MADE IN BALTIMORE AT THE AMERICAN CRAFT SHOW
As hundreds of makers from around the country descended on Baltimore last weekend for the annual American Craft Show from the American Craft Council (ACC), more than a dozen Made In Baltimore members came together to showcase a selection of handmade products with the creative innovation, design excellence and distinct Chesapeake flavor only found in Charm City’s best and brightest.
Made In Baltimore and ACC partnered with creative management agency Brian Seymore Supply Group to curate the Craft Show’s special “Let’s Make More Community” exhibition. This space explored emerging trends in the light manufacturing industry and celebrated non-traditional craftsmanship.
To broaden ACC’s typical selection of crafts, Made In Baltimore brought in new ideas and never-before-seen products. Casual apparel from This Sporting Life, apothecary concoctions from Hey Thanks! Herbal Co., or plant-based home furnishings from B. Willow were just some of the boundary-breaking vendors that keyed into a national network of crafters and makers.
For member Wight Tea Co., featuring their herbal blends at the Craft Show was exciting for a number of reasons.
“Having our teas at the ACC was a really unique opportunity to get in front of a large audience that came from beyond Baltimore to shop and to showcase our ‘craft,’” said owner Brittany Wight. “It was fun sampling and talking with people who hadn’t met us before, as well as those who recognized us and were excited to see us.”
With our footprint on the Craft Show floor, Made In Baltimore sought to create equitably accessible space. We relied on a nonhierarchical structure to present vendors chosen for their social impact, sustainability and innovative product development. With this mission, members like Hon’s Honey, a purpose-driven business supporting women entrepreneurs, and Holding Pattern Studio, a line of accessories created from ethically-sourced leather, could share a shelf comfortably.
Over the course of the three-day weekend, we saw an undeniable appetite for the expanding craft community Made In Baltimore offered. Hundreds of visitors brought in well over $4,000 in sales for our vendors, but they also took advantage of the opportunity to ignite partnerships with fellow Made In Baltimore talent.
“Hanging out on Friday allowed me to make new friends and match MIB people with their brands,” said Holding Pattern Studio’s Kaylin Adipietro. “I just appreciate all of the opportunities you guys have afforded me. It was awesome to participate in ACC and see the juried selection of crafts from across the country, but also to represent our city to all the visitors as a local maker.”
A huge thank-you to our participating members! If you missed the Craft Show, shop online:
New Vintage by Sam | Pangea Printing | B.Willow
Hon’s Honey | SoBotanical | Tiny Dog Press
This Sporting Life | 228 Grant Street | Wight Tea Co.
Holding Pattern Studio | Hey Thanks! Herbal Co. | Cedar & Cotton
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- New Vintage by Sam
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- Pangea Printing
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- B.Willow
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- Hon’s Honey
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- SoBotanical
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- Tiny Dog Press
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- This Sporting Life
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- 228 Grant Street
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- Wight Tea Co.
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- Holding Pattern Studio
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- Hey Thanks! Herbal Co.
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- Cedar & Cotton