Publications
| Jun. 23, 2011 |
6 Comments
Many visitors to the American Craft Council library come solely for the magazines. They like to browse the medium specific journals, read about current and upcoming exhibitions, and study the latest techniques in both studio and DIY application. Knowing how important these publications are to our users, it is with great sadness that we recently learned two of our beloved magazines, Fiberarts and ReadyMade, are no more.
Fiberarts has been a go-to resource for stimulating, in-depth information on contemporary textile craft for more than 35 years. In a world where how-to publications abound, Fiberarts uniquely provided documentation on the field from both an artistic and scholarly point of view. As Marci Rae McDade reminds us in her final editor's letter, from its fledgling roots as a newsletter to international star status as a quarterly magazine, the mission of Fiberarts was always the same - to promote all aspects of contemporary fiber art.
ReadyMade, 10 years old just this year, was eye candy for the DIY crowd long before the design blog craze. Featuring the most ingenious and authentic projects out there, ReadyMade catered to both longtime craft enthusiasts and novices alike. Editor-in-chief Andrew Wagner made great strides in merging ReadyMade's print and online worlds (much like he did while here at American Craft), with Readymade.com providing remarkably current and visually harmonizing content.
My father-in-law spent more than thirty years of his life employed as a reporter for the Seattle Times. He was fortunate to have worked through the golden years of the print biz and was well on his way to retirement when circulation began to decline and positions were cut. Nevertheless, a visit to his home always results in a passionate debate about the future of the printed word and the impact of technology on publishers and libraries. I generally take the naively optimistic view - believing that business savvy, fan base, and gritty determination can keep any institution afloat. This week, however, I am reminded that even the most well-intentioned and forward-thinking folks can fall victim to these exasperating financial times.
We are thankful for the impact that editors Marci and Andrew and their respective editorial teams, writers, and contributors have made in the lives of makers everywhere; all the best to them as they venture forth to new and exciting creative endeavors.
Comments
June 23rd, 2011
Longtime subscriber living in THIS economy...art in America.
Posted By Dennis Shaffner
June 24th, 2011
I'm so sad to hear about ReadyMade. I loved that magzine, and still have all of the issues from when I had a subscription. Now I feel guilty for not renewing!
Posted By Jennifer
June 24th, 2011
I do not want my subscription to be fulfilled with Quilting Arts Surface Design Journal would be a much better option.
Posted By Linda Gallagher
June 25th, 2011
I too was shocked when I received the Summer issue of FiberArts! I have subscribed forever. I honestly depend on it for inspiration, for its resources, not to mention the writers. A choice of which publication will fill my remaining subscription, would have been nice. I have also been subscribing to Readymade for the last three years and will miss it as well. I have not subscribed to Surface Design Journal, but would consider it if it were to fill in the gap that FiberArts leaves behind.
Posted By DeeDee Woodbury
June 26th, 2011
Someone gave me a gift subscription to FiberArts in early December. I received the card from FiberArts announcing it but never received the subscription. Guess they've known for some time. :-(
Posted By Susan T.
June 30th, 2011
It really is a shame when such quality publications can no longer keep producing the fine articles and magazines that they have done for so many years. It makes you wonder how many more publications are on the verge of doing the same thing. I know that many have been trying the digital avenue as well as trying to keep the print version viable but I wonder if that is just putting off the inevitable. Only time will tell.
Posted By Jean M. Judd
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