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Artists crafting a new start Larissa Lytwyn, Editor July 14, 2005 For artists up and down the east coast, the magazine Craft Digest has long served as a major resource about everything related to crafts, from insider tips to upcoming shows. Now renowned artisans Leeann Skalkos of Easton and Judith Standerford of Monroe will take the helm at the publication that some artists consider the "bible" of their craft. It is published every other month. "I have long loved and relied on the Craft Digest, and when I learned the magazine was going to cease publication, I immediately contacted the editor and publisher to see what could be done," Skalkos said.. What she learned was that one of the founding members of the Craft Digest had passed away last year. Shortly thereafter, current owner Joe Mehan, who was unavailable for comment, decided to stop publishing the 30-year-old magazine because he felt it was "time to move on," according to Skalkos and Standerford. . "I have been thrilled at the opportunity to move forward with this," said Skalkos, an accomplished metal smith who has been featured in several national arts publications. . This fall, she will be featured on the Carol Duvall show on Home & Garden television (HGTV). . Skalkos also has forayed into the education field, teaching introductory art and metal working classes to students at Joel Barlow High School this past winter. . Skalkos' statuette featuring a boy and girl reading a book (made of 14-carat gold) was made especially for First Lady Laura Bush in connection with the First Ladies' ongoing literacy campaign. . The artist was named Victoria magazine's 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year. . Skalkos describes herself as "passionate" about supporting American craftsmen and their arts. . Standerford, a weaver, said she learned how to make rugs from her grandmother. . "You could say I've been doing weaving all my live," she said. . Standerford said she was "thrilled" when Skalkos asked her to be a partner in taking over Craft Digest. . "I think it is especially helpful for craftsmen who are just starting out because we will make sure to include lots of tips on everything from the financial aspects involved with going to shows to how to set up your booth," said Standerford, who holds a degree in accounting. . Her business acumen, she believes, as well as her artistic expertise, will prove an asset in the organizational restructuring. The magazine's last issue will appear in October. . After that, the publication will transform into the East Coast Artisan, debuting its January/February issue in mid-December. . "We wanted a name that would more broadly characterize the publication's readership," Standerford said. . In addition to listing crafts shows and offering insider tips, the layout will be slicker, Skalkos said, promising "plenty of pictures" of artists' work. . They will present profiles of area artists, book reviews, a "sound off" section on shows and letters to the editor. . The debut issue features the intricately crocheted bags of Irene Reed, a well-known fiber artist, on its cover. . In addition to print form, the magazine will be available on the web at www.eastcoastartisan. com. . Standerford and Skalkos have been accepting subscriptions for the made-over magazine since July 1. They said the response was enthusiastic. . "People are so excited that we decided to take over the publication," Skalkos said. "We get e-mails and letters every day from fellow craftsmen thanking us for stepping up to the plate." . Skalkos and Standerford want to emphasize that it is imperative for promoters to contact them promptly with information about upcoming shows. . "While we often acquire information from local newspapers, there are times when the show will happen too soon for us to be able to include it," Standerford said. "So it is really important that we get to hear about everything, from a provider to a craftsman who is putting on a show themselves." . For more information on the East Coast Artisan, contact lee@totallyoutofhand.com or Judy@GeometricDesigns.com ©Easton Courier 2005 |