Photos courtesy Trace West and Judith+Rolfe
When it comes to art, never underestimate the power of a gift. For Twin Cities business owners Andrew Golish of Trace West and Daphne Lee of Judith+Rolfe, it was the joy of gift-giving that launched their careers.
From April 5-7, Golish’s handcrafted wood furniture and Lee’s beautiful paper art will be featured at the 33rd annual American Craft Show, where collectors and show-goers from around the Midwest can purchase the two artists’ custom works and visit other crafters, décor devotees, and furniture aficionados. Hosted by the American Craft Council, the three-day event at the St. Paul RiverCentre will feature interactive demonstrations, a juried showcase of emerging talent, and more than 230 inventive artists—each with inspirational stories behind the early inception of their work. Unsurprisingly, Trace West and Judith+Rolfe is no exception.
While Golish always had a knack for woodworking, he found himself working a corporate job that pulled him from his artistic roots. After building a living room set to gift to a loved one, he quit his job and launched Trace West three months later. Now he sells large-ticket luxury items like benches and kitchen islands as well as smaller gifts like walnut coasters and geometric décor.
Daphne Lee of Judith+Rolfe has a familiar story as well. Lee (the eponymous Judith) was searching for the perfect gift but couldn’t seem to find what she was looking for. Her solution? Make it herself. Using her own innovative twist on what’s traditionally known as “quilling,” Lee cuts, bends, and glues tightly wound coils and thin strips of paper to create colorful, bold, and one-of-a-kind paper art for clients around the globe.
Both will be exhibitors at the show on Friday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday,
April 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
