In the midst of mid-century modernism in the United States, the organization Northwest Designer Craftartists (formerly Northwest Designer Craftsmen) was founded by a group of Seattle artisans dedicated to supporting and promoting the rich tradition of craft in the region. Through August 24th, the organization is exhibiting a major show at the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington. The exhibit includes the work of nearly 100 artists based in the Pacific Northwest,juried by art professionals Carol Sauvionand Sarah Traver. In addition to theshow, the Schack Art Center and NWDCare hosting masterclasses by artistsGeorge Rodriguez and Lisa Telford for both members and the general public.
There has been a kind of divide between “Art” and “Craft” for centuries that was amplified in the mid-twentieth century. When asked about the importance of craft, NWDC Executive Director Daniel Wallace replied, “Viewers appreciate handmade objects that are made directly with one human’s hand. There is also an appreciation for the slowness of the process. Sometimes it takes an artist a year or more to complete a work.” This is true for the works in the exhibition NWCraft24 at the Schack; it is a critical survey of the status of craft in the United States. By featuring both members of the NWDC and guest artists, the organization reinforces its commitment to dialogue about the genre amongst each other and also the public. Artists and the general public can learn much from the experienced artisans in the show. Wallace continued to say that “our membership has a life-time of experience and have been working in their method for 40+ years. The objects speak to that and are connected to the individual maker.” The over 100 objects in the show speak to that level of artistic mastery and lived experience.
Visitors to the show experience work by beloved craftartists of the region, including, but not limited to, DickWeiss, Tip Toland, Crista Van Slyck Matteson, Lanny Bergner, NaokoMorisawa, Patti Warashina, and many more. It is important to point out that art appreciators can see Warashina’s workat both the Schack Art Center andthe Seattle Art Museum this summer, which is delightful! All of the work in the show demonstrates the creator’sexperience in the material. For example,Dorothy McGuinness’ “Variations ona Theme 5” contains watercolor paper,acrylic paint, and waxed linen thread. McGuinness challenges the shapes that exist in traditional basket forms, andexpands on this craft through materials and techniques. The resulting objects areconstructed with hundreds of pieces of paper woven in unexpected ways.
The materials on display in the show are vast, which is fitting for a region with a long history of craft that is inspired by so many sources. Ceramics, glass, jewelry, stoneware, wood, silk, and more can be found in NWCraft24. The dialogue between the traditional and contemporary methods are witnessed in many works, but perhaps best illustrated in Ellen Ramsey’s tapestry. Ramsey’s “Portal to the Metaverse” measures 77 x 68 inches and connects the artist’s experience with the loom and an interest in bridging those techniques with themes of consumption and technology. Whether the artists are using solely their hands or bringing in an outside, technological instrument (such as Ramsey’s use of generative software) the time and technical commitment is evident.
The NWDC was founded in 1954 and was solely managed by dedicated volunteers until 2022 when the organization hired Daniel Wallace as the first Executive Director. Under Wallace’s leadership, the organization continues to acknowledge their commitment to supporting members and educating the broader community about the importance of craft in their region. According to Wallace, “It is important that people know the history of this organization that has been a hidden gem while also having an enormous impact on the region.” The exhibition and accompanying programs provide a thorough education in the field of craft, and by visiting the show viewers are supporting an organization and dozens of artists who are truly committed to perfecting and evolving their craft. Art and craft alike continue to evolve; by recognizing a technique’s past these artisans are able to bring their work into the present in new and surprising ways.
Chloé Dye Sherpe
Chloé Dye Sherpe is an art professional and curator based in Washington State.
“NWCraft24” is on display through August 24 at Schack Art Center, located at2921 Hoyt Avenue in Everett, Washington.Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to check the Schack Art Center website, www.schack.org, for more information about programming surrounding the exhibit.
