A book that should resonate with many of our readers (and certainly a few of our columnists) Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design documents the bubbling of a new American craft ideal. Linking tradition, punk ethos and a DIY spirit, Faythe Levine traveled from sea to shining sea to meet and interview people working in different media that represent the broad cross section of the crafting community. Particular attention is paid towards how new media helps to facilitate the growth and community of the movement. Like many of the interesting books being published this fall, Handmade Nation comes from Princeton Architectural Press. Available now from Amazon.

The Contemporary Craft collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the institutions hidden gems. Interest in that collecting sub-section emerged in the 1860s, and continues strongly today. Cultural Convergence represents the PMAs most recent craft acquisitions. Among the group, and pictured above, is George Johnson’s Rooster Six-Pack (1992). The work is among several treasures on display from now until mid-march.

The PMA’s commitment to Craft extends to one of the nations finest juried fairs. This year, it takes place from November 13-16. Not to be missed. Proceeds from the fair help fund education, conservation and publication programs at the museum.

Felice Fisher is the Luther W. Brady Curator of Japanese Art and Curator of East Asian Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Art of Japanese Craft: 1875 to the Present is her most recent book. Within its pages, Fisher focuses attention on the diversity of media and technique in modern Japanese Craft. The work is exceptional as one of the first surveys of Japanese Craft, particularly contemporary craft, in English. Available now from Yale University Press.