For more than 100 years, Wisconsin Craft has believed in the value of handmade.

Behind every piece of art is a person—their knowledge, creativity, time, skill, experience, and intention. Craft traditions survive because people continue to make, teach, learn, experiment, and value the objects created by human hands.

From October 11–16, Wisconsin Craft is asking our members, friends, and community to help us raise $10,000 during our 2026 Annual Appeal.

Building the Future of Handmade

For generations, Wisconsin Craft has been powered by artists and volunteers who believed deeply in the importance of fine craft. Today, we are building upon that legacy by investing in stronger communications, expanded programming, organizational support, and new opportunities to connect artists with one another and with the public.

Through the Morning Glory Art Fair, MKE Studio Tour, member exhibitions, monthly educational programming, networking opportunities, and other initiatives, we help artists share their work, strengthen their professional practices, and build meaningful connections.

And those connections matter.

“I feel like I've found ‘my people.’” — Mel Kolstad

“Being part of this community makes me feel that I’m not only sharing my work, but also building bridges between cultures and creating connections with artists here.” — Yesica Coria

“Being part of Wisconsin Craft connects me with people who value making, sharing knowledge, and growing together.” — Tony Macias

Supporting the People Behind the Making

Wisconsin Craft isn't only about the finished artwork. It is about the people who make it.

Our community includes emerging artists searching for guidance, established artists sharing decades of knowledge, and makers looking for opportunities to exhibit, learn, collaborate, and grow.

Andrew Linderman joined nearly a decade ago as a new artist seeking “community, creative and professional feedback, and mentorship.” Today, he continues participating not only to grow his own practice, but also to share his knowledge with others.

That cycle—learning, growing, connecting, and eventually giving back—is part of how we keep craft alive.

Help Us Reach $10,000

Our Annual Appeal is about creating a stronger and more sustainable future for Wisconsin Craft. Every contribution helps strengthen opportunities for artists, expand educational programming, connect communities with handmade art, and provide the organizational resources necessary to carry this work forward.

A $10 gift matters. A $25 gift matters. A $100 gift matters. When our community gives together, those individual contributions can create significant impact.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 from October 11–16, 2026.

Donations can be made directly through the Wisconsin Craft website or through our Paypal Link Below. 100% of your online donation goes to Wisconsin Craft.

Donate on Website

Donate Through Paypal

If Wisconsin artists, handmade traditions, and creative communities matter to you, we invite you to make a gift and share our Annual Appeal with others.

When you support Wisconsin Craft, you support the people behind the making.

Together, we can build the future of handmade.

Thank you!