Local artists open their studio doors Saturday, Sunday
Bethesda Magazine
By Jacqueline Kalil
7/16/26
The Art Glass Center at Glen Echo Park is a creative hub housed inside one of the campus’s historic buildings and on Saturday and Sunday it will welcome visitors as part of the inaugural National Craft Open Studios Weekend.
For resident artist Janet Wittenberg, it is a chance for more people to discover the cooperative studio and gallery, watch artists at work, learn about glass fusing and casting techniques, and speak with makers about their creative process. The studio will be open from noon to 4 p.m. both days.
“When we have visitors, we show them around, introduce them to our classes, our equipment and our setup, and explain what’s involved in the process,” Wittenberg told Bethesda Today on Wednesday. “People are usually pretty interested because it’s fun to see it all.”
Three other Montgomery County studios are also participating: the Art Glass Center, Cyd Rowley Jewelry in Kensington, Gaithersburg Artist Collective, and Fine Ceramics. Overall, more than 200 studios in 36 states will be taking part in the free event organized by the American Craft Council. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit has spent more than 80 years championing contemporary craft through exhibitions, educational programming and events that connect artists with the public.
“It’s really about connecting artists with people and providing transparency into the way artists work, the processes they’re utilizing and their amazing creative spaces,” Jaimianne Jacobin, the American Craft Council’s director of development, said in a phone interview with Bethesda Today on Tuesday. “I think seeing the process increases the appreciation for the work that is produced.”
Wittenberg said that because of the park’s historic designation, the Art Glass Center can’t rely on prominent signage to attract passersby, making events like National Craft Open Studios Weekend especially valuable.
“We have to be creative and come up with other ways to let people know about us,” Wittenberg said. “This is one way to enlighten those who may not be aware that we’re here.”
The event is part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national initiative marking the country’s 250th anniversary through the work of American makers. Inspired by events such as Record Store Day and Independent Bookstore Day, organizers hope National Craft Open Studios Weekend will become an annual tradition that celebrates craft while helping artists connect with new audiences.
Original article here.
Culture to Do: July 15, 2026
New England Public Media
7/15/26
American Craft Council Open Studios Weekend
The Mill at Shelburne Falls
Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 12 – 5 p.m.
This new nationwide celebration invites the public into the creative spaces of craft artists across the country offering guests a rare glimpse into the processes, tools and inspiration that shape how handmade works are made. 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. It’s a great opportunity to see what the artisans and artists at The Mill at Shelburne Falls are up to.
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.
Hundreds of American Craft Artists invite public into their studios during National Craft Open Studios Weekend
Your Sun
7/13/26
The first National Craft Open Studios Weekend will invite the American public to explore the creative spaces of hundreds of craft artists 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.
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 at craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend — just register (it’s free with a $10 suggested donation) 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, and strengthen the national craft community through shared storytelling.
The American Craft Council is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the handmade. Building upon an 80-plus year legacy of tradition and innovation as a membership-based nonprofit, ACC leverages the transformative possibilities of craft through storytelling, resources for artists and appreciators, and events. In partnership with organizations across the country, we mobilize our diverse craft ecosystem to create a world where objects matter, makers thrive and craft connects.
Original article here.
Hundreds of American Craft Artists Invite Public Into Their Studios During National Craft Open Studios Weekend, July 18 & 19
Business Wire, AOL.com, Yahoo Finance
7/1/26
From glass to ceramics, textiles to papermaking, craft artists share their creative spaces as part of the American Craft Council’s Semiquincentennial ‘Handwork 2026’ initiative.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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.
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.
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 here–just register (it’s free with a $10 suggested donation) 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, and strengthen the national craft community through shared storytelling.
About the American Craft Council:
The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the handmade. Building upon an 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation as a membership-based nonprofit, ACC leverages the transformative possibilities of craft through storytelling, resources for artists and appreciators, and events. In partnership with organizations across the country, we mobilize our diverse craft ecosystem to create a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects.
Contacts
Jennifer Weismann
612-716-0556
jennifer@owl-marketing.com
Original article here.