Our Mission

The Mission of Oregon Crafted is to promote stability and prosperity among Oregon’s artists, handcrafters and related businesses by providing educational opportunities and relevant resources.

Adapted by the Oregon Council for Business Education Board of Directors, May 5, 2004.

Our Principles

1. All projects of Oregon Crafted are done in partnership with other organizations.
2. Oregon Crafted is diverse and inclusive??????all artists and handcrafters are welcome.
3. Oregon Crafted works to promote and encourage artists and handcrafters in their endeavor to create.

1. Each project of Oregon Crafted will promote sustainability of the organization.

Our History

When the Oregon Council for Business Education, a non-profit business development organization began exploring the best practices in the United States for growing small businesses in 2003, it found a very impressive model in Western North Carolina. This project “HandMade in America” has lead to economic revitalization and business development successes in the region.

In 2004, OCBE commissioned a study from the University of Oregon that assessed the economic impact of the arts and crafts sector on the economies of Lane, Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. The results of this study convinced OCBE that the visual arts represent an important segment of Oregon’s economy that could be further developed.

Oregon Crafted, a project of the Oregon Council for Business Education, is a non-profit cultural tourism and economic development program. Its mission is to increase the stability and prosperity of Oregon’s artists and handcrafters, particularly those in rural areas, through education and related resources. The goal of these programs is to positively impact local economies and increase exposure of Oregon artists to Oregonians and visitors.

Through effective management of our resources and collaborations, Oregon Crafted™ was established in Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties, and 2006 in Douglas County. Oregon Crafted integrates the arts with economic development and cultural tourism by bringing the target market – Oregonians – to the artists, in their home communities, through a series of self-guided tours. This enriches Oregonian’s understanding of the process of art creation.

Since 2003 Oregon Crafted has served over 200 artists with about one-third meeting the Federal standard for low/moderate income households. The programs offered by Oregon Crafted are designed to assist the artists in marketing their works. Since its inception the self-guided tours have brought over 5000 visitors to the artist studios. This has promoted sales for the artists and visitors to rural areas. Oregon Crafted arranges shows at galleries curated by the galleries. This gives artists new venues for displaying their art. Workshops are also offered to the artists to help them develop business and professional skills. This Winter and Spring, there will be workshops on customer service, working with the media, preparing press releases, and developing advertising opportunities with other artists.