Northampton nominated as one of America's Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers

With an internationally-know yarn store, over a dozen art galleries and an annual ice art festival, Northampton is certainly no stranger to high-quality craftsmanship.

As a result (probably), Northampton has been nominated by the Craft Retailer's & Artists' Association for Tomorrow (CRAFT) as one of America's Top 10 Towns for Craft Lovers. Voting is currently open to help select the official Top 10 and will be counted until August 30.

The designation comes in preparation for American Craft Week, an initiative spearheaded by CRAFT to recognize American craftspeople from October 2-11.

"While other industry associations have long touted their products, the craft industry has lacked a single way to be highly visible," said CRAFT in its official American Craft Week website. "So we ask you to join us in publicizing, educating and displaying American Craft for ten days each October."

Handmade American crafts are especially supported by CRAFT, which began in 2002 in Philadelphia. According to CRAFT, "thousands of people participated in more than 1,000 events in 48 states" in last year's American Craft Week.

Anyone can vote for the Top 10 Towns once per day until the end of the month at http://americancraftweek.com/top10.