A few weeks ago, a talented cohort of Western North Carolina artists packed up their work and made the trip to American Craft Made Baltimore, the largest juried art fair on the East Coast. Representing the Western North Carolina and the Craft Your Commerce program, these makers took the creative spirit of our region to a national stage for the 49th year of this storied show.
Craft Your Commerce is a program from Mountain BizWorks that equips WNC’s artists and makers with the business skills, connections, and resources they need to grow. The show connects regional makers with gallery staff, designers, individual collectors, and peers from across the nation.
The Artists
Six growing craft businesses, none which had previously participated in a national show at the scale of American Craft Made, exhibited in the Craft Your Commerce Booth. The range of work that this cohort brought to Baltimore was a testament to the depth of talent right here in WNC.
Angelique Tassistro debuted a new collection of playful ceramics and after being impacted by the flooding Helene brought, and losing access to her glaze supplier, Angelique had to pivot to using new glazes.
Anna Bryant, an Asheville printmaker, brought monoprints tracing a quiet conversation between human design and the natural world. Her work explores “the ongoing exchange between engineered and ecological systems.”
Jordan and Rachel Jackson of Night Owl Iron Works from Rutherfordton, displayed their small-batch metal and leather goods, each piece rooted in tradition. Meg and Jamie Ross of Ross Pottery filled their booth with warm, vintage-inspired hand thrown and painted ceramics.
Stephanie McCune‘s a glassblower from the Asheville area brought handblown glassware for the home, lighting and vessels.
Toryn Davis Black of Toryn Black Design showcased mid-century modern furniture and homeware crafted from local Appalachian hardwoods and ethically sourced international woods.
Mentorship That Made a Difference
Preparing for a show of this scale takes great work AND great strategy. Laura Wood, a jeweler based in Asheville’s River Arts District, veteran show participant, Mountain BizWorks coach and presenter, mentored and guided the group throughout the preparation process, lending the wisdom of her extensive craft show experience.
Read Laura Wood's Story Listen to the Craft Your Commerce PodcastA Community Showing Up for Each Other
One of the most meaningful parts of the Baltimore experience was the sense of camaraderie within the cohort and across the wider WNC creative community. Artists set up their wares side by side, swapped stories and inspiration and cheered each other on. Seeing that spirit of mutual support on a national stage was a reminder of what makes this region’s creative community so special. The Craft Your Commerce team hopes to host this program again in 2027.
A huge thank you to Laura Wood, Jamie Karolich, the American Craft Council, and every artist who made the trip.
Visit craftyourcommerce.com to find workshops, networking events, coaching, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to support creative small businesses at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
