After being overwhelmed by SOFA on Wednesday evening it was great to return yesterday and actually meet some of the makers and talk to people involved. We still came to the conclusion that the European and Japanese work stands out and when I discussed this with Americans later they said they reckon it is because we have much more support for our makers – the Arts and Crafts Councils, Art schools and generally much more respect for Craft as an art form.

I headed off for a meeting at the American Crafts Council in the afternoon and (after a very scary ride in a yellow cab and a panic about wondering where I was!) was made so welcome by Monica Hampton. She was really impressed by the HI-Arts website and what we do – I gave her a guided tour!

Much discussion followed on ways we could work together and we both felt that this was the beginning of joint working and that there is so much we could both gain by this.

Another quick taxi to change and then a real treat. We had been invited to the home of Bill and Laura Paulson for a reception to find out a bit more about the Pentland School of Crafts.

This was no peanuts and warm white wine event – staff took our coats and we were whisked by lift to their penthouse apartment overlooking the river. Nibbles of mini hamburgers, sushi and other delights awaited us and a home that was unlike any other we had seen.

As we watched the sun go down over the skyline from the roof garden we indeed felt that we would wake up today and think we had dreamt it all! I felt so privileged to get a glimpse of this other world and to speak with people whose life revolves in a completely different way to mine.I have persuaded at least two collectors to come to the Highlands to see what our makers do so I think I earned my wine!

Our final event was a wonderful meal with a group of invited curators and people from the crafts scene. It seemed like our first really proper meal as there were vegetables, fruit and smaller portions. I sat beside a lovely girl whose job it is to go shopping for collectors and buy up new work for them! I have invited her to visit us too and made the rash promise that there would be no midges!

So to today and another hectic schedule beginning with a visit to MAD ( Museum of Art and Design) and discussions with staff followed by studio visits. Tonight is a ‘free’ evening so we are debating where to go – a show, meal..or even just bed and sleep! I will let you know tomorrow!!

Pamela
17 April 2009, New York