American Craft Council Kicks Off Summer with First-Ever American Craft Fest 

Free, family-friendly event features a showcase of more than 30 emerging artists plus more than 30 all-ages activities and craft vendors

Minneapolis, MN
April 2024

The American Craft Council (ACC) will debut its American Craft Fest at Union Depot in St. Paul, June 8 and 9, 2024. This two-day, free, immersive event will offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to explore extraordinary work by more than 30 emerging artists, engage in fun and educational activities led by regional arts organizations, view craft demonstrations by experienced makers, and savor local craft beers, beverages, and food-truck fare from the Twin Cities. 

The event offers a broad look at the handcraft community in the region, with numerous chances to engage in making, tasting, and exploring the craft world. Visitors can try their hands at a variety of free activities or learn about craft and its makers with in-person demonstrations led by some of the region’s top craft organizations and groups. Families, children, and visitors of all ages can dip their toes into the world of craft and take something home with them—an object, a new interest, or even a new skill. 

“This new event builds on ACC’s history of bringing people together to celebrate the artful work of the human hand,” said Andrea Specht, executive director, American Craft Council. “We’re excited to collaborate with a range of fellow nonprofits and some of our region’s most promising emerging craft artists on an immersive, joyful event for people of all ages.”

Activities and demonstrations will include: 

• Artist Amara Hark-Weber will demonstrate making handmade shoes.
• American Swedish Institute will offer make-and-take activities inspired by their upcoming exhibition, Karin Larsson: Let the Hand Be Seen.  
• Fireweed Community Woodshop will demonstrate broom making.
• Textile Center will offer a make-and-take activity that explores weaving techniques. 
• Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Art will offer a stained glass make-and-take activity
• Plus screen printing activities, and more!

Visitors can also shop an exceptional showcase of handmade work from more than 30 up-and-coming regional artists and makers, and can discover a wide range of artistic styles from traditional to contemporary. Craft-curious attendees and seasoned collectors alike will enjoy connecting with makers while exploring mediums such as ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing, furniture, basketry, and more. 

Among the 30 regional emerging artists are the American Craft Council’s Harlan Boss Emerging Artists. With Boss Foundation support, ACC provides six emerging artists from Minnesota who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) with financial and in-kind support to build sustainable and successful careers as craft artists and makers.

These artists are:

• Jennifer Adams, Miimike (White Bear, Minnesota)
• Azania Tripp, Obsidian Pause Wearable Paper Art (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Andrew Rivera, Terraform Clay Studio (Hutchinson, Minnesota)
• Erin Christianson-Peña, Hummingbird Knight (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Abegael Uffelman, AU Glass Art (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Joy Ty Byrum, Weaving on Sunday (Golden Valley, Minnesota)

Visitors can also explore the culinary delights of the Twin Cities, with a local selection of food and craft beers available for purchase. Vendors will include:

• Northstar Kombucha 
• Cocoa Flake
• Marigold
• And more!

This new event builds upon ACC’s history of bringing people together to celebrate the artful work of the human hand.  

WHAT:
American Craft Fest St. Paul

WHERE:
Union Depot
214 4th Street East
Saint Paul, MN 55101

 WHEN: 

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS:
This is a free, ticketed event for all ages, but registration is required. Walk-up tickets will be available. 

Preview Party: $30 (non-members); $15 (ACC members) — includes early access to the show on Saturday, June 8, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., drink tickets and small bites.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   

High-resolution images are available to download online. For interviews with participating artists or Craft Council representatives, contact Jamie Watt Arnold at jamie@profilespr.com or Molly Molloy at molly@profilespr.com.