carat gold

Nearly 100 artisans will showcase their creations at the highly competitive juried 38th Annual American Craft Exposition Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a Benefit Preview Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 , which includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a chance to view the work in advance and talk to the artists.

Artists are chosen by “a peer jury of other fine craft artists and two show directors,” said Evanston resident Leslie Sevcik, co-chair with Gayle Stellas, and organizer of the American Craft Exposition.

She noted this year’s diverse selection of artwork includes fine and contemporary jewelry, fiber wearables, fiber decorative items, baskets, ceramics, and wood furniture, as well as items made of glass, paper, metal, and mixed media.

“I’m very proud of the fact that we have two new artists with physical disabilities. We’re excited to welcome them,” Sevcik said. “In addition, we have a really fun mix of returning favorites and exciting new people.”

Jewelry designer Jonathan Rutledge of Evanston has participated in the show every year except one since 2004. “It’s one of the top shows in the country,” Rutledge observed. “Just one or two more have that caliber of artists. Something that makes it stand out from other shows is that there’s a cause behind it.”

Rutledge generally works with 22 carat gold, although he sometimes uses 18 carat gold, to create his distinctive jewelry.

“What makes my jewelry unique is the level