American Craft Council Show is hipper than ever

The annual American Craft Council show doesn’t include face painting or food trucks; but if you love festivals mostly for the art walks, you’ll find this is the best marketplace of the year. Millennial makers really have no idea how hip their grandparents are. This weekend, more than 225 artists, working in every genre from fiber to furniture, display their creations at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Minneapolis-based ACC has been coming to Atlanta for more than 25 years, but recently the nonprofit has added clever activities designed to inspire and attract a new generation of fans. For example, for the fourth year, the ACC has invited a handful of well-known designers to create vignettes using pieces from the show. This year’s rooms were inspired by the four directions of the compass: East by J. Wheeler Designs, West by Smith Hanes, South by Reiner/White, and North by Willem Stear. One new feature is the “Style Slam,” where professional stylists show how to incorporate the statement wardrobe pieces available at the show into your wardrobe. Back again are the “Hip Pop Pods” featuring emerging artists and the “Let’s Make” stations, where you can watch artisans at work and try your own hand at making. And if you’re not really into design or fashion, then perhaps you’ll like the Balvenie Scotch Whiskey Experience—showcasing the tastes of handmade Scotch.