Artisans of WMass Announces Non-Profit Status

Artisans of WMASS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Release
S. Lou Leelyn
president@artisansofwmass.com

ARTISANS OF WMASS ANNOUNCES NON-PROFIT STATUS

Northampton, MA—August 4, 2011—Artisans of WMASS, one of the area’s most progressive and active collectives of artists and handcrafters, became an officially incorporated non-profit organization on June 11, 2011.

What began in the fall of 2009 as a small group of about 15 artisans, has now expanded to an organization boasting almost 70 members. One of the goals of Artisans of WMASS (AWM) is sustaining a vibrant culture of local, handmade art and craft.  AWM aims to build public awareness of the importance of shopping locally, not only for food and services, but for handmade art, craft, and functional items as well.  AWM networks with local retail businesses to supply locally-produced items to communities all over western Massachusetts and urges community members to buy from local artisans when they think about purchasing gifts and art.

In addition to encouraging local buying, AWM also reaches out to artisans with business networking and support. The organization nurtures the growth of all creative businesses in the community and strengthens the artisan community by helping members with website development, tax workshops, marketing and promotion skills and small business management. President Lou Leelyn, of Lou’s Upcycles, states, “We want to build a community of artists and crafters that has hundreds of resources at hand so one doesn’t feel like they are trying to succeed in their creative business alone.”

AWM also creates events that showcase locally-crafted, quality art. The first group event for the newly incorporated non-profit is “Local ARTery.” This show, featuring unique and original handcrafted art, will be held next spring, official details to come.

Any artisan living and working in western Massachusetts is invited to join the organization. Businesses interested in carrying work made by AWM members are also encouraged to contact them. Visit the Artisans of WMASS website at www.artisansofwmass.com or contact Membership Coordinator, Steve Nartowicz, at membership@artisansofwmass.com for more information.