ASHEVILLE, NC (April 16, 2025) — The Center for Craft is honored to be the first-ever organizational recipient of the One-of-a-Kind Award from the James Renwick Alliance for Craft (JRACraft), based in Washington, DC. This prestigious award recognizes masters in the medium and leaders in craft, and honors the tremendous influence of the Center on the local, national, and international craft community since its founding in 1996. In particular, the award celebrates the Center’s support of Asheville and Western North Carolina’s hard-hit craft community in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

After the hurricane, the Center quickly mobilized to reactivate its Craft Futures Fund, originally started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, fundraising efforts have resulted in $1.56 million in donations and grants from individuals and foundations, with 81% of individuals and 25% of foundations making first-time contributions.

An initial rapid-relief funding round deployed $410,000 to 820 eligible applicants in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Currently, the Center is working with 40 craft artists to rebuild and strengthen ties within the region through the WNC Craft Futures Cohort, which includes six months of mentoring and peer-to-peer exchange, an exhibition, and direct support totaling $600,000.

“I’m thankful for the cohort experience and the opportunity to engage with fellow makers in the WNC community,” says Laura Wood. “Being a full-time studio artist demands so much time and energy, and there’s rarely a moment to check in on how others are doing—especially post-storm. I truly appreciate this shortcut to connection. The funding has definitely provided a sense of relief and has allowed me to focus on rebuilding.”

“This honor shows how supporting craft artists locally has wide-ranging impacts that ripple out through the larger craft community,” says Center for Craft Executive Director Stephanie Moore. “We are thrilled that JRACraft is giving us this historic national recognition. It affirms the Center’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for craft by directly investing in artists—their practices, resilience, and ability to thrive.”

The One-of-a-Kind Award is the first national honor the Center has received in its nearly 30-year history. The award is a testament to the Center’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify how and why craft matters through public galleries, grants, fellowships, and programs—including the Craft Futures Fund. While the award has traditionally recognized individuals who support JRACraft’s mission, the Center for Craft’s hard work, passion, and leadership since the storm occasioned historic commemoration.  

“Center for Craft’s dedication to supporting craft artists, providing emergency resources, and rebuilding the craft community during such a challenging time is truly inspiring,” says JRACraft Executive Director Jennifer Scanlan. “By honoring the Center for Craft—the first time we've given the award to an organization—we are underscoring the deep and expansive impact of craft beyond individual artistry, and emphasizing that craft is a powerful vehicle for connection, recovery, and growth. Institutions like the Center serve as vital stewards in amplifying craft’s influence and ensuring its lasting legacy.”  

JRACraft will present the award during its annual Spring Craft Weekend, taking place this year from April 25–27 in Washington, DC.

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ABOUT CENTER FOR CRAFT
The Center for Craft amplifies how and why craft matters by increasing access to resources that catalyze artists and scholars nationwide. Proudly based in Asheville, it has been at the center of the conversation about the future of craft since 1996.

For more information and images, contact Daniel Nevers at 828-785-1357 x114 or press@centerforcraft.org. Center for Craft is located at 67 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Website: www.centerforcraft.org

Instagram: @centerforcraft