Fusion! A confluence of a federal bureau and a state agency meeting at the same time at a table, takes more than a cheerleader or referee to manage.

Diplomacy at the highest echelon is called upon to set the stage for a conclusion and a solution. After the smoke cleared and the dust settled, Julia Daily n executive director of the Craftmen’s Guild of Mississippi, was the career diplomat. The guild will operate the craft center on Rice Road in Ridgeland,

Like a symphonic orchestra maestro, Julia brought many individuals together to consummate the grand opening celebration of the state-of-the-art super structure n the Mississippi Crafts Center n the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. The date of the preview party is May 31. The dedication ceremony is on Friday, June 8 at 10 a.m.

Now the guild began with 30 members and has grown to its present membership of more than 400.

Approximately 80 percent of the craftsmen are from Mississippi. However, guild members come from 19 different states and from as far away as California and Alaska.

Unfortunately, many people do not know the makeup and the wide variety of fine crafts made by these talented craftsmen.

Wood carving, fused glass, blown glass, quilts, weaving, spinning, iron work, pottery, jewelry, furniture, baskets, paper rugs, knitting, leather, felt, toys, brooms, and much more are now a reality.

To be selected as a member, a jury process is involved. Then every three years, the jury process is held again for artisans’ accountability. After 10 years, the esteem rank of fellow is an accomplishment of very hard work.

The new center will transform the Craftsmen’s Guild from a regional crafts organization to a national center. This new two-story facility will cover some 20,000 square feet with several event areas n such as an information center, classrooms, meeting and conference spaces, and break out rooms.

The new center is a state owned building, but will be leased to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

The guild brings in more than 150,000 visitors to Mississippi. These various programs are educational and certainly have an economical boom to the tune of 10 million dollars to the tourism of our state.

Group memberships include the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, two African American quilting groups, Mississippi Cultural Crossroads and the Tutwiler Quilters.

This pertinent information was given in an informal power point presentation at the William Winter Archives Building during the “History is Lunch” by Julia Daily, who I might add is a charming grandmother who grew up in Mt. Olive.

Now, where is the new craft center? Very easy to locate n on Rice Road across from Cock of the Walk restaurant.

The center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. n just a few exceptions n closed on Thanksgiving Day n Christmas Day n New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday.

Julia Daily will have a challenge in the coming years to furnish and to equip the new building and to raise operating funds.

At the close of Julia’s session, she said, “These are not just notes in my hand, it is my heart!”

Walter Redden is a Northsider.