Local studios open to fans during National Craft Open Studios Weekend, July 18-19

Mitchell News-Journal
7/15/26

Minneapolis, MN —June 29, 2026–The first-ever National Craft Open Studios Weekend will invite the American public to explore the creative spaces of hundreds of craft artists for free on the weekend of July 18 & 19. This two-day event offers guests a rare glimpse into the processes, tools, and inspiration that shape how handmade works are made, and provides craft artists with critical support in their sales season.

Local participating studios include:

Cynthia Bringle Pottery & Gallery, 160 Lucy Morgan Lane in Bakersville
Penland School of Craft
Colleen Connolly, 2574 Rabbit Hop Road in Spruce Pine

Visitors can explore a wide range of creative spaces, from individual artist studios and community workshops to artist collectives and shared studio buildings, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how craft is made and the people who make it.

A comprehensive map of all participating studio locations in both rural and urban areas in 36 states plus the District of Columbia is available online — just register (it’s free with a $10 suggested donation — https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/) to get access to the map. Visitors can look for their next favorite artist in their own backyard or plan a trip farther afield to discover something new.

“From small towns to the biggest cities, communities throughout our country are witnessing an American craft renaissance,” says Andrea Specht, executive director of the American Craft Council. “It is more vital than ever that we see and support the things that bring us together, and for nearly 85 years, ACC has championed craft as a powerful force fostering human dignity and connection.”

National Craft Open Studios Weekend is presented by the American Craft Council and launches as part of Craft in America’s Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026. Similar to what Record Store Day or Independent Bookstore Day do for their creative ecosystems, National Craft Open Studios Weekend will provide support for artists and makers.

Original article here.