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Latest News & Views
American Craft Council
The American Craft Council’s Mentor Program, part of the Baltimore Wholesale Market, is a two-year program designed specifically to guide artists with no prior wholesale experience through their first two wholesale shows by working closely with a veteran American Craft Council wholesale exhibitor. Candidates for this program must apply as a team: a new artist who has never participated in any wholesale show and the mentor, an experienced American Craft Council exhibitor who is acquainted with the new artist candidate and agrees to sponsor him or her.
In year one, the accepted teams will prepare for and participate in the Baltimore Wholesale Market. The Council will provide a free wholesale-only booth space (10’x10’) for the new artist and a $500 credit toward the mentor’s booth in Baltimore.
The ACC also has a buddy system, which pairs an experienced exhibitor with a less experienced exhibitor.
Buyers Market of American Craft
As a participant in the Visiting Artist Program, you can attend seminars that explore topics important to wholesale exhibitors such as booth design, product development, marketing, and sales. The seminar program, daily guided tours of the wholesale marketplace, and a variety of networking events provide visiting artists with valuable tools for their business.
George Little Management
George Little Management helps address the learning curve for new artists, specifically through the Handmade division of its regional gift shows. To be considered for participation, artists must first apply to the Handmade jury. This selection committee is comprised of retailers, wholesalers and designers, and often provides helpful tips on how to streamline production and adjust pricing for wholesale markets.
For artists that have experience selling at public retail shows, GLM-managed gift shows will offer new opportunities to work with a broader mix of wholesale galleries and boutiques, and to establish appropriate pricing and production, in a nurturing environment.
GLM also has a dedicated staff position for craft marketing. Colvin English, GLM's director of craft marketing, acts as an ombudsman and resource for craft artist participants.
Western Exhibitors
Stacey Heiss, director of marketing, says that the company helps exhibitors boost sales by offering a variety of pre-show, on-site and post-show marketing options. These include advertising, sponsorships, postcards, and opportunities for purchasing categorized lists.
