Michael Monroe, Director of Curatorial Affairs at Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM), has been honored with the Award of Distinction for Contributions to the Field of Craft by the American Craft Council. The award “recognizes an organization, institution, corporation or individual who has made significant contributions to the field of craft with a minimum of 25 years of service,” according to a recent press release by the American Craft Council, and “honors those who have demonstrated outstanding artistic achievement, leadership and service in the craft field.”

“The American Craft Council has been a driving force in both the traditional and studio craft movements,” Monroe said, “and I’m proud to have been – and continue to be – part of introducing craft and craft artists to new audiences.”

Monroe has served as independent curator, lecturer, author and juror for over 35 years. He joined Bellevue Arts Museum in 2005 as Executive Director/Chief Curator and transitioned into the role of Director of Curatorial Affairs in 2008. Under his leadership, the museum has become a leader in the national conversation on art, craft and design as well as a center of artistic activity and excellence on the Eastside welcoming over 50,000 visitors each year.

Prior to his tenure at BAM, Monroe was associated with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, which collects and presents exhibitions that feature the creative achievements of craft artists and designers in the United States.