The American Craft Council is proud to showcase GreenCraft Artists for the first time in its 19 years of Atlanta shows. These artist’s creations are made either entirely or partially of recycled, organic, energy-conscious, environmentally-safe products. Of the 240 respected artists exhibiting this year at the Atlanta Craft Show March 14-16, one quarter or more meet the GreenCraft standard. From fine art pottery to metal works to distinctive wood turnings to mixed media pieces, each of the Craft Council’s GreenCraft artists is creating collectible treasures from trash and reducing pollution. Among this year’s participating artists are:

Emily Reason, a full-time ceramic artist based in Burnsville, NC. Each piece of Emily’s pottery is thrown on the wheel, carved, decorated, fired and glazed. She currently uses a landfill, methane gas-fueled kiln as an alternative energy option to fire her pots, which works to reduce any negative impact on the environment;

Wood turner John Penrod, whose vessels are created from "found" or "recovered" wood, from trees downed in storms or removed from residential properties;

Fabric artist Robin Rowley Bowman, says “since beginning my adventure as a fabric collage artist, I have learned the benefits of using recycled materials in my collages. Not only is an awareness of our environment important, but as an artist, I find that sometimes the best design solution lies in an item otherwise thrown away. Many a grapefruit bag has become "scales" on my fish and scrap fabrics and former clothing items can be the best addition to a collage. I try to use fabric paints and other materials that are "green" in my artwork. It is my hope that someday soon, "green" builders and architects/designers will value this when accessorizing their homes and commercial buildings.”

Lesley Keeble, doll artist and current resident of Asheville, NC, who uses natural products like gourds, ivory and rubber in conjunction with recycled fabrics, hats, straw, vegetables and other found objects to create dolls inspired by her fascination with circus costumes, bloomers and hats.

The American Craft Show in Atlanta is accessible to all, with art work available for purchase ranging from $25 to thousands. Show Hours are Friday & Saturday, March 14-15: 10 am-6 pm; and Sunday, March 16: 10am - 5pm. Ticket prices are $12 for one day; $18 for a two-day pass and children 12 and under are admitted free. American Craft Council members and those who join at the show are admitted free.

To preview the show and to purchase tickets online, please visit: www.craftcouncil.org.

For directions to Cobb Galleria Centre, visit: www.cobbgalleria.com. Free parking available.

About the American Craft Council
The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by craft advocate Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, a specialized library, workshops and seminars.