Baltimore, Maryland
Our booth at the show.
Why we were there: American Craft Made Baltimore (ACC)
When we were there: May 2022
How was the show: I studied craft in the 90’s and the American Craft Council was the gold standard of shows. I have heard criticism of their shows because they are too expensive or don’t draw the crowds, but to me they will always have a special spot in my heart. That said, they cost a lot and not sure if the people attend them as much as other craft/art shows that are closer and more accessible. This is the first time we exhibited at this grand daddy of all shows. The first one we did was in Atlanta circa 2019, we were on our way to the show, just an hour outside of Atlanta, when it and the rest of the world shut down for the global pandemic.
The 2022 Baltimore show was the first American Craft Council show to open after the two-year forced hiatus. We all expected great things, but two changes got in the way. The first was a postponement from March to May due to the Omicron variant. I understand that an indoor show needs to be cautious, and that this postponement was felt as necessary by organizers, but frankly, I wish the show had been cancelled instead. Not only did it mess with our schedule and left a large whole at the original date, but we also then had to cancel a good reliable show to accommodate the new dates (see above when I talk about how starstruck I am by ACC shows). The crowds of craft lovers who typically attend the show were now out doing other things, in other areas of the country, starting their summers – not shopping for fine craft inside a convention center.
The second problem with this show was an unfortunate rebranding of its name. American Craft Made vs. American Craft Council Shows. Removing the word “Council” removes the connection to its esteemed history. After a two-year hiatus the attendees needing reminding the show was taking place, the reinvention was not a good idea. People weren’t there for the show and the name recognition wasn’t there, in the opinion of myself and several others I spoke with.
All that said we will be doing the American Craft Made in St. Paul, MN in Oct so…there you have it. Refusal to give up on my heroes.
Where did we go: The last time I visited Baltimore was 2007 and it included a wonderful visit to the American Visionary Art Museum. It was mandatory that I introduce Blake to this magical place. Baltimore was experiencing a heat wave with temps up to 97 degrees. Clearly there was no better way to spend the afternoon after setting up a booth by walking 1.2 miles to and from the convention center to the museum. Considering that, the trip to the museum was great - as you can see from the photos I included below. The artwork and exhibits there are so heartfelt and meaningful. It really taps into the need – compulsion – to make things. If in Baltimore this place should be a mandatory visit. We stayed in Pigtown – the meat packing district of Baltimore – and found The Back Yard right around the corner. If I lived here, it would be my go-to for great food, great drinks, great people.
What is on our list for the next visit: I missed seeing the grave of Edgar Allen Poe, who is buried in Pigtown at Westminster Hall. We were working and I meant to drive by and peer through the gate to see if I could see anything, but completely forgot.
Snapshots:
