Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Craft Center Overview Commission is seeking new volunteer representatives from the Vermont crafts community to join the Standards Group for the Vermont State Craft Centers network. For anyone with a working knowledge of the Vermont crafts in his/her community, this is an opportunity to play an important role in helping to elevate craft and craft education throughout the state.
Working with the Overview Commission and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, the Standards Group works to promote Vermont crafts by helping to grow and nurture the network of Vermont State Craft Centers statewide. Currently in the network are five galleries (Artisans Hand, Frog Hollow, Gallery at the VAULT, Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild, Collective--the Art of Craft) and three craft education centers (Fletcher Farm School, Shelburne Craft School, Vermont Woodworking School).
“Whether a gallery or an education center, Vermont State Craft Centers deepen the public’s understanding of the connection between the process of making something by hand and the beauty of the finished product,” said Catherine Brooks, Chair of the Standards Group. “Each Vermont State Craft Center Gallery demonstrates a commitment to exhibiting and selling quality Vermont made crafts while each Vermont State Craft Education Center provides excellence in teaching craft to a variety of students.”
Designation as a State Craft Center is achieved through an application and jury process.
Volunteers selected to serve on the Standards Group review applications and participate in juries in preparation to recommend galleries and schools for designation. Standards Group volunteers also conduct regular reviews of all existing State Craft Center Galleries and Education Centers to determine renewal recommendations and work with the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing to promote Vermont craft.
Because of the important role these volunteers play, Standards Group committee members need to have a commitment to Vermont craft; be able to attend four meetings and visit two to three craft galleries or schools on official business each year; and complete follow-up work between meetings as needed. Members must be comfortable with using a computer and working collaboratively both in person and online. Members of the Standards Group are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their functions to the extent funds are available.
The application deadline for new members is March 16, 2018.
Please consider contributing your experience and leadership to serve the Vermont crafts community. Contact Catherine Brooks at [email protected] with questions or complete the online Standards Group Member Questionnaire at this link: http://craftcenters.vermont.gov/volunteer