Artisan Advocacy

I've been thinking a lot lately, about my place in the world, and work, and work that would feel more like... living. I know I love crafting and sewing and making things, and I want to share that love, so the making things - and the loving of it - isn't lost. I have been feeding my own needs, lately, by sewing with my cousin Roxanne, and we have both enjoyed both the creating, and the therapeutic companionship. I just keep thinking, there should be more. More sharing, more people, and more crafts.

Then I went to the fair. You know, the fair. All those categories for competition, and not many competitors even enter. Well, there was a pretty good showing of quilts and photographs, and some elementary school displays. It disappointed me. I thought, gee, why didn't the talented kids from Gadsden High School enter into the floral design category? We have a culinary arts program, why don't they have some entries? Heck, where is anything made by, well, me? Why are they not here? What would it take to get them here? My answer: some artisan advocacy.

I'm not sure what it should ultimately look like. I'm not sure where I go for answers, or even for research so I can make up my own answers. I know that there are artisans out there. I know there are other people who like to make things, whether or not they can, will or even want to make a living from it. I also know that creating and/or fostering a community of such artisans will make all of us stronger as people, and as artists, and help get "the word out" to people who are interested in learning to create as well. I'm poking my nose and my fingers into some various places, hoping to get hints, clues and pointers. Dona Ana Arts Council is one. Southern New Mexico State Fair is another. If anyone reading this has any ideas for me, I would sure appreciate them.