Inland Craft Warnings - History Page

Inland Crafts is one of Spokane Washington's most treasured juried craft exhibitions. Currently organized by a board of directors most of whom are also participating artists, this sale and exhibition provides a wonderful array of pottery, glass, basketry, jewelry, fiber arts, wood works, metal design and photography.
This unique event began in 1983 as a cooperative effort by seven artists to establish a local market for their fine crafts. From the original seven artists, Inland Crafts has grown to over 60. Artists come to Inland Crafts by way of California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Canada. The participating artists go through a critical jury process each year to assure the inclusion of the best work. Most members have been represented in national shows and publications, selling their work throughout the United States.
An important feature of this event is the genuine caring between artists for making this event a success. All Participants look forward to a weekend enriched from being with one another and sharing their work with the attending public. Inland Crafts has developed a loyal following, has shown an exciting growth in attendance and sales and strives to increase the appreciation and understanding of contemporary crafts through ongoing educational programs, displays and advertising.

How ICW Got It's Name:

In the early months of 1983, the first participants in the Inland Craft Warnings were collected in a group frenzy of planning. One of our biggest needs was finding a name for our unique endeavor. One of the participants, Leslie LePere, was a fellow with a clever way with words - image equations, and his suggestion, Inland Craft Warnings, was no doubt influenced by his recent life on the seacoast where "Small Craft Warnings" were something to PAY ATTENTION TO in times of fluctuating weather. In 1980 LePere had moved to the Palouse country family farm, so "inland" weather fluctuations had become his focus.
The inauguration of our sale and exhibition certainly brought a forecast of new fluctuations in the "art" weather in Spokane, (and we hardly need mention that Spokane is in the INLAND empire.
We think one should be forewarned of fine quality crafts on the horizon and plan for their effect. Thus we hope it is as clear as a bobbing glass bottle on the incoming tide that the name "Inland Craft Warnings" alerts you to new discoveries and personal delights in the realm of contemporary crafts.

All black and white media drawings created by Leslie L. Lepere
Pencil Farms Studio, Harrington, WA