Annual arts show features mix of high quality items
Inland Crafts boasts 67 artists from across the West
Why has Inland Crafts developed such a loyal following over the last 26 years? Here are a few reasons:
• This annual crafts show gathers together artisans from all over the West. This year, 67 artists from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, California, South Dakota and Arizona will exhibit their work.
• It’s a juried exhibition, which keeps the quality consistently high.
• It goes far beyond jewelry and ceramics (although you’ll find plenty of both). This year’s event includes blown glass, basketry, metalwork, furniture, photography, woodwork, fabrics, wearable art, musical instruments, sculpture and a wide range of mixed media.
• It costs only $5 to get in (free on Friday evening). And once you’re in, you can purchase craft items for just a few dollars all the way up to … well, fine art prices.
• And finally – at the risk of sounding crassly commercial about the whole thing – many people rely on Inland Crafts for their annual Christmas shopping.
And why not? It’s the ideal place to go for handmade gifts purchased straight from the producers.
This year’s Inland Crafts (formerly known as Inland Craft Warnings) will move to a new spot in the Spokane Convention Center’s B and C ballrooms. That’s in the newly remodeled “old” Convention Center building, right across the breezeway from the INB Performing Arts Center.
Inland Crafts also features an extensive schedule of artist demonstrations – which is one more reason that the event has gained such a loyal following.
“The demonstrations are always a good draw,” said Louise Kodis, an Inland Crafts artist and board member. “It’s so wonderful to watch someone demonstrate, and then go back to the booth and see what they’ve made.”