Thousands of fine craft lovers and collectors come far and wide to enjoy the breathtaking presentations at the annual American Craft Council Show in Atlanta. With over 225 of the country’s best contemporary craft makers under one roof, show-goers enjoy shopping one-of-a-kind quality crafts in jewelry, clothing, furniture and home décor while meeting and interacting with the artists behind the intricate work.
This year, two Peachtree City artisans will join the other 225 nationally acclaimed craft artisans in the Southeast’s largest indoor craft show. Metal artist Mike Sluder and glass artist Andrea Victorica have been selected into the highly competitive, juried show for their innovative handmade one-of-a-kind craft objects.
Mike Sluder was formally trained in sculpture under internationally recognized artists at East Carolina University, where he earned his BFA in 2006. He has worked at two leading fine art bronze foundries, overseeing the Metal Shop and serving as Patina Specialist. As one of the country’s notable metal artists, he has made a name for himself by creating high-end metal art from gritty, industrial beginnings. Sluder currently lives in Peachtree City and creates custom cast bronze vessels and copper wall hangings for individual collectors and corporate clients. Mike’s art has been featured in the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) as well as in national and international exhibitions and publications.
Andrea Victorica strives to make high quality, fused glass art which is inspired by her family’s love of fishing. Her grandparents lived in Daytona Beach, Fla., and she has fond memories of time spent at the beach with her dad and grandfather riding their red dune buggy or fishing off the dock. All pieces are hand made by cutting and layering multiple pieces of art glass. Various colored glass is used throughout the process and multiple firing in a kiln lead to the rich depth of color and vibrancy of the final product. Each piece is individually hand crafted.
The show also features interactive components that offer something for everyone. Style Slam debuts this year, featuring several of Atlanta’s most savvy stylists, who will pair up with fashion wearable, accessory and jewelry artists to create cutting-edge fashion ensembles that will be showcased throughout the show floor. For the entire family, the Let’s Make Inspiration Stations include dozens of local artisans who interactively demonstrate the making of their foods and hand crafts, allowing show-goers to take part in the hands-on process.
The 3-day Craft Show returns for its 27th year to the Cobb Galleria Center March 11-13. For tickets and information visit www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta.
