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American Craft Council Awards
College of Fellows
Since 1975, the American Craft Council has recognized significant contributions to the field of craft by awarding the distinction of Fellow of the Council, the body of awardees known collectively as the College of Fellows. The biannual election to the College of Fellows is part of the ACC’s commitment “to honor those who have made an outstanding contribution to the crafts in America.”
Criteria for nomination are few, but significant. An artist must demonstrate leadership in the field, outstanding ability as an artist and/or teacher, and 25 years or more of professional achievement as an American craftsperson. Nominated by the active College of Fellows, the distinction is recognition of meaningful contribution to the field not by critics, scholars, or collectors, but by one’s peers. It has become appropriately cherished by its recipients, who on joining the ranks of the College are required only to continue its legacy of nomination and recognition of the successive generations of craftspeople.
In addition to artists, individuals who have made their own significant contribution to the craft movement have are nominated and elected as Honorary Fellows, their designation including all the distinction and recognition of the College.
Click here to view the College of Fellows.
Gold Medal for Consummate Craftsmanship
Each year, as few as one Fellow is recognized as a Gold Medalist, an award for a lifetime of achievements, the highest award given by the Council and among the most prestigious in the nation. Gold Medal awardees of the College of Fellows represent the extraordinary among a field of elite craftspeople. The significance of the College of Fellows to the field cannot be overstated, and the value of material related to the individuals has proportional importance to the preservation and scholarship of American craft. Winners are selected by the American Craft Council Board of Trustees.
Click here to view the Gold Medalists.
Click here to view the Gold Medalists.
Award of Distinction
This award recognizes an organization, institution, corporation, or individual who has made significant contributions to the field of craft with a minimum of 25 years of service.
The Aileen Osborn Webb Award for Philanthropy
The philanthropy award recognizes exceptional contribution to, and support of, the American Craft Council.
