For Immediate Release
January 27, 2006

THE AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL CELEBRATES
30 YEARS IN BALTIMORE

(Baltimore, MD) - From February 24-26th, The Baltimore Convention Center will be transformed into a gallery showcasing the work of the nation's most accomplished fine craft artists. Presented by the American Craft Council, the Baltimore Fine Craft Show is the largest juried, indoor show of its kind. Celebrating its 30th year in Baltimore in 2006, the show will attract approximately 24,000 people and feature more than 650 artists.

The Baltimore Fine Craft Show offers unique and limited edition craft items of the highest quality. Fashion-savvy shoppers will be thrilled with exclusive jewelry pieces incorporating rare gemstones and metals as well as surprise elements like plastic Lego blocks and found object beads. Luxurious clothing and wearable accessories come in a variety of sumptuous fibers and leathers. Master artisans offer home and office décor items such as furniture, baskets, floor coverings, and lighting. Attendees can also find the perfect accents for their home among the beautifully designed functional objects such as cutlery with exotic wood handles, ceramic tableware and vases.

In addition to browsing the aisles, attendees can enjoy presentations, where leading experts will offer tips on trends in collecting, home décor and fashion, including:

• Smart Jewelry: New Technologies for Fine Craft with master goldsmith, Don Friedlich
• Legacy for the Future: Josh Simpson's Infinity Project. This widely-collected glass artist will speak about his endeavor to leave "gifts" of his planet-like spheres hidden throughout the world.
• Living with Craft with Bennett Bean. The world renowned ceramist will lecture on incorporating craft into the home
• Collecting without Breaking the Bank with Bruce Hoffman. The director of Philadelphia's esteemed Snyderman Gallery shares tips on how to find great craft pieces within a budget.
• Collecting: Too Much of a Good Thing is Wonderful! with Rebecca Hoffberger. The director of Baltimore's own American Visionary Art Museum will address the art of building a collection.
• Creative Textures: Fibers as Art with Patricia Burling. The chair of the Fiber Artists Collective offers insight on how introducing hand-woven fibers into a house can make it home.
• Living Dishes with Deborah Bedwell and Leigh Taylor Mickelson. The representatives of Baltimore Clayworks feature a behind-the-scenes look at their latest exhibitions.

"One of the most extraordinary aspects of the craft show experience is the opportunity to speak directly with artists and learn about their vision and process first-hand. We're pleased to expand that opportunity this year by offering lectures with some of the outstanding figures in the world of American craft," says Carmine Branagan, Executive Director of the American Craft Council.

The Baltimore Fine Craft Show takes place Friday, February 24th through Sunday, February 26th at the Baltimore Convention Center.

HOURS:	Friday, February 24 (10 am - 9 pm)
	Saturday, February 25 (10 am - 6 pm)
	Sunday, February 26 (10 am - 5 pm)
TICKETS:	$12 per person, $18 for a two-day pass
	Children12 and under admitted free
	American Craft Council members admitted free
	($25 introductory memberships for sale at the Show only)

For more information, attendees may call 1-800-836-3470 or visit www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

The AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a 2006 leadership conference on craft, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, a specialized library, workshops and seminars.