Among the many highlights at last week’s national conference of the American Craft Council was the announcement of their prestigious awards of recognition. It was thrill to honor Michael Monroe, who serves as Artful Home’s most senior Art Advisor and Juror. Michael Monroe, Director of Curatorial Affairs at Bellevue Arts Museum, was honored with the prominent "Award of Distinction for Contributions to the Field of Craft" by the American Craft Council. The award "recognizes an organization, institution, corporation or individual who has made significant contributions to the field of craft with a minimum of 25 years of service," according to a recent press release by the American Craft Council, and "honors those who have demonstrated outstanding artistic achievement, leadership and service in the craft field."

Micheal’s response, as always, was humble.
"I’m delighted and deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2009 Award of Distinction from the American Craft Council," Monroe states. "The American Craft Council has been a driving force in both the traditional and studiocraft movements, and I’m proud to have been – and continue to be – part of introducing craft and craft artists to new audiences."

We know Michael well here at Artful Home, and turn to him frequently for his sage advice. His broad knowledge of artists across all media is staggering, and his openness and receptivity to newness has taught us much.

So just who is he? An eminent figure in the world of craft, Michael Monroe has served as independent curator, noted lecturer, author and juror for over 35 years. He joined Bellevue Arts Museum in 2005 as Executive Director/Chief Curator and transitioned into the role of Director of Curatorial Affairs in 2008. Prior to his tenure at BAM, Monroe was associated with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, which collects and presents exhibitions that feature the creative achievements of craft artists and designers in the United States. Monroe served as curator from 1974, and in 1986, he became curator-in-charge, a position he held until 1995. During his tenure he was invited by President William Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton to organize a collection for the White House in commemoration of the Year of American Craft.

Congratulations, Michael! We can think of no more deserving recipient

Gardening in the Rain
Pigment Print by Brian Kershisnik

You would never guess that we are in the middle of the lazy days of summer here at Artful Home. There are summer art fairs, our 10th Anniversary, the Hearts for Anna event, and so much more.

Let’s start with our 10th Anniversary. Today and tomorrow you can register for a chance to win “Gardening in the Rain” by Brian Kershisnik. Brian’s work has been a huge favorite with our customers. People are drawn to the emotion in his work. As Brian states, “Humor is healthy. God laughs. I believe that. To avoid a good, human, affectionate sense of humor in art that is depicting human beings is nonsense.” If you love Brian’s work, make sure you see his newest additions to the Artful Home collection – “Reading a Very Small Book” and “She Reads“. Remember to take advantage of our 10th Anniversary 10% off event.

Hearts for Anna Event
We’re also in the middle of the Hearts for Anna event. Right now we are collecting donated works from artists. If you haven’t heard, fiber artists Anna Millea has cancer and is unable to get health insurance. Artists are donating works that will go on sale August 12 with 100% of the proceeds going to help Anna with medical expenses. Any artist can donate work. We encourage artists who are affiliate with Artful Home and artists who are not to donate a piece to this cause. You can get a sneak peek at the works that will be available to purchase on our website and you can stay up to date on the event with our custom Twitter feed.

Favorite Fortune Ornament Contest Winner

We have a winner in the ornament Favorite Fortune contest. Sandi B. submitted her fortune, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious”, via this blog and it came out on top when all of the votes were counted. Sandi’s fortune will be included in one of the artist-made ornaments in this years collection. Sandi will receive both of the fortune ornaments in this year’s collection for submitting the winning fortune.

Artful Home Staff Picks

Have you ever wondered what the staff at Artful Home would choose as their favorite works of art? We asked around and now you can see our favorite pieces. Visit the Artful Home Staff Picks page and see why we like what we do.


Niche Award Nomination
Artful Home is thrilled to have been nominated for a Niche award. Professional fine craft artists throughout the U.S. and Canada nominated nearly 600 craft galleries, retail stores, arts nonprofits, museum shops and guilds for this year’s awards. The winners will be announced the first weekend in August at the Buyers Market of American Craft show in Philadelphia.