HandMade in America Announces Director of Craft Entrepreneurship

As HandMade in America continues to follow its mission to grow economies through craft, Kari Rinn brings her skills and experience to become Director of Craft Entrepreneurship (DCE).

The Director of Craft Entrepreneurship's role is to develop educational programs, materials and services for the craft artisan. The DCE serves as the guide for emerging and experienced artists, offering the tools to grow and develop their collections and financially support themselves through their craft.

Kari has a unique combination of sales experience and craft education that brings a fresh outlook to the Craft Entrepreneurship program at HandMade. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies. She has served as an educating assistant at the Penland School of Crafts and was employed at the Ox-Bow School of Art in association with the Art Institute of Chicago, after participating in their fellowship program. In 2008, Rinn realized a new found passion for sales. She began working as a sales associate at Pistachios Art Jewelry and Fine Craft gallery, where she was soon promoted to Gallery Director. As an artist herself, she did not consider her position as "sales" but as an outlet to share her love of handcrafted items with the world. It was this enthusiasm that took her on the road to trade shows where she promoted several established artists.

Executive Director, Gwynne Rukenbrod describes her excitement for the new member of the HandMade team, "Kari brings a national perspective of the craft marketplace with her experience as the former Director of Pistachios Gallery in Chicago and selling for craft artists at wholesale and retail trade shows. As a maker she has an understanding of the needs craft artists have to expand their markets and also a passion for educating the consumer on the value of handmade items."

Rinn describes the professional artist as wearing many hats; not only does the artist need to be creative, constantly evolve, and grow their craft, but they also need to consider how to present and offer their product in order to make a living. She is inspired and determined to give craft artists the tools to grow their business and discover the outlets to develop and sell their line. When she read the mission and values of HandMade in America, she automatically felt a connection with the organization. Her personal mission to develop craft artists will offer great excitement to the craft community in Western North Carolina and beyond as HandMade in America continues to grow.