A tradition established at the start of the American Craft Shows, the Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate show artists in the categories of overall work quality, booth design, and an emerging artist.

From a pool of more than 230 incredibly talented makers, five were chosen to be honored with awards at our 2017 American Craft Show in San Francisco.

For quality of work, awards were given to fiber artist Chie Hitchner (booth 513), whose stunning woven tapestries and scarves drew eyes and hands; jewelry artist Sandra Enterline (booth 109) and her subtly crafted work made from steel and gold, and Holly Tornheim (booth 218), whose lovely wood sculptures and trays seem to glow with warmth.

Taking home the award for booth design, which honors both quality of work and booth presentation, was jeweler Rachel Shimpock (booth 520), whose funky and fresh work depicting plated and glass-enameled snack food – like potato chips and popcorn – found their home in a booth designed to look like a black and white kitchen. She credits Madeline Walker as her design partner for the booth. 

Ceramist and brand new ACC show artist Erin Lynn Smith (booth 213) won the Award of Excellence for an emerging artist as part of our Hip Pop program. The jurors described her ceramic housewares and lamps as “joyful, colorful, and full of exaggerated happiness.”

Congratulations to all of our award winners!