FEBRUARY 15, 2008: ARTS

Designer Chia Guillory is one of a handful of artists in the "new wave craft movement" selected to present her wares in this year's American Craft Show, the largest juried indoor craft show in the nation. This is the first year that the American Craft Council has opted to include New Wave Craft as a category for exhibition at the show, which typically includes works by more than 700 leading craft artists. Three hundred artists were invited to apply in the new category, but a jury process whittled the number down to just 15 who will show, and one of them is the Austinite known for her handmade hats and bags (www.chiahats.com). The show takes place in Baltimore Feb. 22-24. For more information, visit www.craftcouncil.org.

BEST OF AUSTIN READER'S POLL 2007
Best Clothing Designer: Chia

A local favorite among the SoCo set, Chia has many fans who insure multiple "Best of Austin" awards. Pink Salon and Boutique, among other retailers, can hardly keep Chia's clothes in stock. From her signature kitty-hats to bags, halter tops, and children's accessories, Chia designs have vast appeal in their naive charm.