Newbury, N.H.
Carter, of Dublin, N.H., took over as interim executive director in January and her position was recently made permanent. She is only the second working craftsperson and juried member of the League to hold the position of executive director. She said that her experience as a crafter and business owner has left her well-equipped for her new role.
“I’ve got a unique viewpoint as a craftsperson with a business background,” Carter said.
“Miriam knows first-hand the process of creating craft and the life of a working craftsperson,” said Judith Raskin, president of the board of trustees. “Coupled with her innate understanding of nonprofit management, she is the perfect fit for the position.”
Carter said she plans to expand the League’s relationships with municipalities. More immediately, she is busy preparing for the League’s annual fair, the oldest craft fair in the country. That event runs from Aug. 5-13 at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, N.H.
“We’re renowned for our events because of our standards process,” Carter said. In order to get into the League and appear at the fair, crafters must have their works evaluated by the league.
“Craftspeople take value and pride in producing beautiful work that is high quality,” she said. “That’s how they represent their work personally and how they’re represented within the League.”
Carter served on the League’s Fair Committee for the past three years, and more recently on the board of trustees as chair of the Juried Members Advisory Board, which represents the 750 juried members of the organization.
Raskin said Carter’s dedication to the League will benefit all members.
“Miriam brings fresh ideas and initiatives to the League, re-energizing the board, membership, staff and volunteers who give so much of their time promoting the work of our talented craftspeople, and educating the public on the beauty and value of fine hand-made American crafts,” she said.