ACC Craft Market San Francisco Expects Another Banner Year

Furniture World Magazine

The American Craft Council has announced the final details of its 23rd annual ACC Craft Market San Francisco, to be held at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, California. The event will be open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday, August 5, and from l0am to 3pm on Thursday, August 6. A special 'Cocktails and Conversation' reception, scheduled for Wednesday evening, offers an opportunity to meet exhibitors in a relaxed, informal setting. This well-established market, which concludes ACC's 1998 wholesale season, offers a number of advantages for wholesale buyers. ACC Craft Market San Francisco is the oldest and most prestigious craft fair in the West and has helped establish American craft as part of San Francisco's rich artistic tradition. This year, buyers will find 300 jury-selected artists from all over the country, including many fine West Coast craft makers who do not exhibit in ACC's other events. Since competition among prospective exhibitors is always very high, each ACC Craft Market offers distinctive, contemporary work of extremely high quality. The August dates of this market are at an ideal time for replenishing midseason inventories and placing last minute holiday orders. In addition, the event coincides with the San Francisco International Gift Fair. This means that buyers can attend both events for a broad range of wholesale buying opportunities in one trip. The San Francisco location is another attraction. The Fort Mason complex is on the bay in the heart of the Marina district and is surrounded by all of the excitement and attractions that make San Francisco one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. The 300 exhibitors at the 1998 ACC Craft Market San Francisco were selected by a unique jurying system which insures that the work is always of exceptionally high quality. Prospective exhibitors for any ACC event must submit slides for judging by a special selection committee. In addition, a different selection committee is assembled for each medium. Ceramics exhibitors are judged by ceramics professionals, jewelry exhibitors are judged by jewelers, etc. This procedure guarantees that each ACC event will feature the most current and exciting trends in American craft. Attendance at all ACC Craft Markets is strictly limited to buyers with a verifiable intention to purchase crafts for resale. Buyers must present acceptable documentation of their business affiliation to be granted entrance to the floor. Information on buyer registration can be obtained from the American Craft Council, 21 South Eltings Comer Road, Highland, NY 12528, phone 800/836-3470, fax 914/883-6130. ACC Craft Markets and Shows are among the largest and most important wholesale and retail craft marketing events in the US. The season includes wholesale markets in Baltimore (February), Chicago (July) and San Francisco (August). Retail craft shows are held in Baltimore (February), Atlanta (March) St. Paul(April), Chicago (May), West Springfield, Massachusetts (June), San Francisco (August), Bellevue, Washington (September), Tampa (December) and Charlotte (December). For more information about ACC craft events, write to the American Craft Council, 21 South Eltings Comer Road, Highland, NY 12528, phone 800/836-3470, fax 914/883-6130. The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to foster an environment in which craft is understood and valued. Its programs include the bimonthly magazine American Craft, three annual juried wholesale craft markets, nine annual juried retail craft shows, a special library on 20th-century craft and workshops and seminars as well as services to professional craftspeople. Membership in the Council is open to all.