I heard a passerby say, “…it’s just one thing after another! Wow, it’s just amazing!”, as the American Craft Council Baltimore Show drew to a close. And that statement summed up what I felt about the experience. It was a total treat to meet with craftspeople and see their works up close. A lot of the people I met were people I only knew by their popular works until the show; but I really felt like I already knew them. I give a salute to some of the artists that have touched me deeply.

The Iron Design Company promotes stylish designs. Headed by Marc Maiorana, the designs are of elegance that is not usually associated with iron. It’s really hard to fathom how exquisitely made Maiorana’s candlesticks are, and even more because they are the result of processing an industrial material. Even the simple, small bottle openers he has manufactured can double as installation art.

While we’re on the topic of installations, let me talk about Jamie Harris. He recently added a “mod” to his array of blown glass pieces. These crafts are layered with loud colors, then it was carved very thinly so that could easily clip to your wall. The glass canvass is a magnificent piece to add to your decorations.

Euh-Suh Choi does things a little bit differently, although she also works with glass. She lets her personal experience show up on the material. The glass she works with is very delicate due to its thinness, but she ends up with mind-provoking works of art that are stunning.

These craftspeople are always excited to show others what they’ve done. If only time had afforded me the luxury to, I would have perused each one carefully and marveled at every last one. Nonetheless, there are a lot more talented people than the one I have written about here, and you’ll get to meet then when you go to craft shows in the future.