Craftswimmin's Mutual Aid Society Newsletter [six issues, with eight related items]

Bloomington, Indiana, etc. CMAS, 1980-1989. Six newsletters issued by a group that spoke for the interests of artists and craftswomen who sold their wares at women's music festivals in the 1980s. Most are edited by Jocelyn Cohen and Vicky Leighty of Helaine Victoria Press, a lesbian feminist press that sold women's history postcards and other related materials. The newsletters are staplebound, 5.5x8.5 inches; issues present are an undated one from late 1987, the first issue of the resuscitated series; July 1988, November 1988, February 1989, May 1989, and November 1989. They include correspondence from craftswomen discussing problems they encountered (such as how to deal with a man who demands entrance to a women-only booth, disputes about how exhibitors were chosen, and complaints about festival policies that impacted attendance at the crafts section of the venue). Some issues reprint correspondence to the festival organizers asking for specific policy changes.

Other items included are a double-sided handbill listings crafts booths at the Southern Women's Music & Comedy Festival; a copy of a five-page letter from Jocelyn Cohen to the organizers of the National Women's Music Festival with positive and negative feedback about its crafts section; a 28-page program booklet for that festival in 1980, a 24-page booklet for the 1989 festival, and a four-page packet listing exhibitors and their booths in 1989; a four-page letter from the producers of the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival responding to complaints from exhibitors; a petition for MWMF attendees to express their support of craftswomen; and a photocopy of a list of handwritten proposals for a statement by craftswomen.
The large crafts area at these music festivals was a significant part of their ambiance, giving attendees the chance to buy items from such businesses as Feminist Forge, Dragonfly Graphics, Crone's Throw Pottery, Dykes in Paradise, Crystal Mist Glass Carving, etc.

Cat.No: 350352

Price: $250.00