The Executive Director's Cut: Fall 2012

Fellows and More Fellows!

It is a high honor for the American Craft Council to recognize the outstanding artists who are part of our craft community and the leaders who have supported the community for many years. When I sit back and look at the work and contributions that these individuals have made to the craft community, I am in awe of their dedication and commitment. The ACC recognizes these outstanding individuals every two years, and we are very proud to do so this year on Friday, November 2, at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago. We also recognize their work at a three-day exhibit at the SOFA Chicago show, November 2-4 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. 

What I value about these awards is that the winners are selected by their peers – other elected members of ACC’s College of Fellows, makers who know about mastery firsthand. They understand skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression because they live and breathe it. They know its frustrations and the ultimate personal rewards. Most people recognize these awards as lifetime achievement awards, and I could not agree more!

Through our magazine, American Craft, and through our website www.craftcouncil.org you can read or listen to their stories about their work and experiences in the craft community. Here is a complete listing of the award winners we will be celebrating in Chicago and links to video footage, images, and stories about their work and accomplishments:
 

Gold Medal
Stephen De Staebler

2012 Fellows
Anne Currier
Lewis Knauss
Sharon Church
Bruce Pepich
Dante Marioni
Andrea Gill
Tom Loeser
Sherri Smith

Honorary Fellow
Bruce Pepich

Aileen Osborn Webb Award for Philanthropy
Nancy M. McNeil

Award of Distinction
Sidney D. Rosoff

I can’t say enough about the work of these artists and the impact these individuals have made on our community. We are humbled by their achievements and honored to recognize and celebrate their legacy to our field. I hope you will join me and the ACC Board of Trustees in Chicago to congratulate these individuals for their amazing achievements!