Central Park, New York

After all the preparation and planning we have finally arrived in New York after an early start, straightforward flight and taxi to the hotel. ‘We’ are a group of twelve Craft curators/officers who are here to be immersed in the American craft scene, carry out individual research and promote what we do to professionals and makers in the USA.

First impressions are that New York is actually not as big as we thought – especially the Statue of Liberty! The architecture is amazing and incredibly impressive – I love the towering buildings overlooking Central Park and we were amused to see a very classy dentist carrying out treatment on a patient in full view of the street looking onto the park.

After a celebratory cocktail, it was an early night before we build up to a hectic schedule.Today we meet at midday and then three lucky members of the group (we have to draw straws!!) are off to visit the home of collector and philanthropist, Nanette Laitman to view her collection of contemporary craft – and her apartment!

If my name is not selected, I will go to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) as it is close by and they have some wonderful exhibitions on. Tonight we are invited to the preview and reception of SOFA (The International Expositions of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) which should be so exciting – not least for the people watching!

I will be reporting back from it all tomorrow and hope the rain stays off – the grey clouds and drizzle remind me of home! However, the forecast is for sunshine after today so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Pamela Conacher, New York
15 April 2009