Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Calls for Unique Collections to Feature

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is seeking unique, private collections to be featured in its upcoming exhibit: “Curious Collections of the Carolinas,” which will open in April and run through August. American Decorative Arts expert Andrew Brunk, of Brunk Auctions in Asheville, will serve as juror and assist with selection of the collections to be featured. 

This exhibit will explore the history and psychology of collecting, as well as the personal stories of the collectors and their collections. BRAHM will focus less on the traditional visual arts, instead pursuing collections that are unusual, interesting and museum-quality.  A wide range of objects will be considered for the exhibit to be displayed securely throughout the galleries in BRAHM.  If you collect something extraordinary, please consider sharing it with the community for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity. 

For more information on how to participate in this exhibit, contact Joann Mitchell at (828) 295-9099 ext. 3008 or director@blowingrockmuseum.org. The deadline for submission is February 3,2012.

"Art of Historic Saluda Exhibit" calls for Artists

The 130^th Birthday Celebration Committee is pleased to invite you to enter your artwork at the "Art of Historic Saluda Exhibit" in Saluda, NC, October 28-29, 2011 from 10am to 7pm.  The committee is calling all local and regional artists in all visual art forms to participate in showing and selling your artistic views of Saluda.

Your artwork of Saluda will be on exhibit to the public October 28 and 29 in the "Upstairs Room" at Historic Thompson's Store, 24 West Main St., Saluda, NC.  20% of your sales will be donated to the 130th Birthday Celebration fund-raising campaign. Exhibit Information and Guidelines:

• There is no cost to exhibit your creation.  The image must be of something in Saluda.  
• You may receive a tax deductible form denoting the amount as a donation to the City of Saluda.
• Artistic rendering and artwork set up Thursday, October 27 from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.
• If needed, please bring an easel to display your work.
• All work not sold must be picked up by Monday, October 31 between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
• Historic Thompson's Store is located at 24 West Main, Saluda, NC.
• You do not have to be present during the Exhibit hours.
• The "Upstairs Room" will be secured during the Exhibit days.
• Call 828-749-3789 or email carnc@charter.net for more details. 

Handmade in America: Events and Updates

June 14, 6 PM - 8 PM at HandMade in America, 125 S Lexington Avenue in Asheville NC. How to Engage a Visitor in Your Studio.  Do you like having visitors in your studio, but don't know how to engage them? Do you want to participate in your area's studio tours but don't know what to do to prep your studio? Do you know the right questions to ask a potential customer to get them to buy? If you are curious about the answers to these questions, come participate in a free workshop taught by Executive Director, Gwynne Rukenbrod. To register, please contact Gwynne Rukenbrod at grukenbrod@handmadeinamerica.org or call 828-252-0121 X308.

Exhibition Opportunity at HandMade and Center for Creative Retirement! HandMade in America announces its new Exhibitions Program. HandMade in America will be hosting exhibitions in its lobby area beginning in June. The Center for Creative Retirement will also be hosting HandMade exhibitions beginning in June. For more information or how to apply please visit www.handmadeinamerica.org

Demonstrators Needed! HandMade in America is teaming up with the Southern Govenors' Conference to provide craft demonstrators. We are looking for demonstrators to set up at the Grove Park Inn on Friday August 19 from 4 - 9 pm. Electricity, a table and chair will be provided. Demonstrators must have a certificate of liability and may have the opportunity to sell their work. If you are interested, please contact Gwynne Rukenbrod at grukenbrod@handmadeinamerica.org for more information.


Director of Craft Entrepreneurship Job Opening. HandMade in America announces an opening for a Director of Craft Entrepreneurship (DCEn). This new position will replace the Director of Rural Entrepreneurship. The position will focus on major educational programs, materials, and services for craft artisan development and meet the objectives of HandMade's craft entrepreneurship initiative.

The Director of Craft Entrepreneurship will work with the Craft Entrepreneurship Committee and the Executive Director and will be responsible for conceiving, developing, funding and managing all aspects of the craft entrepreneurship program at HandMade in America. The DCEn will assess areas of strength, develop and implement strategic objectives, and establish and facilitate partnerships and collaborations that help meet these objectives. The DCEn will also oversee the Craft Across Curriculum Program, the Exhibitions Program, and the Buy Local Program. For a more detailed job description please visit www.handmadeinamerica.org.dcen@handmadeinamerica.org. The job will be open until filled. No phone calls please. All inquiries should be sent to