Fifty Years of RALA

The Roycroft, which was established in 1895 by aspiring author and orator Elbert Hubbard, would eventually become one of the most prominent utopian Arts and Crafts communities in the country.  It prospered throughout the Teens and Twenties, until the economic impact of the Great Depression and evolving consumer tastes forced its closure in 1938.

In 1972, Princeton University’s exhibition The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1876-1916, triggered a renewed nationwide appreciation for Arts and Crafts, which led its subsequent revival.  Prior to this, some individuals had vague recollections of what Roycroft once was.  Sure, most knew you could enjoy a delicious meal at the Roycroft Inn, which had catered to dinner guests for decades after the demise of Roycroft.  But what really occurred at this now decaying campus?

In 1976, a group of prominent local artists, historians, and collectors sought to revitalize interest in the campus, its founder, and its craftspeople.  This formative group included Nancy Hubbard Brady (Elbert Hubbard’s granddaughter), Charles Hamilton, Rixford Jennings, and Kitty Turgeon. Soon it would include Dr. Edna Lindemann, founding director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. While the Renaissance became the purveyor of Roycroft history, education, and stabilization, the Roycrofters-At-Large-Association or RALA was tasked with identifying contemporary artisans who were committed to Elbert Hubbard’s original mantra – to use one’s head, heart, and hand to yield their finest work.  Artist Rixford Jennings designed a modern version of the famous Roycroft logo for use by the artisans; this time with a back-to-back double “R” to denote Roycroft Renaissance. Since its inception, the quality has always been unmistakably "Roycrofty".  

Through the years, hundreds of artisans have shared this distinction. Many have been elevated to the status of Master Artisan in the mediums employed at the Roycroft more than a century ago. Summer and Winter festivals are staged in East Aurora to bring this cohesive “community” together, along with numerous regional and national festivals and Arts and Crafts conferences. Collaboration is also a mainstay of RALA, in much the same way as the original Roycrofters participated in cross-departmental initiatives.  Several examples are featured here.

Today we celebrate this milestone anniversary by highlighting a selection of work created by current and former RALA artisans. This exhibition and programming are made possible through the generous support of RALA’s board of directors and artisans.  Sandy and Michael Starks, RALA Executive Director Tami Fuller, and the RALA Anniversary Committee deserve special recognition for their research, advice, and planning assistance.

Artists in this exhibition include Greg Adams, Tom Bojanowski, Denise Brucato, Tom Ciminelli, Lee Davenport, Gordy Galloway, Frank Glapa, Leslie Green Guilbault, Karl Heerdt, C.J. Hurley, Rixford Jennings, Thomas Kegler, Howard Lehning, Julie Leidel, Suzanne Mair, Dorothy Markert, Janice McDuffy, James Miller, Christie Schorf-Miller, Thomas Pafk, Ann Perry Smith, Peter Potter, Al Sleeper, Yvonne Stoklosa, Robert Trout, Ron VanOstrand, Kathleen West, and Laura Wilder.