Delaware by Hand is a nonprofit, 502(c)3 organization.   Our mission is to raise awareness of the talented, energetic artists and artisans who live and work in Delaware.

These highly skilled professionals work in a number of mediums - descriptions of which can be found on the Artisans by Medium page of this web site.

Delaware by Hand works to bring events and opportunities to view and purchase its members work and to meet the artists.  These opportunities include exhibits and shows throughout the state and well as via the internet.  The work of the member artists and artisans is of professional quality and embraces Delaware's traditions originating from our colonial, nautical and agriculture past as well as the State's multi-cultural present.

 

History

The Delaware by Hand organization was formed as a result of Governor Ruth Ann Minner's 2001 initiatives to stimulate economic growth for the State of Delaware.  DBH was a result of the Governor's 2001 Strategic Economic Council.

The Board of Directors includes representatives from each of the three Delaware Counties.  These volunteers have formalized the organization, developed the website, actively pursued new members, written grant applications, and facilitated shows and exhibits.  The membership has grown from 26 in 2006 to over 160 in 2010.

The idea of have a permanent "home" for Delaware artists and artisans as both a place to meet and and a place to display work has always been and is still the unrealized dream of the organization.

Our goals moving forward are to provide educational materials and to continue to promote Delaware artists and artisans.  We are actively pursuing partnerships to enhance those opportunities.


Primary Activities

• Host Delaware By Hand website to promote Delaware artisans & craft persons
• Provide geo map of artisan/crafter locations and studios
• Recruitment of new membership
• Partnership resource assistance
• Create a presence at festivals and art/craft events throughout the state.

 

Values Statement / Guiding Principles:

Our top six operational values.

1) We value the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of artists and artisans throughout     the State of Delaware.

2) We value an “open door” membership to all artists and artisans working in the     State of Delaware.

3) We value the skills and craftsmanship of artists and artisans through professional     development.

4) We value a wide range of opportunities for Delaware’s artists and artisans to     showcase their wares and talents to the widest possible public.

5) We value advocacy, marketing and public relations initiatives to support and     increase the market-recognition of Delaware artists and artisans.

6) We value an “open forum” for our members to exchange ideas and information.



Mission Statement

Delaware By Hand, Inc. (DBH) is a non-profit organization that develops a wide range of opportunities for Delaware’s artists and artisans to showcase their work and talents to the widest possible public. DBH supports its members through education, cultivation, promotion and commerce.


Vision Statement

Delaware By Hand, Inc. (DBH) will successfully link and leverage the power of artists and artisans in order to significantly contribute, to the economic growth of Delaware. As a modern guild for Delaware artists and artisans, DBH also contributes to tourism and professional education within the State of Delaware.