Recent Events

Niche Magazine Award 2007

Idyllwild Gallery was honored as America’s Best Merchandised Gallery for 2007 at the NICHE magazine Awards ceremony held August 5, 2007 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Sponsored by Niche magazine, the annual awards program recognizes fine craft galleries for supporting and promoting the American craft community and its artists.

More than 18,000 professional fine craft artists throughout the U.S. and Canada were polled, resulting in the nomination of over 600 galleries for the awards. Criteria for nomination were based on the Guide to Best Practices, which detail the characteristics of craft galleries who are committed to fair business practices and to growing and strengthening the American craft community. The Best Merchandising Award is given to the gallery who is judged to have the best collection of merchandise and the most eye catching displays. “The presenter complemented the gallery’s focused presentation of works with vibrant color”, commented Bruce Maxson, who received the award in Philadelphia.

Niche Magazine Award 2006

Idyllwild Gallery was honored as one of 25 Top Fine Craft Galleries in America at the 2006 Niche Awards ceremony held July 21, 2006 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Sponsored by Niche magazine, the annual awards program recognizes fine craft galleries for supporting and promoting the American craft community and its artists.

Niche magazine polled more than 18,000 professional fine craft artists throughout the U.S. and Canada, resulting in the nomination of nearly 700 galleries for the awards. Criteria for nomination were based on the Guide to Best Practices, which detail the characteristics of craft galleries who are committed to fair business practices and to growing and strengthening the American craft community. The nominations are based on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated commitment to fair business practices.
• Supporting the American craft community by building productive partnerships with artists.
• Using advertising to promote good will and customer loyalty.
• Actively educating consumers on the quality and value of American craft.

Upon nomination, the nominees were required to submit an application, which was then reviewed by a panel of independent judges. “I am honored to recognize this year’s winners” noted Wendy Rosen, publisher of Niche magazine. “Their commitment to American Crafts ensures the strength and growth of the arts and small businesses in communities throughout the country.

PBS Documentary

Chris and Bruce Maxson, owners of the Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art were selected for a pilot PBS series entitled, “The Leading Gen”. The Maxsons were interviewed about their decision to avoid retirement and do something with their lives for which they had great passion. They opened a fine craft art gallery and founded the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. The result has been a successful business that represents 150 fine craft artists and an organization that continues to advance the economic base of the community they live in by promoting art and artists through First Saturday events sponsored by the Art Alliance. As a result of their efforts, Idyllwild was named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America by author John Vallani in the book with the same name.