FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jean Thompson
410.889.2933 ext. 218
www.AmericanCraft.com
2009 NICHE Awards Winners Announced
Artists Honored for Innovative and Creative Designs in North American Craft
February 15, 2009 (Philadelphia, PA) --The coveted NICHE Award was presented to artists in 34 professional categories and 14 student categories in a ceremony held February 15, 2009, at the Buyers Market of American Craft. The annual NICHE Awards ceremony held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center also included the presentation of the fourth annual Arts Educator of the Year award.
Sponsored by NICHE magazine, the exclusive trade publication for progressive retailers of American craft, the NICHE Awards program recognizes excellence and innovation in the American and Canadian craft industry.
Professional and student craft artists from across the U.S. and Canada submitted nearly 2,000 entries for the 2009 competition. In November 2008, NICHE magazine announced the 149 professional finalists and 69 student finalists who were invited to display their work in the NICHE Awards exhibit at the Philadelphia Buyers Market, February 13-16, 2009.
Entries were judged on the following main criteria:
technical excellence, both in surface design and form
distinct quality of unique, original and creative thought
A full list of finalists and winners, with photos, is available at www.AmericanCraft.com. Winners will be featured in the Spring 2009 issue of NICHE magazine.
Application information for the 2010 NICHE Awards will be available in Spring 2009 at www.AmericanCraft.com.
