Annual Report 2016 American Craft Council 1 Leadership and Legacy The American Craft Council’s ACC’s conference program, work in 2016 was focused on started in 1957, is just one of our strategic goal to provide the Council’s legacy programs. thought leadership in the craft American Craft magazine, field. This goal is deeply rooted ACC’s College of Fellows, and in the historic work of the the modern craft fair are other Council and the programs that significant programs initiated we deliver to our members, by the Council and founder artists, scholars, and collectors. Aileen Osborn Webb. These programs have adapted to Just as the contemporary changes in the field, as well craft field has evolved, so has as in the marketplace and Stuart Kestenbaum the way we provide thought public tastes. As a membership Chair, Board of Trustees leadership. No longer does it organization with a global suffice to stand and deliver reach, our relevance and value proclamations; we need to the community are more to create a space where important than ever. conversation and an exchange of important ideas can occur to Beginning in 2017, ACC is advance the field. celebrating its 75th anniversary with heritage-printed posters, “Present Tense,” the Council’s each commemorating a decade 2016 conference in Omaha, of craft. Iconic images and a Nebraska, was designed to timeline of significant events provide that platform. The will be presented in nine conference brought together issues of American Craft. This students, artists, critics, limited-edition poster series educators, and collectors is produced in partnership to discuss key issues in the with Mohawk Fine Papers and Chris Amundsen field that the broad spectrum Shapco Printing and is our way Executive Director of thought leaders need of saying thank you. We look to understand. Moderated forward to the next 75 years of discussions and common- celebrating American craft. interest conversations allowed participants to hear from Thank you for your continued innovators and discuss their support and for being our own views on the topics. This partner in championing craft! direct approach to thought leadership places us firmly in the vanguard, and it was a smashing success. 2 American Craft Council 3 Thought Leadership: Head, Hand, and Heart One of the key ways ACC advances thought leadership is by convening members of the craft field for an open exchange of ideas about the most significant issues we face. In October, a remarkable group of artists, students, scholars, curators, and craft enthusiasts gathered at Kaneko in Omaha, Nebraska, for “Present Tense,” our 12th national conference. In addition to three days of 1 inspiring speakers and thought- provoking sessions, we also celebrated the 2016 American Craft Council Awards, our biennial recognition of the people and organizations that have made an extraordinary impact on the field. 2 3 “I was most taken by the overall “Now that I have been able to “The ACC Awards ceremony simply made me 1. Common-Interest Conversation participant 2. Gerhardt Knodel, Gold Medal for Consummate excitement of the craft field engage on a very real level with cry. The craftspeople who are the best in the Craftsmanship, 2016 at large. To me, it feels like the contemporary formation field, standing on stage, so venerable in their 3. “Present Tense” speaker Amos Paul Kennedy Photos: Ben Semisch Photography the perfect time to be really of craft history, a different sense accomplishments, filled me with love and investigating craft. It was inspiring of urgency and responsibility energy. However, it was the caring community to be surrounded by people who is provoked within me as a who stood up to applaud that overwhelmed have the same dedication and scholar – one that was not me. It was the first time I realized what a great belief that craft is an integral part present prior to the conference.” group of people I’m with, [and] I am, almost of our contemporary times and surprisingly, one of them.” — Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander, possesses a unique potential to MA/PhD candidate and conference scholarship recipient — Yushan Cassie Sun, artist and shape the world.” conference scholarship recipient — Peter Scheidt, artist and conference attendee 4 American Craft Council 5 Connections A Legacy That Matter Built to Last Making matters, and we are This year we celebrated a proud to work with partners milestone in ACC history – 75 on important initiatives that years of championing craft. support that principle. Since The Council has led the field 2014, the American Craft since the inception of Craft Council has been fortunate Horizons in 1941 (now American to champion the Rare Craft Craft) and garnered many firsts Fellowship Award in association along the way, from hosting with The Balvenie. With The the first contemporary craft Balvenie’s support, each year fair to holding the first national we’ve celebrated a remarkable craft conference to opening the group of artists dedicated to first museum of contemporary the revival and perpetuation of craft. As we look to the rare crafts. In 2016, we honored future, we’re more committed paper artists Erik and Martin than ever to bringing you Demaine with this annual 1 meaningful, award-winning fellowship. content – in the magazine and online – as well as inspiration, Another highlight this year resources, and opportunities for was offering scholarships to artists. Throughout our journey, 65 students and emerging we seek to honor founder professionals to attend our Aileen Osborn Webb’s vision national conference, thanks and legacy, while continuing to to the tremendous support evolve and remain as relevant of the Windgate Charitable now as we were when we Foundation, Blue Cross Blue stepped onto this path. Shield of Nebraska, and the Richard Brooke Foundation. 2 3 Here’s to the next 75 years! Connecting communities has always been at the heart — of what ACC does, and “The term ‘craft’ in “This recognition has “Longevity is not about finding an approach Right: Magazine covers over the years we couldn’t complete this today’s society has made us more willing and holding on for dear life. It’s about active, important work without the become so watered to take bigger risks, to continual, committed renewal.” help of our generous partners. down that the true push our craft to the meaning and purpose next level. We need — — Monica Moses, editor in chief, American Craft can become lost at more awards in crafts. 1. 2016 “Present Tense” scholarship recipients, times. The Rare Craft Awards like this improve Photo: Ben Semisch Photography Fellowship Award the status quo; they 2. Lead juror Anthony Bourdain with 2016 Rare Craft Fellowship Award recipient Erik aims to help keep help tell our stories and Demaine; Photo: Courtesy of Magrino craft alive by awarding explain the lifestyle to 3. Erik and Martin Demaine printed paper and promoting truly the public; and they for Folding Error I (2014). If you were to scan the unfolded QR code with your phone, Erik authentic craftspeople.” help connect people.” says, you’d get the title of the sculpture. Photo: Courtesy of Erik and Martin Demaine — Greg Levine, director, The Balvenie — Erik Demaine, 2016 Rare Craft Fellowship Award recipient 6 American Craft Council 7 Revenue/Expenses The Impact of Giving FY2016 Operating Revenue ACC supports professional makers and engages both individuals and communities, connecting them to the measurable benefits of craft. And we’re not alone. We’re grateful for the incredible supporters who share our vision. This past year, individual donors to ACC’s annual fund increased by 4 percent, resulting $5.44 in a 19 percent overall increase in unrestricted funds raised. Every dollar has an impact. Here are some million examples of donations at work: Craft shows 52% new books, catalogues, and periodicals were added to the American 10% 1,913 Craft Council Library. Publishing and advertising people participated in ACC educational events, including lectures, Membership demonstrations, maker fairs, and hands-on projects around the 8,164 country. Contributions and special events 13% artists had access to a vibrant marketplace and economic Strategic investment and endowment draw 5% 1,552 opportunities through exhibiting at ACC’s annual juried craft shows. 20% additional images were added to the American Craft Council Library’s 8,498 Digital Collections, accessible to anyone, anywhere. emerging artists received professional development assistance FY2016 Operating Expenses through Hip Pop, ACC’s emerging artists program that helps new $5.43 117 makers enter the high-end craft show market. million 84% Awards - 2016 Program expenses Fundraising 7% Management and general 9% American Craft American Craft craftcouncil.org craftcoundil.org 2015 Emerging magazine: magazine: in partnership with in partnership Voices Awards 2016 Minnesota Folio’s 2016 Four Kitchens: with Four Kitchens: book in partnership Magazine & Eddie and Ozzie 2016 Best in Biz AVA Digital with Mohawk Publishing national awards, Awards - Website Awards - Gold, Fine Papers - HP Association best in category - of the Year, Gold nonprofit Inkspiration Award Awards - 14, plus two honorable including six golds mentions The American Craft Council’s financial statements are audited annually by certified public accountants CliftonLarsonAllen. Audited financial statements are available upon request. 8 American Craft Council 9 Building Our Community, Together. The American Craft Council is fortunate to have a growing network Community Tap House LLC $500 to $999 Michael and Joan Lamar of donors. The people and organizations on these pages have been John Cram and Matt Chambers Carolyn S. Alper Marjorie Levy generous partners during the past fiscal year. We thank them for their Beth Cummings Solem Sue Berryman Joseph P. Logan commitment to the continued vitality and growth of the craft field. Pamela Diamond and Sara and Robert Cannon Jean McLaughlin and Michael Brenner Martin and Michele Cohen Thomas Spleth Dorothy and George Saxe Leatrice and Melvin Eagle Oz and Ann Nelson This annual report recognizes those who made donations to ACC Philanthropic Fund Brian Effron Dr.