The Directory of Traditional American Crafts

April 2006-Frank Rhodes of Chestertown MD ranks as one of the top traditional artisans in America, according to a panel of 18 experts convened by Early American Life magazine. The experts—curators from such prestigious institutions as Historic Hudson Valley, Old Sturbridge Village, Rhode Island School of Design, and Shelburne Museum. as well as antiques dealers, independent scholars, and professional instructors—selected the top craftspeople working with traditional tools and techniques for the magazine's 21st annual Directory of Traditional American Crafts®. Rhodes's handcrafted furniture showed mastery of the art form, heritage techniques, and workmanship. according to the judges.

The Directory of Traditional American Crafts® is a special listing that appears is the June 2006 issue of Early American Life. a national magazine focusing on architecture. decorative arts, period style, and social history from colonial times through the mid-19th Century. The Directory has been used for the past two decades by curators at living history museums, owners of traditional homes, and motion picture producers for finding artisans to make period-appropriate furnishings and accessories for displays, collections, and use.

The judges look for authentic design and workmanship, whether the piece is a faithful reproduction or the artisan's interpretation of period style," said Tess Rosch, publisher of Early American Life.“Scholarship, as well as use of period tools and techniques, is particularly valued in this competition.”
One goal of the Directory is to help preserve traditional handcrafts, part of our culture that is rapidly being lost in the digital age. Many of these skills were passed down from master to apprentice for hundreds of years, but now few new people choose to learn and master them. If our traditional arts are lost, we have forgotten a part of who we are as Americans." Rosch said.

The June issue of Early American Life, on newsstands April 25, lists all artists selected for the Directory as well as their addresses and telephone numbers for those wanting to own their work. The Directory layout features lush color photos of many of these artworks, photographed aboard the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship—launched in 1841 and the only wooden whaler still in existence—and in other museum settings at Mystic Seaport. The Museum of America and the Sea, in Connecticut.

"The Directory is a source for collectors and historic museums eager to own fine, handcrafted, period-accurate objects and also a means of supporting those who perpetuate the an forms that are such an important pan of our nation's heritage," Rosch said. To learn more about Early American Life. for subscription information or to purchase a copy. visit www EALonline.com.

Early American Life is o bimonthly magazine with a circulation of 90, 000 The magazine was founded in 1970 and is owned hy Firelands Media Group LLC, Shaker Heights. Ohio. Editors can request a copy of the June 2006 issue with Me 2006 Directory of Traditional American Crafts. by calling 440-5434566.