Love For the Show Is Here To Stay

by Kate Nixon

 

Back in the spring of 2022, I was a freshly anointed small business owner with a plucky can-do attitude. Seeing an opportunity to network, I bought a pass to the annual American Art Pottery Association convention and show in Cincinnati and gathered all the promotional materials I could afford to ship or carry with me on the plane. I was excited to tour the famous Rookwood Pottery factory and tour the Cincinnati Museum of Art, but nervous to interact with collectors familiar or new, not knowing how they would view me in the leadership role of National Arts and Crafts Conference director after longtime founder Bruce Johnson had retired. While I had been writing for some time on this website and was Bruce’s assistant in preparing the conference, I was still a relative newcomer to the 20th/21st century Revival world of collecting early 20^th century antiques and my wallet was shamefully small compared to other big hitters. While going on museum tours and taking in the sights of Cincinnati, I attempted to keep calm composure all while ensuring my stack of business cards and show brochures were within reaching distance. As I spoke with a few folks, I felt like things were going well when one man said: “You’re not a collector, are you?” I took a beat and said “For now, I’m more of a lifelong student of the movement until I can afford to be one.”

 

 

As the director of a show celebrating and selling both antiques of the Arts and Crafts era and the contemporary works of the revival, I can tell you that there is simply a lot to wrap your head around when entering the world of collecting Arts and Crafts antiques. The entire scope of the movement isn’t just a simple art history course: there’s the philosophy of the movement and how it applies to improving your own environment, the artist and creative maker side, the business of selling fine art and antiques, the process of avoiding expensive mistakes while you attempt to collect the works of the movement… it can be overwhelming which is why most folks specialize in just one or two of those topics. I have certainly learned from conference founder Bruce Johnson and held two conferences a year on this specific genre… and I still have plenty to learn. But I’m not the only one continuing to learn about this important era of decorative arts.

Another generation is coming to the Arts and Crafts table: the growing popularity of dark woods and floral designs by customers, homeowners and interior designers are an indication of another rise. I believe there is a reason why this movement speaks to another generation. As this movement was a socio-economic response to the industrial era rejecting the mass made, this revival is facing automation of a different kind — and slowly, we are seeing another generation choosing and embracing the natural. From fashion to interior design to even popular music as you will read in the coming weeks, the influence of both William Morris and the rise of younger artisans and interior designers embracing this style gives the revival another lift – a point I made during opening night of the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows at the Grove Park Inn this past February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows, as you can see from the photos above, the love certainly braved the winter weather and came for both the show and for Asheville.

I knew the 2025 show would have a different feel than in previous years because of Tropical Storm Helene. I received quite a few emails and calls from folks grateful that I had decided to continue the show and conference even after the effects of Helene crashed into Asheville. Some couldn’t believe I was holding the show even after what happened. Because the show is a constantly evolving event, the topic of historic preservation after a natural disaster practically became our unofficial theme as it showed up in the kickoff dinner, the discussion groups, the Saturday Evening Movie — and of course in the many group conversations friends old and new had in the Grove Park Inn’s great hall.

 

 

I can tell you that the power of this show cannot be fully stopped by a tropical storm. This show is one of timeless beauty as show attendees have seen for themselves. This show is not only the top show for the Arts and Crafts genre, it’s a networking and recruiting show. The big names come to connect and purchase. Gallery owners come here to check out the latest artists to connect with and add their works to their gallery. It’s also a show that created its loyal community, who are honored with special distinction. The show is also one of generosity as its annual Silent Auction every year raises money for the Arts & Crafts Research Fund. This year, conference founder Bruce Johnson raised and matched money for a village of displaced Asheville and Western North Carolina citizens and the Southern California Red Cross and I raised money for Asheville artists impacted by the effects of Tropical Storm Helene.

Lastly, the people I have met – including dealers, artists, attendees, supporters and my amazing staff of dedicated workers (and the best managers around) – are what boost me at the end of the day. Their dedication and love for the show truly are rays of sunlight on rainy days.

My show is one for collectors, but it is also for makers and creatives, scholars, gallery owners, students of decorative arts, and for the supporters who come from both out of town or locally to enjoy the show. Make no mistake, the appeal of the Arts and Crafts movement – and the National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows at the Grove Park Inn – is here to stay,

 

Until next time,

“Craftsmanship is a reflection of the individual’s dedication to their work and their commitment to quality.”

– Gustav Stickley

 

Kate Nixon

Director of the National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows at the Grove Park Inn

 

 

 

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