Big Week for Craft Lovers

If you feel a spark in the air, it's because we're in the midst of American Craft Week, which runs through next Sunday, Oct. 16. This is the second year for the nationwide celebration of American craft traditions and innovations. Dozens of galleries, artist studios, festivals, and art institutions are taking part - more than 40 in western North Carolina alone. It's an opportunity to revel in wonderful handmade goods and celebrate the enterprising people who make them.

Find out what's going on in each state by checking the Craft Week website. And if you're near one of these cities, you'll find a bunch of interesting exhibitions, studio tours, artist talks, and other events:

- Ashville, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- New York City
- Birmingham, AL
- Los Angeles
- Boulder, CO
- Washington, DC
- Gainesville, FL
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Northampton, MA
- Baltimore
- Twin Cities, MN
- St. Louis

On the website, you can learn about opportunities to win gift certificates either for writing an essay ($250) or photographing craft in your daily life ($150). The deadline for both the essay and photo contests is Oct. 21.

American Craft Week is a project of the Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow trade association. Enjoy!