Polymer clay artist Kathleen Dustin has just been awarded the Smithsonian Craft Show‘s New Direction – Excellence in Design Of the Future Award.
The annual Smithsonian show is one of the most discriminating and prestigious shows in the world for contemporary fine craft. This year, the show will feature the works of 120 exhibitors selected from some 1,400 applicants. Ford/Forlano were chosen for the show as well.
Kathleen was juried into this show several times earlier in her career, and was profiled by Smithsonian Magazine in 2000, but had seen a Smithsonian dry spell in recent years. Returning to that extremely competitive show with a risky and bold new body of work (read more in the current issue of Polymer Cafe) was the culmination of a dream for her.
Her work and the “New Direction” award bring respect and pride to polymer clay artists everywhere.
The photo is from Kathleen’s booth in Ann Arbor last summer. Thanks for the scoop goes to Jan Frame.
Melanie West ,
*jumps up and applauds loudly*
Brava, Kathleen! You are an amazing artist, an amazing woman, and one of my biggest roll models. You bring incredible strength and courage to your art.
Thanks, once again, Cynthia, for a terrific post!
Sherry Bailey ,
Well deserved!! — Kathi has consistently been one of the most innovative and creative forces in polymer clay since the beginning of the art movement within the medium. Her standards of craftsmanship and design are something all of us should strive for.
Lunes ,
Excellent news and what a great booth too!
Hollie Mion ,
Love her and her work! I purchased the purse at the bottom while at the Ann Arbor festival. I see it every day, proudly on display in my home. Can’t wait to see her when she teaches in Columbus in the near future.
Louise Fischer Cozzi ,
Brava Kathleen!!!!