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It started around a kitchen table. Twenty or so artists, collectors and friends gathered around a
table to discuss their shared love of fine craft. Out of this conversation, what we now know as
Piedmont Craftsmen was born. That was 60 years ago. Today, Piedmont Craftsmen has gone
from a small local craft guild to a national organization featuring nearly 400 artists from across the
United States...and we're still growing!
60 Years of Fine Craft, pt 1 spans our founding in 1963 to 1993. From founding members like
Tom Suomalainen and Mildred Ball (both featured in this show) to artists like Marcia McDade
and Penny Truitt (also featured and both of whom joined in 1993) the history of the early
formative years of Piedmont Craftsmen are here for you to enjoy.
This exhibit is not just to honor those original twenty people who gathered around a kitchen
table but also to celebrate what they've done. It is also to celebrate our community. Whether
you are a supporting member, a regular (or not so regular) shopper, a volunteer at our annual
Craft Fair or other events, or just someone who loves and appreciates fine craft; we want to
celebrate you as well because you have also helped make Piedmont Craftsmen what it is. You
have been there through the many moves across Winston Salem, through so many holiday
seasons, you've made our Craft Fair a true annual event you repeatedly look forward to and
attend and you even helped us through a pandemic. We thank you for your continued support.
We hope you enjoy our Diamond Anniversary Exhibition, 60 Years of Fine Craft, pt 1. 1963-1993
