are invited to Office [After] Hours at the American Craft Council’s headquarters in the historic Grain Belt Brew House in northeast Minneapolis to mark the opening of a new chapter for the organization – one that connects diverse craft communities in an effort to advance craft’s impact in contemporary American life.   

Sarah Schultz, ACC’s executive director, will share that vision alongside local, regional, and national makers' stories. Our official program kicks off at 7:30 p.m., bookmarked by intersections of craft, clay, and community all evening:

• IPAs and other fermented beverages by Fulton (best enjoyed in ceramic mugs)

• New expressions of African, Mediterranean, and American flavors from Afro Deli (served from ceramic containers)

• Celebratory sounds from the Como Avenue Jug Band (yes, they play music with a real ceramic crock)

• Pop-up sale hosted by Artstream Nomadic Gallery featuring mugs by ACC Emerging Voices Artist Jennifer Ling Datchuk

• Two exhibitions currently on view at ACC during the 2019 NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference: “Creative Collective: The Clay Studio as Claytopia in Philadelphia” and “Ceramic Highlights from the ACC Library and Archives”

Following Sarah’s remarks, we’ll hear stories from two creative communities: Jennifer Zwilling, the curator of artistic programs at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, will talk about connecting with new neighbors, and Faythe Levine, the Arts/Industry program manager and assistant curator at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will speak about artist-designed washrooms.  

After we shut down, the party continues! Parallel café is hosting a dance party with DJ Michael Grey from 9 p.m. to midnight (tickets available).