Speakers Announced for 24th Grove Park Inn Conference

Whenever I have been asked how it is that the Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference has lasted 24 years ("longer," someone pointed out, "than the original Arts & Crafts movement"), the answer is simple: our focus has never wavered -- the education of the Arts & Crafts collector.

Whether it be the choice of seminar topics, small group discussions, workshops, special displays, demonstrations, house tours, walking tours or the exhibitors in the three shows - antiques, contemporary craftsfirms and books - the focus is always the same: education enhances our appreciation and our enjoyment of the objects we collect.

And this year's roster of seminar speakers will prove no exception.

On Friday evening, for the first time, our audience will be split, as I will lead a seminar for our first, second and third year attendees entitled "Arts & Crafts.101 - A Beginner's Guide" while the always thought-provoking Andre Chaves will challenge the remainder of our group with "The Consequences of the Arts & Crafts Movement on the 20th Century."

With the wall between our two groups then hastily removed, Thomas Brunk will conclude the evening with an exploration entitled "Mary Chase Stratton and Pewabic Pottery."

On Saturday morning well-known craftsman Ronald VanOstrand will provide us with an insider's view entitled "Arts & Crafts Metalware: Hammered, Spun and Pressed - A Craftsman's Perspective."

He will be followed by respected researcher and collector Michael McCracken and " 'Worth Many Times Its First Cost:' The Role of Production and Design in Gustav Stickley's Furniture."

On Saturday evening, former Style 1900 editor and author Anne Stewart O'Donnell will delight the audience with her interpretation of "Five Outrageous Women of the Arts & Crafts Movement."

Sunday morning will include two seminars, the first being "Beyond Wright: The Decorative Arts of Purcell and Elmslie" (two important Midwest architects and designers) by author Patricia Gebhard. She will be followed by Susan Futterman's seminar on the woodcut artist "Frances Gearhart: Sister, teacher, Artist."

For additional information, a slide show and the agenda for the February 18th-20th Arts & Crafts Conference at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa overlooking Asheville, NC, please go to:

http://www.Arts-CraftsConference.com

http://www.GroveParkInn.com