Celebrating artisans and craftsmanship has been an important part of the Martha Stewart Living brand from its inception, and with the launch of our American Made initiative last year, we made a pledge to honor and support creative entrepreneurs throughout the country. So when I was contacted by the Smithsonian Craft Show and asked to be the Honorary Chair of the Preview Night Party for their 31st Annual show, I welcomed the opportunity to meet the artists and makers who were selected this year and to see their fine work. The show was started in 1983, and each year the application process starts fresh. This year over 1,200 artists applied for 121 spots. Work is chosen in the categories of basketry, ceramics, decorative fibers, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metals, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood.
Hannah Milman, SVP, Executive Editorial Director of Crafts, and Pilar Guzman, Editor in Chief of Martha Stewart Living, attended the Preview Night with me. Some of the artisans in the show are old friends of ours, having appeared on the Martha Stewart Show, and it was great fun to catch up with them, as well as to meet new talent. The show, which ran from April 25 to 28, is one of two events that the Smithsonian Women's Committee plans annually to raise funds for education, outreach, conservation and research at the Smithsonian. For details on upcoming shows and for a look at the special online auction running until May 1, visit smithsoniancraftshow.org. And please be sure to sign up for information about Martha Stewart's American Made 2013 at americanmade.marthastewart.com.