Announcing the Awards of Excellence winners at the 2020 Baltimore show
Announcing the Awards of Excellence winners at the 2020 Baltimore show
The American Craft Show in Baltimore features more than 600 talented craft artists from across North America. One way we recognize them for their exceptional work is through our Awards of Excellence. Winners receive a cash prize and get to bypass the jury process to exhibit in the American Craft Shows the following year. Join us in congratulating this cohort of stellar makers.
Craft Connects Award
Honors a maker who is genuinely rooted in a sense of place, whether it’s a community, practice, or tradition
Winner: Ian Petrie (booth 914-5)
Juror: Cara Ober, editor of BmoreArt
Cara said, "Ian's Philadelpia-based ceramics capture everyday personal anecdotes and narrative."
Making Matters Award
Honors a maker whose work demonstrates their high level of commitment to improving environmental health, social justice, and sustainability
Winner: Mau Schoettle (booth 3301)
Juror: Lowery Stokes Sims, curator emerita of the Museum of Arts and Design
"There are many creators in touch with upcycling," said Lowery, "but Mau's clothing captures the spirit of an urban sensibility with her use of recycled materials."
Craft Makes Us Human Award
Honors a maker whose presence at the show demonstrates a radically welcoming environment
Winner: Kimberly Camp (booth 1306)
Juror: George Ciscle, founder of the MFA of Curatorial Practice at Maryland Institute College of Art
George said, "Kimberly's mixed media work provides her visitors with an opportunity to renew their faith in our shared humanity."
Born to Make Things Award
Honors a maker who applies supreme skill in their use of booth space and the aesthetic design of their display
Winner: Amy Nguyen (booth 2405)
Juror: Lisa Bayne, CEO of Artful Home
"Amy's booth design mirrors both the simplicity of her work and the exquisite strength and detail of all her pieces," said Lisa.
Creative Spirit Abounds Award
Honors a maker in our emerging artist program who demonstrates an innovative approach to making that causes us to pause, question, laugh, cry, or think differently
Winners: Ian Henderson and Sue-Yee Leung (booth 4001-1) for the fresh new spirit they bring to their jewelry work
Juror: Leslie King Hammonds, founding director of the Center for Race and Culture at Maryland Institute College of Art
Thank you to our partner organizations for providing two more Awards of Excellence
James Renwick Alliance Award of Excellence for Innovation in Craft
Winner: Kate Eickelberg (booth 326) for her innovative blending of materials including scrap and raw material to elevate her jewelry practice
Juror: Rebecca Ravenal, ceramic artist and former JRA board member
Society of North American Goldsmiths Award of Excellence in Jewelry and Metals
Winner: Earl Jones (booth 1001-A)
Juror: Sarah Rachel Brown, artist, founder and host of Perceived Value
Sarah said of her experience meeting Earl, "I connected with his eyes, I connected with his space, and I connected with his work, and the choice was obvious."
Our members make these awards possible
As a national nonprofit, we couldn't support makers in their practice without the backing of a community of people who understand that craft sustains us, inspires us, and enriches our lives. If craft is essential to you, share your passion and become a member of the American Craft Council today.
