MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 1, 2026--
The first-ever National Craft Open Studios Weekend will invite the American public to explore the creative spaces of hundreds of craft artists for free on the weekend of July 18 & 19. This two-day event offers guests a rare glimpse into the processes, tools, and inspiration that shape how handmade works are made, and provides craft artists with critical support in their sales season.
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Visitors can explore a wide range of creative spaces, from individual artist studios and community workshops to artist collectives and shared studio buildings, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how craft is made and the people who make it.
A comprehensive map of all participating studio locations in both rural and urban areas in 36 states plus the District of Columbia is available online here –just register (it’s free with a $10 suggested donation) to get access to the map. Visitors can look for their next favorite artist in their own backyard or plan a trip farther afield to discover something new.
“From small towns to the biggest cities, communities throughout our country are witnessing an American craft renaissance,” says Andrea Specht, Executive Director of the American Craft Council. “It is more vital than ever that we see and support the things that bring us together, and for nearly 85 years, ACC has championed craft as a powerful force fostering human dignity and connection.”
National Craft Open Studios Weekend is presented by the American Craft Council and launches as part of Craft in America’s Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026. Similar to what Record Store Day or Independent Bookstore Day do for their creative ecosystems, National Craft Open Studios Weekend will provide support for artists and makers, and strengthen the national craft community through shared storytelling.
About the American Craft Council:
The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the handmade. Building upon an 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation as a membership-based nonprofit, ACC leverages the transformative possibilities of craft through storytelling, resources for artists and appreciators, and events. In partnership with organizations across the country, we mobilize our diverse craft ecosystem to create a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects.
Mark your calendar for the American Craft Council's free National Craft Open Studios Weekend, July 18 and 19, 2026,
NEW YORK & FORT WAYNE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 1, 2026--
Axel Johnson Inc. (AJI) and Fort Wayne Metals Research Products, LLC today announced the successful closing of their previously announced ownership transition. Under the terms of the agreement, AJI has acquired 100% ownership of Fort Wayne Metals Research Products, LLC (collectively, with its subsidiaries, “Fort Wayne Metals”) from the Glaze family.
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Founded in 1970, Fort Wayne Metals is a leading manufacturer of precision materials used in life-changing medical devices and other critical applications. Built on a reputation for innovation, quality, and deep customer partnerships, the company's products help enable millions of medical procedures each year and play a critical role in advancing healthcare around the world.
AJI initially invested in Fort Wayne Metals in 2021 and has worked closely with the company over the past several years. With the transaction now complete, Fort Wayne Metals begins its next phase with AJI as its full owner, reinforcing a shared commitment to the company’s employees, customers, and communities. The transaction expands AJI’s presence within the Healthcare & Life Sciences sector, guided by a shared belief that business should be a force for good, creating lasting value and meaningful societal impact.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Fort Wayne Metals and AJI,” said Sara Greenstein, Chief Executive Officer of Axel Johnson Inc. “Over the past several years, we've come to know this business well and have developed a deep appreciation for its talented people, strong customer relationships, and commitment to innovation. What excites us most are the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue investing in the capabilities, products, and people that have made Fort Wayne Metals a recognized industry leader while building on its extraordinary legacy of improving lives around the world.”
Jeremy Rohrs, President & Chief Executive Officer of Fort Wayne Metals, added, “This milestone represents an exciting opportunity for our employees, customers, and partners. AJI has been a valued partner since 2021, and throughout that time they have consistently demonstrated a long-term mindset, respect for our culture, and confidence in our team. As we look ahead, we are well positioned to accelerate our growth, continue innovating for our customers, and build on our legacy of enabling solutions that improve lives and advance innovation around the world.”
Fort Wayne Metals will remain headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it has operated for more than five decades.
About Axel Johnson Inc.
Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York City, Axel Johnson Inc. (AJI) is a family owned investment company committed to using business as a force for positive change.
AJI takes a partnership-based, long-term approach to ownership, acquiring and growing businesses that deliver meaningful societal impact and lasting enterprise value. Across this family of businesses, each company contributes to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world.
Home to more than 5,500 employees, AJI operates globally as an independent member of the Axel Johnson Group, a five-generation family enterprise built by the Johnson family of Stockholm, Sweden, with approximately 40,000 employees across the group, including Axel Johnson AB, AxFast, and Altocumulus. Learn more at www.axeljohnson.com.
About Fort Wayne Metals Research Products, LLC
Fort Wayne Metals is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high performance materials for medical and industrial applications. With a strong legacy of innovation and quality, the company partners with customers to deliver solutions that support life-impacting products around the world. Learn more at fwmetals.com.
Sara Greenstein, Chief Executive Officer of Axel Johnson Inc.
Jeremy Rohrs, President & Chief Executive Officer of Fort Wayne Metals.
