02/19/2024
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that this will be the final year of craft for us at Midwest Craft Con and Craftin’ Outlaws.
Craftin’ Outlaws was one of the first “alternative” craft shows in Columbus, Ohio. Before the days of online shopping, Venmo sales and pop-up markets on any given weekend, a back room bar played venue to a marketplace hosted in 2005 with a line out the door, vendors set up on pool tables and our outsider craft movement was established. The venues changed as did the exhibitors over the years but the value, the heart of every event was centered around the love of craft and the crafting artists behind the tables. A show by artists for artists which celebrated irreverence, quality, humor and individuality.
As the years went on Midwest Craft Con was formed with the vision of 3 regional craft show organizers from across Ohio, each who held the belief that education and community could further the creative landscape. Hosting keynotes, breakouts and workshops by the likes of Lisa Congdon, Jen Hewett, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Gemma Correll and Toni Lipsey, Craft Con brought together crafting artists from all over the nation who continue to have strong bonds outside of their chosen creative efforts.
In total 5 conferences, over 33 marketplaces, countless pop-ups, workshops and gatherings were hosted under the name of craft.
On behalf of the board and myself we are grateful for extending our services to the handmade community.
We will continue to provide creative content through our DIY calendar and host our digital catalog until the end of 2024.
Our glitter will finally fade out with one last marketplace on Sunday, December 1st at the Columbus Museum of Art. Stay tuned for a few online experiences, a final celebration of DIY and one last drink to toast close to two decades of handmade.
Thanks for being Outlaws and “CON”ners with us! -Megan Green
