Our History
› Craft to Commerce
› Enrich Artisan Lives
› Preserve Global Heritage
Aid to Artisans was a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for low-income artisan groups worldwide. Founded in 1976 by James and Mary Plaut in Boston, Massachusetts, ATA began by importing high-quality crafts for sale in U.S. museum stores. Over time, the organization expanded its focus to include product development assistance, market linkages, and business skills training, aiming to support artisans in building profitable businesses inspired by handmade traditions. In 2012, ATA became a focus area of Creative Learning, a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit, further enhancing its mission to promote sustainable growth and community well-being through partnerships and innovative programs. In 2025, ATA was rebranded as HANDMADE to MARKET (HtoM), with a renewed mission statement and commitment to empowering the global artisan sector. Today, we continue to empower artisans by providing access to new markets, and design innovations, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and the improvement of livelihoods across the globe.
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The Founding of Aid to Artisans
ATA was founded in 1976 by James and Mary Plaut. ATA initiated its efforts by importing high-quality crafts and distributing them to museum stores in the United States, believing this to be a prime market for handmade products.
Growth and Market Focus
In November 1985, Clare Brett Smith, owner of the import company Primitive Artisans, assumed the role of President. Under her visionary leadership, ATA expanded from museums to a more comprehensive approach. The new direction emphasized providing artisan groups with new services such as product development, market access, and business training, which remain central to ATA's mission today. During her 20-year tenure, ATA assisted 65,000 artisans in 41 countries and generated approximately $230 million in retail commerce.
Markets, Technology & Eco-Effective processes
In 2005, David O'Connor became President, bringing extensive international leadership experience. Under his guidance, ATA assisted artisans in accessing local markets and expanding sales to tourists and regional markets. ATA also integrated eco-effective practices into product development, training, and marketing, aligning with the rising consumer preference for socially and environmentally responsible purchases.
ata transition to creative learning
Alfredo Espinosa assumed the role of ATA's fourth President in 2011 and helped the process of transition ATA to CL. By 2012, the organization had worked in more than 110 countries assisting artisans to improve their products’ quality and marketing with over 30,000 artisans participating in ATA programs.
inaugural year with Creative learning
In October 2012, ATA joined CL to continue and enhance its ability to implement artisan initiatives worldwide. Dr. William Kruvant, CEO of CL led the acquisition process and became the President of ATA. After joining CL, ATA conducted a strategic reassessment leading to a new methodology shifting away from wholesale operations in the crafts market. The new focus centered on capacity building and enterprise development, cultural preservation, income and job generation, and broader economic development initiatives.
New partner initiatives
In 2018, the ATA team welcomed Lauren Barkume as Training Director, infusing a fresh perspective into the organization's training and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, ATA collaborated with the Las Vegas Market to introduce our hands-on training for preparing artisan businesses to participate in US tradeshows. This initiative was realized through the Training for Entrepreneurs in Artisan Market (TEAM) program, designed by consultant Carol MacNulty and staff member Maud Obe.
digital solutions during a global crisis
Due to Covid-19 pandemic the ATA team adapted its training to a virtual format, broadening its impact. The flagship Market Readiness Program went from an in-person event to the online Market Readiness Program, a live, online course. The first iteration in August 2020 drew over 50 participants worldwide, demonstrating its success.
a year of new unique initiatives
In 2021, longtime staff member Maud Obe became the Director of Aid to Artisans. Under her leadership, the ATA team innovated and launched the Artisan Business Lab, an e-learning platform offering courses and resources to artisans businesses year-round. In Mexico, ATA launched its first ever artisanal food initiative called Tamula.
New Name, Same Commitment: Empowering Artisans and Connecting TO Markets
In 2025, Aid to Artisans became HANDMADE to MARKET to better reflect our mission of connecting artisan entrepreneurs with global markets. While our core commitment to supporting handmade businesses remains unchanged, our new name speaks directly to the heart of our work—helping artisans turn their craft into opportunity through market access and readiness.