Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith specializes in craft community engagement, working at the intersection of craft and entrepreneurship. Originally trained as a hot glass artist, Gwynne ran a glass business for seven years before moving solidly into the arts administration side of the craft field.

Gwynne has served as the first fine craft curator for Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the executive director for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, HandMade in America, and the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).

She has worked with both rural and urban communities teaching her professional development and entrepreneurship workshops across the country over the last 20 years. Gwynne believes in helping artists and small business owners expand their markets and create sustainable businesses. Gwynne currently serves as the Craft Your Commerce program director for Mountain BizWorks, the senior director of programs and partnerships for the American Craft Council, and the board chair for the North Carolina Glass Center. Gwynne lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and three dogs.

Portrait by Nicole McConville Photography.