Choosing Craft

Vicki Halper is an independent curator and writer and former associate curator of modern art at Seattle Art Museum. Diane Douglas is executive director of Seattle CityClub and former director of the Bellevue Arts Museum.

"A fascinating read. . . . The opinions of the featured makers are deeply felt and at times profound. . . . [Opens] up an enticing window onto this diverse and fascinating field of study." -- The Journal of William Morris Studies "A lively range of opinions. . . .With an index that reveals a fascinating matrix of arguments, milestones, and professional networks." -- Fiberarts "A multifaceted record of the American craft movement from 1945 to the present day. . . . In addition to being a good read, the book is an important historical record. . . . The only thing I want from this intelligent collection is to have even more of it." -- Crafts "A rare book in the developing field of craft history, as it frames the issues surrounding craft through artists' eyes. Reading this book is akin to hanging out at a craft workshop and having heart-to-heart talks with the people on the ground creating the movement. . . . Inspires, provokes and reminds us that today's debates have long roots." -- Journal of Modern Craft "An important contribution to the cultural history of American craft. . . . Offers readers . . . substantial pleasures and revelations." -- Ceramics Monthly "Explores a wealth of media. The book's most distinguishing feature is its emphasis on the commonalities and hardships faced by artists; from pursuing an art education to the challenges of business and marketing. . . . This insightful work offers inspiration for aspiring artists." -- WNC "Focuses on artists' experiences and opinions as a primary resource for craft scholarship. . . . [Contains] valuable and enjoyable conversations on craft." -- American Craft "In capturing the spirit and growth of a cultural phenomenon over a fifty-year period, Choosing Craft has the value of a time capsule." -- Surface Design "This collection forces the reader, in a positive fashion, to look more deeply at American craftsmanship and the very talented people who helped define it. . . . I left this book with a much greater understanding of post-war American craft and a deeper appreciation of the various fields of craftwork and the people who have shaped its history." -- Journal of Folklore Research "Will interest a wide range of readers, from beginners to collectors to historians. An informal but informative overview, it will be useful as assigned or recommended reading for students in crafts classes." -- CHOICE