I do hereby proclaim...

Art and craft have been a huge part of my life for the last 18 years so when the Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow and Craft in America organized a national American Craft Week I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wrote a proclamation request asking Governor Baldacci to proclaim October 1-10 American Craft Week in Maine. I was not the only one- Sadie from the Center for Maine Craft had also written one. We were able to combine the language into one stellar proclamation.

To celebrate, Monkitree will have a show of works by Maine Woodturners. So with artwork on the walls depicting trees, Monkitree will have bowls, platters, candleholders created from trees. Maine artists share their vision producing amazing work and craft retailers actively promote and sell their work, contributing to not only our economy but enhancing and enriching our lives.

So here it is...my first proclamation-

Whereas, the State of Maine believes in the enduring value of
handmade crafts and celebrates the artists and craftspeople who create
them; and

Whereas, the original inhabitants and the settlers who came to Maine,
handed down their skills in craft. The State and People of Maine have a
centuries-old tradition of these crafts- furniture making, pottery,
weaving, metalsmithing, and glassblowing; and

Whereas, these crafts help to build the economic base of our State and
still contribute to its reputation and success; and

Whereas, the State of Maine acknowledges its appreciation to all the
craftspeople who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the
rich culture of our State; and our citizens.

This year's American Craft Week celebration, to be held October 1-10,
will bring together individuals, small businesses and organizations from
all fifty states in recognition of the countless ways handmade objects
enrich our daily lives and contribute to our national aesthetic and
economy.

American Craft Week is an opportunity to celebrate the wonders of
American craft. Every day thousands of American artists share their
vision and talent by producing amazing hand-made decorative and
functional objects. And every day thousands of craft retailers share
their love of these items by displaying, promoting and selling them.

Now, therefore, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do
hereby proclaim October 1-10, 2010 as:

AMERICAN CRAFT WEEK

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize our
traditional and contemporary craft artists, galleries, exhibitions,
museums, retailers and events.