Press Releases

One of AJF’s Founders Honored by the American Craft Council

Published

7 years ago

February 2, 2018

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) shares the news that Susan Cummins, one of the founders of this organization, has been named an Honorary Fellow by the American Crafts Council (ACC).

Since 1975, the ACC has recognized individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the craft field in America by awarding the distinction of Fellow of the Council, known collectively as the College of Fellows. Honorees must demonstrate leadership in the field, outstanding ability as an artist and/or educator, and 25 years or more of professional achievement as an American craftsperson. Awardees are nominated by the active College of Fellows and selected by a committee of their peers–just one of many reasons why this honor is so meaningful.

This honor is especially significant to Art Jewelry Forum because Susan Cummins’s dedication and leadership throughout her 20-year relationship with AJF is an integral part of this recognition by the ACC. Her involvement with and dedication to art jewelry is an inspiration to us all. You can read more about her activities in a 2014 interview in American Craft Magazine, titled “Powerful Objects,” or simply visit www.artjewelryforum.org to see the tangible results of her advocacy for art jewelry.

One of AJF’s Founders Honored by the American Craft Council
Susan Cummins, one of AJF’s founders and current board member
Illustration: Tina Berning

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.