60 Years of Fine Craft Part 1 spans our founding in 1963 to 1993. From founding members like Tom Suomalainen and Mildred Ball (both featured in this show) to artists like Marcia McDade and Penny Truitt (also featured and both of whom joined in 1993) the history of the early formative years of Piedmont Craftsmen are here for you to enjoy. The exhibition is open June 2nd – July 29th at Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery and then moving to the Mt. Airy Regional History Museum from August 11th – October 27th.
It started around a kitchen table. Twenty or so artists, collectors and friends gathered around a table to discuss their shared love of fine craft. Out of this conversation, what we now know as Piedmont Craftsmen was born. That was in 1963, sixty years ago.
Today, Piedmont Craftsmen has gone from a small local craft guild to a national organization featuring nearly 400 artists from across the United States…and we’re still growing!
60 Years of Fine Craft, Part 1 spans our founding in 1963 to 1993. From founding members like Tom Suomalainen and Mildred Ball (both featured in this show) to artists like Marcia McDade and Penny Truitt (also featured and both of whom joined in 1993) the history of the early formative years of Piedmont Craftsmen are here for you to enjoy. With this exhibit, we honor those original twenty people who gathered around a kitchen table and celebrate what they have accomplished for the craft community and beyond.
Whether you are a supporting member, a regular (or not so regular) shopper, a volunteer at our annual Craft Fair or other events, or just someone who loves and appreciates fine craft, we want to celebrate you as well because you have also helped make Piedmont Craftsmen what it is today. You have been there through the many moves across Winston Salem, holiday seasons, and helped us through the pandemic. You’ve made our Craft Fair a true annual event the community repeatedly looks forward to and attend. We thank you for your continued support and hope you enjoy our Diamond Anniversary Exhibition, 60 Years of Fine Craft, Part 1. 1963-1993.