Faythe Levine

Art vs. Craft (2005-2015)

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Deeply inspired by vending at the premier Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago, Faythe Levine founded and organized AVC in Milwaukee WI. AVC was a juried event proudly acting as a springboard for many creative independent makers and small businesses to build their identity and brands. The main goal was to urge shoppers to buy handmade for the holiday season, providing an easy opportunity to avoid mass-produced goods by purchasing items directly from the source. The event also encouraged many early  conversations about material sourcing, labor and production.

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Art vs. Craft was an annual affair (although the first two years there was both summer + winter shows). Over its tenure in Milwaukee, AVC was held in four different venues; Turner Ballroom, Milwaukee School of Engineering Campus, The Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center and the Harley Davidson Museum. With endless community support, AVC annually drew in over 3000+ visitors through the doors at each event and hosted over 450 unique vendors from Wisconsin and Chicago, and as far away as New York, Florida, California and Seattle. Many folks were selling their work for the first time and have now moved on to have sustainable practices.

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A special acknowledgement goes out to Kim Kisolek (tracker of all things financial), WMSE 91.7FM who’s unwavering support and sponsorship made the event possible, and THE LITTLE FRIENDS OF PRINTMAKING who during the time were based in Milwaukee and designed all the promotional materials, including limited edition silkscreen posters between 2005-2014. Their unique style and attention to detail helped elevate the show to the successful community event it became over the years.

 

Additional history, archives and images available upon request.