Spreading the Word – Arts & Crafts Style

Those of us who have been Arts & Crafts collectors for even a brief period of time have come to enjoy and appreciate a number of Arts & Crafts resources, from magazines such as “Style 1900,” “American Bungalow” and “Arts & Crafts Homes” to organizations such as the American Art Pottery Association to historic sites such as Craftsman Farms and the Gamble House to events such as Pasadena Heritage and the Arts & Crafts Conference.

But for any of these resources to continue into the future we must make it a point to introduce the Arts & Crafts movement to a new generation of collectors and homeowners. We have to spread the word, Arts & Crafts style, and here are a few ways that you can easily make sure the enthusiasm never wanes:

1. Give someone a subscription to the “Journal of the American Art Pottery Association,” “Style 1900,” “American Bungalow” or “Arts & Crafts Homes.”

2. Buy them tickets to an upcoming event in your area, such as the AAPA Convention next month, Pasadena Heritage in October, the Chicago Arts & Crafts Show or one of many events held at Craftsman Farms.

3. Give them a book on Arts & Crafts.

4. Invite them into your home.

5. Start an Arts & Crafts Society in your area. We can put you in touch with people who already have for some tips on how to get started.

6. Only give Arts & Crafts items as gifts. If you can’t find what you want in your area, check out the websites of businesses listed under “Find It Here” on the Home Page.

7. Email a link to ArtsAndCraftsCollector.com to someone.

8. Offer to give a talk on Arts & Crafts at your library, preservation society, history club or college. If you want, use the script I wrote for this past Grove Park Inn conference entitled “Arts & Crafts.101 – A Beginner’s Guide.” You can download it at www.Arts-CraftsConference.com.

9. Share your enthusiasm. Fortunately, it is contagious.

Until next Monday, have a great week!

– Bruce