Get Inspired at the 40th Annual American Craft Council Show
In San Francisco this weekend? Celebrate modern design and craft at the West Coast’s largest show of handmade creations
Stacy Briscoe
July 30, 2015
Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about historic homes and art/design events around the world
Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about historic homes and art/design events around... More
For the past 40 years, the American Craft Council has annually held the largest showcase of handmade creations in the western United States. This year the San Francisco show is expected to attract more than 10,000 collectors and enthusiasts to engage with more than 220 of the best up-and-coming jewelry, apparel, furniture and home decor artists.
Special showcases include “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft — 4 Elements,” featuring interior designs inspired by earth, air, water and fire; “Hip Pop,” showcasing pop-up home decor shops; “Let’s Make,” featuring hands-on craft-making activities along with food and beverage tastings; and “American Craft Charm Collection,” featuring handmade jewelry.
Event at a Glance
Where: Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, San Francisco
When: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2
Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $14 for a one-day pass
Special showcases include “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft — 4 Elements,” featuring interior designs inspired by earth, air, water and fire; “Hip Pop,” showcasing pop-up home decor shops; “Let’s Make,” featuring hands-on craft-making activities along with food and beverage tastings; and “American Craft Charm Collection,” featuring handmade jewelry.
Event at a Glance
Where: Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, San Francisco
When: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2
Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $14 for a one-day pass
Last year’s featured interior design showcase will give you a taste of what to expect at this year’s show. The retro-themed room, by interior designer Alison Damonte, was inspired by two of her favorite artists. Fiber artist and textile designer Ealish Wilson’s work created the interesting design of the back wall, while ceramicist Lilith Rockett’s two vases were prominently displayed on the coffee table.
One of the cool things about going to an event featuring up-and-coming artists is that you get to learn the design process.
The sketch shown here is a rendering of a room by one of this year’s attending interior designers, Kimball Starr. The completed physical room will be displayed in the featured interior design showcase, “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft — 4 Elements.” In the vignette seen here, Starr portrays the element of fire.
The designer was inspired by Clark Renfort’s Nouveau Red lamp (at right in the sketch) and Mark Hendrickson’s Floral Pod Series #3 vase (front and center on the table).
The sketch shown here is a rendering of a room by one of this year’s attending interior designers, Kimball Starr. The completed physical room will be displayed in the featured interior design showcase, “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft — 4 Elements.” In the vignette seen here, Starr portrays the element of fire.
The designer was inspired by Clark Renfort’s Nouveau Red lamp (at right in the sketch) and Mark Hendrickson’s Floral Pod Series #3 vase (front and center on the table).
Victor DiNovi’s Teardrop bench, shown here, will be a main component of Starr’s design, tying together the room’s concept with functionality.
“From the destruction of fire comes newness and rebirth in nature,” Starr says. “I chose these organically shaped craft pieces so they appear as if they’ve grown up out of the lava bed. It is symbolic of beacons of beauty that result after a destructive fire.”
“From the destruction of fire comes newness and rebirth in nature,” Starr says. “I chose these organically shaped craft pieces so they appear as if they’ve grown up out of the lava bed. It is symbolic of beacons of beauty that result after a destructive fire.”
Also part of the 2015 “Make Room” showcase is designer Gustave Carlson’s crisp, clean concept, inspired by the element of air. “I selected the element air as it represents to me the very idea of foundation: the breath of life,” Carlson says.
His design inspiration came from the three art pieces on the back wall (left to right): James Aarons’ Cocoon, Juline Beier’s Beginnings and Book of Rounds.
His design inspiration came from the three art pieces on the back wall (left to right): James Aarons’ Cocoon, Juline Beier’s Beginnings and Book of Rounds.
Jeni Gamble has used deep greens and light woods in her room rendering, depicting the earth element for this year’s show. She took her inspiration from Christine Hausserman’s Concentric painting (on the right wall) and designer Roger Combs’ Pacific Rim stools (in the foreground and background).
“We chose the earth element because our primary material, wood, represents trees that are all around us in nature,” Gamble says. “The color green is a strong component of our design because it is directly correlated to Earth and creates a punch of glamour.”
All the completed rooms will be featured in the “Make Room” showcase.
See light wood vs. dark wood
“We chose the earth element because our primary material, wood, represents trees that are all around us in nature,” Gamble says. “The color green is a strong component of our design because it is directly correlated to Earth and creates a punch of glamour.”
All the completed rooms will be featured in the “Make Room” showcase.
See light wood vs. dark wood
At the 2014 American Craft Council show in San Francisco, April Powers balanced modern style with classic colors to create an ideal room in which to relax and enjoy a craft cocktail. She used artist Shelley Martin’s vases on the cocktail cart for an extra touch of elegance.
See more on home bars
See more on home bars
This vignette by John K. Anderson, also from last year’s show, features contrasting shapes and contrasting colors. Anderson’s creation was inspired by Elliot Stith’s coffee table (center) and artist Kris Marubayashi’s Caldera (circular shapes on wall).
Jiun Ho, another 2014 featured designer, created this texturally rich living space. He was inspired by the decorative wall hanging on the right side of the room, by Katheryn Holt, as well as the basket on the table, by Emily Dvorin.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the American Craft Council Show in San Francisco this Friday through Sunday, visit the event website.
Can’t attend the show? Share your own crafty creations in the Comments section.
More: Simple Pleasures: Crafting for Fun and Relaxation
For more information and to purchase tickets to the American Craft Council Show in San Francisco this Friday through Sunday, visit the event website.
Can’t attend the show? Share your own crafty creations in the Comments section.
More: Simple Pleasures: Crafting for Fun and Relaxation
We design, build and renovate in the most exquisite of fashions. Our team of revolutionaries is dedicated to... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
The Columbus based, Daniel Russo Home Team, recognizes the importance a well-thought-out interior design. The... Read More
Related Stories
Landscape Design
Outdoor Flooring, Turf and Tile Products for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest materials for patios, decks and yards displayed at the recent Surfaces trade show
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Trends for Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See fascinating new features for showers, tubs, faucets and more launched at the 2024 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
Full Story
Laundry Rooms
5 Fresh Laundry Appliance Trends for 2024
Check out the lean, green, powerful and smart washers and dryers showcased at the KBIS 2024 trade event
Full Story
Trending Now
5 Trends in New Engineered Countertops and Surfaces for 2024
See the latest styles and features for quartz, porcelain and sintered stone showcased at the recent KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Kitchen Design
8 Clever New Kitchen Appliance Features
We didn’t know we wanted or needed these food preservation, cooking and cleanup gizmos until we saw them at KBIS 2024
Full Story
Kitchen Design
10 Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Faucets and Fixtures in 2024
See the latest in colorful sinks and tubs, innovative shower features and more launched at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Kitchen Design
12 Trends in Kitchen Appliances for 2024
See the latest styles and features in refrigerators, ovens and other kitchen appliances at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Trending Now
10 Design Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See the latest shower features, countertop looks, faucets, appliances and more that debuted at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Materials
5 Trends to Watch From London’s 2024 Surface Design Show
Find out about new surface materials and products displayed at the annual trade event
Full Story
Materials
5 New Trends in Flooring for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest looks in luxury vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain, laminate and other products debuting this year
Full Story
I participated in this show MANY years ago + the one in Rhinebeck, NY for many years. I believe it might have been the first at Fort Mason. They are one of the best art craft shows in the country. I recently attended a PA Guild Craft Show. Not as much art craft, but certainly well made and designed work that is more affordable. I have noticed, though, that it is the baby boomers who mostly support craft shows. Younger generations seem to be more interested in technology, food and adventure sports. It will swing back someday.
found this shop on Etsy
RandomOasis