You are invited to join the Chester County Craft Guild (CCCG), an educational organization serving the community and encouraging the study and practice of traditional and contemporary crafts. Membership in CCCG is open to any person over the age of 18 whose interests in crafts are in accord with, and who will help carry out the purposes of the CCCG.
OUR PURPOSE:
- Increase general awareness and appreciation of fine crafts by sponsoring educational programs
- Sponsor craft-related workshops and educational seminars
- Sponsor gallery exhibits and shows of juried fine craft work
- Provide scholarships for student artists
- Enhance the proficiency of craft persons with respect to design and workmanship
- OUR CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO CONSERVING, PROMOTING, AND ENCOURAGING QUALITY CRAFTS
CCCG MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Newsletter
- Educational programs
- Listing on the CCCG and state websites with pictures of your craft
- Opportunities to network and interact with craftspeople
- Promotional opportunities
- Juried status opportunity
- Opportunity to participate in juried gallery exhibits and craft shows
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
We are a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen (PGC). To join the Chester County Craft Guild, you must first join the PGC. Go to the PGC website at: www.pacrafts.org, and click the ‘Become a member’ link at the top of the page. Both the PGC and the CCCG require timely payment of annual dues, which can be paid on the PGC website. Members of the CCCG are also required to attend two meetings per year to remain members in good standing.
CCCG offers the opportunity to apply for chapter juried status. Jurying is held once or twice per year by application to the Standards Chairperson. At a jury session, you will be asked to display and describe four or five pieces of your work, including your processes and quality control procedures. Master level craftsmen will judge your work by three (3) benchmarks: craftsmanship, resolved design and unique voice and offer suggestions for improvement, if necessary. We encourage members to apply for chapter jurying as a way to maintain the high level of design and craftsmanship expected of our members. Attaining juried status in the CCCG is a step toward juried status with the PGC. Our chapter is committed to helping members attain PGC juried status.
MEETINGS:
Our monthly meetings are held at the East Bradford Township Municipal Building, 676 Copeland School Road, West Chester, PA on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM ( we do not meet in July or August). For more information, please visit the EVENTS page.
CRAFT SHOWS:
The Chester County Craft Guild sponsors one or more craft shows each year at different venues. Application for the shows is by EntryThingy, and each show is juried to insure high-quality artisans and a curated mix of media participating. Upcoming shows can be found on the EVENTS page.
Members of CCCG may also apply to the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen shows on Zapplication. When offered by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, CCCG members may share a chapter booth to represent CCCG at the state guild shows. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a quality show.
The CCCG is a member of the Brandywine River Museum. Occasionally, the Guild has the opportunity to sponsor booths outside the museum. Juried members would be invited to exhibit in the courtyard during the available weekends.
HISTORY:
The CCCG had its beginnings on May 29, 1980, when 19 members signed the original charter, and on June 15, 1980, we were approved as a chapter of the PGC. The first show was held that same year and the guild has been a vibrant regional craft community and presence since that time.
MAILING ADDRESS:
Chester County Craft Guild
PO Box115
Downingtown, PA 19335