Golden Peak Media Expands Maker Festivals to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Igniting a Celebration of Creativity and Innovation
Festival goers will experience five days of unadulterated fun including streaming shows by Jewelry Television (JTV),a JTV Rockstar Designer Challenge, a fashion show and more.
GOLDEN, CO – Golden Peak Media, the pioneering force behind Maker Festivals, is thrilled to announce the addition of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a new location for their highly anticipated Maker Festivals. The festival, renowned for its vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, is set to ignite the city from May 23 to May 27 at the prestigious Wisconsin Center, the former venue for the Bead and Button Show.
With an unwavering commitment to providing a platform for makers of all kinds, Maker Festivals promises an unparalleled experience where thousands of professionals and passionate hobbyists can converge. The gathering will empower attendees to create through an extensive array of workshops, enable them to forge connections with like-minded enthusiasts, and discover a treasure trove of supplies from unique vendors. Golden Peak Media in a visionary move has united the Bead Fest, Stitch Fest, and Yarn Fest event under one roof, creating a maker’s paradise adorned with tools, supplies, and breathtaking demonstrations.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring Maker Festivals to Milwaukee this year,” says CEO Jeff Litvack. “Milwaukee’s rich history of craftsmanship and innovation perfectly aligns with our mission to inspire and foster creativity. We can’t wait to witness the magic that unfolds as makers from all walks of life gather under one roof.”
Building upon the excitement, Maker Festivals will embark on an extraordinary collaboration with Jewelry Television (JTV) for two days of unadulterated fun. The festival goers will be treated to captivating streaming shows and the much-anticipated Rockstar Designer Challenge. Attendees will also have the chance to partake in engaging community projects, utilize the professionally staffed measuring station to ensure better fitting garments, or immerse themselves in the Thursday afternoon fashion show.
The complete event schedule, including JTV's appearances, can be found on the Maker Festivals website. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to revel in boundless creativity and community right in the heart of Milwaukee!
About Golden Peak Media
Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5,000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact
Jessi Rodriguez, [email protected]
Watercolor Artist Magazine Celebrates 30th Anniversary
An industry icon reflects on its rich history and looks toward the future.
GOLDEN, CO – Watercolor Artist, a Golden Peak Media publication, has spent 30 years helping water-based painters master new techniques and grow their practice. From inspiring features in which artists share insights to skill-building exercises that give readers practical instruction, the magazine’s editors ensure that every issue contains a wealth of knowledge.
"We move ahead with a renewed commitment to showcase the best in watermedia and bring artists the advice and expertise that will inform and inspire their own painting practice.”
- Anne Hevener, Editor-in-Chief
One of the primary objectives of Watercolor Artist is to serve as a spotlight for exceptional talent. To that end, this special anniversary edition celebrates the award-winning paintings from the 14th Annual Watermedia Showcase. Borders don't constrain amazing talent, and it's exciting to see that the seven featured artists hail from across the U.S. as well as China, Turkey, and Vietnam. To create an incredible "look-book" of inspiring watercolors, editors pair the winners' work with a beautifully crafted profile detailing the artists’ background, creative process, and intention.
"Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect artists worldwide, and Watercolor Artist has been doing that for an impressive 30 years. It's a testament to the enthusiasm of our talented staff and the artists we serve. We look forward to continuing to bring our readers' creative aspirations to life and extending the magazine experience via our newsletters, workshops, and events!"
- Kate Butler, Chief Content Officer
The magazine, popular with passionate amateurs and professionals alike, also functions as a repository for decades of knowledge. Look at the Burning Question column, where artists answer questions such as, “What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were first getting started?” The Creativity Workshop section is similarly positioned, permitting readers to “break the rules” and experiment. Watercolor Artist will extend its reach later this year by bringing a new event, Art Fest, to consumers so they can experiment, build their craft, and connect with leading instructors in real-time.
“As Chairman, I am proud to continue our investment in the art communities and to highlight more international work. In an increasingly digital age, creating and celebrating art in all forms is more important than ever. Watercolor Artist has been a leader in this mission for 30 years, and we are excited to continue to inspire and connect artists to their passion for many more years to come.”
-Terence O’Toole, Chairman
The mathematics of three decades of watermedia celebration is impressive. With the work of five to ten artists featured in every issue of the publication, the total number of watercolors showcased adds up to well over 12,000. In other words, Watercolor Artist has showcased entire galleries' worth of paintings each year! To learn more about the magazine, visit ArtistsNetwork.com.
About Golden Peak
Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5,000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact
Jessi Rodriguez, [email protected]
The Nation's Largest Bead and Jewelry Show Celebrates Its 20th Year
Iconic event will include 20th-anniversary celebration honoring industry innovators and trendsetters
Golden, Colo. | August 4, 2022 — Bead Fest, Interweave’s largest gathering of jewelry makers, will be held August 17-20, 2022, at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, PA. Over the years, Bead Fest has grown to be the nation’s preeminent beading and jewelry event, offering more than 120 workshops taught by world-renowned instructors in bead embroidery, mixed media, wire, metalsmithing, and more.
This four-day jewelry arts extravaganza also includes a massive marketplace with vendors from across the country. Attendees can see tool demonstrations, create make-and-takes, and shop an endless supply of gemstones, tools, beads, and notions—up-close and in person. Interweave's Bead Fest has also added “Getting Started" Workshops to introduce a new generation of artists to this craft. Additionally, Jewelry TV will be broadcasting Jewel School live from our Best Fest stage this year on Friday and Saturday.
To celebrate 20 years in the community, Bead Fest has added a special gala reception on Friday, August 19, 2022, where we will reveal Interweave’s Top 20 Luminaries in beading and jewelry, as well as this year's Bead Fest Bead Arts Awards winners.
“I’m seriously in tears right now. You have no idea what this means to me. My heart is going to explode with happiness!” said one Beading and Jewelry Honoree.
“WOWOWOWOWOW!! That was really unexpected and so sweet and amazing!! I'm truly humbled to be named a trendsetter!” said yet another Beading and Jewelry Honoree.
The reception will also feature a 20-year retrospective on the beading and jewelry industry and Interweave’s and Bead Fests' contributions. The evening will be a unique opportunity for artists to swap pins or beads, mingle with industry personalities, and meet new bead and jewelry enthusiasts.
"Bead Fest has always been a welcome dose of community connection and inspiration. I look forward to seeing what my creative friends are making, and I love shopping for new supplies to infuse my own beading and jewelry-making projects," said Katie Hacker, artist and Content Manager for Interweave. “But this year, being there to celebrate 20 years and share honors with all the award winners make this event even more special. I also look forward to giving back to the community through our sold-out Beading with the Stars event benefiting Beads of Courage, a non-profit Arts-in-Medicine program for children coping with serious illness,” Hacker continued.
This year's show is expected to be the largest in Bead Fest's history, anticipating more than 4,000 attendees. The Interweave team that puts on Bead Fest is excited to celebrate 20 years of bringing individuals from all facets of the beading and jewelry world together under one roof.
“This year really is shaping up to be our best year yet. There's no feeling like being part of something where you all belong," said Tamara Honaman, Bead Fest founder and Interweave’s Director of Content at Golden Peak Media. “I remember the very first Bead Fest; when we threw open the doors, we were thrilled to see a line of people waiting to get in. I have the same feeling this year—I can't wait for everyone to come and experience this year’s 20th-anniversary celebration. It will be so special to get together after our pandemic hiatus, with amazing classes, great shopping, and lots of catching up. From beginners looking to start their journey to veterans that have mastered multiple techniques, there's something for everyone at Bead Fest,” Honaman added.
To learn more about Bead Fest, visit BeadFest.com. 20th Celebration Event: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Tickets: $50. Marketplace: August 18-20, 2022 | 10 am – 6 pm |Tickets: $20/1-day, $30/3-day. Workshops include a marketplace pass.
About Golden Peak
Fuel your creativity with our brands. Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies inspiring over 7.5 million Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. each month with the best digital, video and print content. The company publishes daily newsletters, 5 community websites, 5,000 videos and 15,000 patterns in addition to its 12 magazines, which include Love of Quilting, Interweave Knits and Artists Magazine. Golden Peak Media also brings enthusiast communities together with industry-leading events like Bead Fest and Yarn Fest. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact: Jessi Rodriguez, [email protected]
Golden Peak Media Names Kate Butler as CCO and Kimberly Greenlee as CMO
Launching Next Phase of Digital Transformation, Golden Peak Media Announces Hiring of Kate Butler as Chief Content Officer and Kimberly Greenlee as Chief Marketing Officer.
New CMO and CCO bring extensive digital experience from leading publications and brands and will transform the customer experience and bridge the print to digital divide for the next generation of artists and crafters across Golden Peak Media’s beloved brands.
Golden, Colo. – 7/6/2022 – Golden Peak Media, a leading supplier of content to the craft and fine art communities, has named Kate Lee Butler as chief content officer and Kimberly Greenlee as the chief marketing officer. Kate is a media strategist with experience in both the news and business divisions of media companies. Kim brings experience in growing brands through her digital marketing and e-commerce expertise.
“These key additions to the team will empower us to create amazing experiences for our customers, helping us bridge the print and digital divide in new ways,” says CEO Jeffrey Litvack. "Kate's a creative connector – she brings a rare combination of experience in consumer editorial and business development, and she understands the power of community and audience engagement. Kim was working with Golden Peak as an advisor when I started, and I was immediately struck by her strategic, executive thinking and creative ideas. Kate and Kim will lead with the vision we need to develop engaging experiences across multiple platforms for our consumers.”
Before joining Golden Peak, Butler was Head of Editorial Product & Engagement at Adweek in New York City. She also served in various executive roles at The Associated Press, leading projects and teams in editorial, product development, sales and account management, most recently as VP of Customer Engagement.
Earlier, Butler was business editor at news organizations in San Diego and Orange County, Calif., as well as an editor with Bloomberg News in London. She graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in economics.
Kim Greenlee returns to Golden Peak Media after building a successful marketing consulting business, helping clients in the media, medical technology and beverage industries grow their brands through digital strategy. Prior to her work as a consultant, Greenlee was F&W Media’s Sr. Director of Marketing & Operations and helped build the toy brand, BeginAgain, as VP of Marketing & Operations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dartmouth College.
"I’m excited by the energy Jeff brought to Golden Peak and it’s clear that he is assembling an incredible team of creative and strategic leaders to transform the customer experience and inspire artists and crafters alike. I definitely want to be part of it,” said Greenlee.
Both Greenlee and Butler are active artists and crafters. Butler is an avid knitter and amateur artist, while Greenlee is an accomplished quilter, knitter and former costume designer for a ballet company.
"Golden Peak brings together professional and personal interests – my love of great editorial, my knowledge of audience engagement, and my passion for craft and art," Butler said. "The community is rich and diverse; the content is high-level and expert. I can't wait to get started."
About Golden Peak
Fuel your creativity with our brands. Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies inspiring over 7.5 million Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. each month with the best digital, video and print content. The company publishes daily newsletters, 5 community websites, 5,000 videos and 15,000 patterns in addition to its 12 magazines, which include Love of Quilting, Interweave Knits and Artists Magazine. Golden Peak Media also brings enthusiast communities together with industry-leading events like Bead Fest and Yarn Fest. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media contact: Jessi Rodriguez, [email protected]
Bead Fest Returns for 20th Year to Host Largest Gathering of Makers
BEAD FEST RETURNS FOR 20th YEAR TO HOST LARGEST GATHERING OF MAKERS
Bead Fest moves to bigger venue in Lancaster, Penn., August 17-20, 2022
Golden, Colo. | June 13, 2022 — Bead Fest, the largest educational beading and jewelry event, will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, PA, drawing thousands of beaders and jewelry enthusiasts to its 4-day festival of all things beading.
The gathering in the Marriott at Penn Square, August 17-20, 2022, will feature over 400 hours of classes taught by internationally and domestically respected instructors and an inspiring shopping experience with 125+ specialty beading and jewelry exhibitors. Additionally, special events to celebrate 20 years of gathering to explore beadwork and jewelry making will also be held throughout the week.
“Bead Fest is the perfect place for seasoned jewelry-making and beading veterans to learn new techniques, find new trends, and explore a vast marketplace. And, for those who are just starting out, there are demos, make and takes, and getting-started workshops where you can try your hand and see where your path leads. It truly is a place for the whole community to come together,” said Tamara Honaman, artist and Director of Content at Golden Peak Media.
For its 20th year, Bead Fest will include an innovative “Getting Started” workshop series geared toward those who want to start exploring the world of beadwork and jewelry making. Taught by the globally recognized Honaman herself, it is the perfect place to dabble in new techniques and learn the basics of beading and jewelry making.
This year, Bead Fest will also recognize and celebrate the best of the industry at the show. Winners of the Interweave Bead Arts Awards will be announced and featured throughout the event. These awards highlight the best of the best in three categories, with prizes from the contest sponsors to recognize excellence in the following categories:
- Seed Beads sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
- Multi-Hole Beads sponsored by Barrel of Beads
- Crystals sponsored by DreamtimeCreations
Prizes include:
Grand Prize Winner – $750 in cash
Three Category Winners – $250 sponsored prize
Four Honorable Mentions – $50 Interweave.com gift cards
All winners will receive a one-year membership to Interweave+ (a $49.99 value), a digital badge, a feature on Interweave.com, and will be highlighted at Bead Fest.
“Being part of the Bead Fest programming for the past 20 years has been amazing. To see the event grow from our first effort with 50 vendors and 14 classes to where we are today is a testament to the vibrancy of the jewelry-making and beading communities” Honaman said. “We are so excited to have Bead Fest in this new location—Lancaster has a vibrant arts community, local area attractions, lots of great food options within walking distance, historic landmarks, and it is close to Hershey Park, an attraction many people have traditionally ventured to after the show.”
“We are beyond thrilled at the response from the community,” said Jeffrey Litvack, CEO of Golden Peak Media. “After two years without live events, this community is itching to get back together—and we couldn’t be more excited to host Bead Fest 2022. Within just a few weeks, we had record-breaking sales for workshops and the hotel room block sold out—twice!”
To learn more about Bead Fest, visit BeadFest.com. View a full workshop brochure and save on registration with advanced pricing through June 30, 2022. Marketplace hours: August 18-20, 2022, 10 am – 6 pm. Advanced tickets: $15/1-day, $25/3-day. At the Door: $20/1-day, $30/3-day. Workshops include a marketplace pass.
About Golden Peak
Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5,000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact: Jessi Rodriguez, [email protected]
Golden Peak Media Names Farrell McManus Chief Sales Officer
Golden Peak Media Names Farrell McManus Chief Sales Officer
Executive brings deep media experience
Golden, Colo. | April 28, 2022 – Jeffrey Litvack, CEO of Golden Peak Media, today announced the appointment of Farrell McManus to Chief Sales Officer.
Farrell will lead the sales, success and support teams focused on building deeper relationships with the company’s community of crafters, artists, and partners serving this community. Farrell’s appointment parallels the company’s upmarket trajectory and evolving business opportunities for Golden Peak Media.
Before joining Golden Peak Media, Farrell held executive positions with media, technology and professional service companies. Most recently, he led business development and marketing teams at law firms Norris McLaughlin and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, bringing innovation to their client engagement and vendor management efforts. In addition, he spearheaded diversity efforts at both firms pushing for more inclusive hiring and client outreach efforts. As Associate Publisher at ALM Media he oversaw the New York Law Journal, New Jersey Law Journal, and the Connecticut Law Tribune and was integral in the transformation of ALM’s regional brands’ offerings from predominantly print programs to digital, face-to-face, and research-based initiatives that grew revenue and profitability.
“We’ve seen sustained growth over the past three years and are continuing to accelerate our move upmarket and are excited to add Farrell, a leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to transform sales processes and organizations,” Golden Peak Media CEO Jeff Litvack said.
“This is an unprecedented time in the world of creators and makers. Over the last two years, we have seen a surge of people around the world finding their creative side in a range of pursuits. I’m looking forward to working with Jeff and the team at Golden Peak to increase and diversify our offerings, awareness and reach in these rapidly growing communities of creators and makers.” McManus said.
About Golden Peak
Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact: Kimberly Greenlee, [email protected]
Jeffrey Litvack will become Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey Litvack will become Chief Executive Officer of Golden Peak Media
Golden, Colorado (January 3, 2022)—Golden Peak Media, a leading supplier of digital and print content to the craft and fine art communities, today announced that Jeffrey Litvack has become Chief Executive Officer.
Jeff succeeds Greg Osberg, who has served as Golden Peak’s CEO since its founding in July 2019. Greg commented, “I’m highly confident in Jeff’s abilities to bring Golden Peak to the next level of development and marketplace success. His deep experience and successful track record in digital media will bring both immediate and long-term dividends to the company and staff.”
Jeff is an experienced media executive who has led several digital transformations at iconic publishing brands including Adweek, Robb Report, ALM and the Associated Press. Most recently, Jeff served as a board member and CEO of Adweek overseeing five years of consistent annual double-digit growth through the reimagination of the brand and the successful launch of 40 new products. Prior to his executive roles, Jeff was a strategic management consultant at Mitchell Madison Group and Mars & Co. Jeff has an undergraduate degree from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
“Jeff has the vision, experience and drive to lead us in the next exciting phase of our growth,” said Terry O’Toole, Golden Peak’s Chairman. “I also want to thank Greg for being a great partner in launching Golden Peak and look forward to his continued support as an advisor to the company.”
“I’m excited at the opportunity to work with the Golden Peak team,” Jeff said. “The company has an employee base who are experts in their fields, a large base of dedicated customers who are passionate about their crafts, and a rich library of content. We will build on a long legacy of excellence in print with new digital products, event offerings, and membership models.”
About Golden Peak
Golden Peak Media is one of the largest media and education companies serving Art and Craft enthusiasts in the U.S. The Company publishes 15 magazines, including Love of Quilting and Artists Magazine, and has more than 5000 digital videos and 15,000 digital patterns. More information can be found at www.goldenpeakmedia.com.
Media Contact: Kimberly Greenlee, [email protected]
View the press release here.
Tour our Golden, Colorado video production Facilities
Take a video tour of our production facilities in Golden, Colorado! Our newly renovated studio space allows us to run large-scale video shoots, photoshoots, and podcast recordings simultaneously. Now, our community of artists and crafters can enjoy even more of the content they have come to know and trust.
Golden Peak Media acquires Fine Arts & Crafts assets of F+W Media
Golden Peak Media ACQUIRES FINE ARTS & CRAFTS ASSETS OF F+W MEDIA
- Golden Peak Media has acquired more than 20 print and digital assets focused on quilting, knitting, sewing, sketching, painting and illustration
- New company will leverage long-term relationships with advanced enthusiast customers in the expanding “maker market”
- Key brands include The Quilting Company, Artists Magazine, Interweave.com and ArtistsNetwork.com, among others
- Golden Peak Media sees significant opportunities to scale through organic growth and acquisitions
NEW YORK, July 28 – Golden Peak Media LLC, an operating company backed by Macanta Investments LLC, has acquired the crafts and fine arts assets of F+W Media. As a result of the acquisition, Golden Peak Media becomes a significant publisher in the burgeoning upscale crafting and fine arts categories, serving the “maker” enthusiast marketplace in print and digital formats. The business is led by Greg Osberg, who became CEO of F+W Media in June, 2018.
“We have before us an opportunity to build Golden Peak Media into a leading publisher across the growing enthusiast market,” said Greg Osberg, CEO of Golden Peak Media. “Our titles, market positioning and communities are strong, and we will build upon this strong foundation by engaging our loyal customers in new and exciting ways.”
Golden Peak Media is backed by Macanta Investments, which was also an investor in F+W Media. “The opportunities in the special interest and enthusiast marketplace fit perfectly with the long tradition of editorial and publishing excellence inherent in these titles,” said Terry O’Toole, Golden Peak Media founder and principal of Macanta Investments. “We look forward to working with Greg and the Golden Peak Media team to grow a great company by bringing even greater value to the maker enthusiast marketplace.”
Golden Peak Media is headquartered in Ft. Collins, Colorado, with satellite offices in Golden, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio.