North Carolina Craft Trail Coalition To Exhibit In Press Center During High Point Show

Furniture World Magazine

The North Carolina Craft Trail Coalition will showcase some of the state's best craft art for the home during an exhibit at the International Home Furnishings Market Media Center, Oct. 20-26, 2005. Seven top craft artists from around North Carolina will display their work in glass, wood, steel, forged iron and clay. The Media Center's exhibit space is located at 220 E. Commerce Ave. North Carolina craft, like North Carolina furniture, is known around the world for its quality, style and durability. With home heating costs soaring, this is the perfect season to warm up every room of the house with highly textural - and functional - art that's made to last for generations. The North Carolina Craft Trail Coalition is a group of 24 major craft-related organizations and venues throughout the state. North Carolina's 6,100 craft artisans generate nearly $550 million of revenue a year, helping to make North Carolina one of the top three craft destinations in the nation. North Carolina is home to some of the best-known crafts, craft artists and craft organizations in the United States. Baskets, pottery, woven blankets and throws, quilted and painted fabrics, ceramic dinnerware, glassware, garden sculpture and lighting fixtures are just some of the home applications of craft art. "The opportunity to showcase North Carolina craft and the participants of the Craft Trail Coalition at the High Point Furniture Market is a wonderful way to partner with another creative industry - North Carolina furniture makers," said Mary Regan, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council, which supports the coalition. The Craft Trail Coalition has chosen to exhibit the work of artists who best represent the exquisite workmanship and the variety of the state's craft: Joseph Anderson (forged iron), Lin Barnhardt (ceramics sculpture), Chrissie Callejas (paperclay stoneware), Charles Donaldson (glass), Clyde Gobble (ceramics), Rudy Rudisill (metal) and John Skau (basketry). "Craft feeds the soul, and thousands of North Carolina families in all corners of our state," Regan said. "The Craft Trial Coalition's goal is to support craft - by supporting artisans, supporting communities that support the arts and by letting people around the world know what North Carolina has to offer." Note: The Media Center is only open to the press/members of the media.