2010 Niche Awards finalists announced

The Niche Awards program, sponsored by Niche magazine for independent retailers, announced the professional finalists for 2010. The winners will be named Feb. 12 at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia.

The professional division of the contest features categories of all mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood, jewelry, home furnishings, and other. The finalists in the wood categories include:

Carved: Andy Sanchez, Andy & Aaron Sanchez in Algodones, N.M.; Danny Kamerath, Dallas; Milo Mirabelli, Milo Mirabelli Designs, Port Orchard, Wash.

Painted/Colored: Trey Gossett, Smithville, Tenn.; Kimberly Winkle, Kimberly Winkle Designs, Smithville, Tenn.

Traditionally Joined: Robb Helmkamp, Kamp Studio, Asheville, N.C.; Danny Kamerath, Dallas; Andrew Pitts, Andrew Pitts FurnitureMaker, Heathsville, Va.; Seth Rolland, Port Townsend, Wash.

Turned: Thomas Skaggs, Champaign, Ill.; Bill Luce, Renton, Wash.; Jim Lorriman, Shelburne, Ont.; Thomas Irven, Bellaire, Texas.

For information, visit www.americancraft.com.