ABS 2009 Annual
Arts & Crafts Competition Winners

Bamboo has been used for centuries in other parts of the world for creating utilitarian objects and architectural structures. Our culture, being so new by comparison, is just starting to be captivated by bamboo. As an artist and teacher I run into so very many people who want to work with bamboo and learn about it through the visual arts. I myself was first attracted to bamboo as an art material and now find my life completely surrounded by bamboo as an art material and a plant.

The ABS Arts and Crafts program helps to foster the “promotion of beauty and utility” of bamboo by showing the public what the potential outcome is when creating with bamboo, using bamboo imagery, or using bamboo as an inspirational starting point. It attracts those that don’t necessarily grow bamboo, for one reason or another, but are attracted to it by way of the arts. These people further promote bamboo by continuing to create with, show, teach, and grow bamboo. The American Bamboo Society has given recognition to over 52 artists. This is my first year as the ABS Arts and Crafts Award program coordinator. I have a very large pair of shoes to fill left by Nancy Moore Bess, who was the Arts and Crafts Coordinator for 7 years. I, and I am sure all of us, are grateful for all she has done for the ABS and the bamboo community at large. Her book, “Bamboo in Japan”, as well as her curatorial work, artwork, and teaching, are all testament to her dedication to furthering the bamboo arts. Thank you so very much Nancy!

This year there were 13 applicants from 11 states and 3 countries, including: