When autumn approaches, that’s when the craft festival season begins in earnest. Craftproducers celebrates American Craft Week in Vermont with 41st Annual Stowe Foliage Arts Festival. The show will be held October 11-13 at Topnotch Field on the Mountain Road, Route 108, in Stowe, Vermont. It’s a rain or shine event: several large heated tents will house all the exhibits.
According to organizers of American Craft Week, “While other industry associations have long touted their products, the craft industry has lacked a single way to be highly visible. Crafts enrich our homes, wardrobes, offices and public spaces. The crafts industry contributes to our nation’s economy and the fabric of our national history. Craftwork is original, beautiful and enduring.” As one craft artist put it, ”this is the creative economy!”
The Stowe show features 175 artists and artisans displaying and selling traditional and contemporary crafts and original art as well as a specialty food section. The exhibitors are a fascinating group of people. “Meet the artists! Hear their stories! And buy their work!” says producer, Tim Cianciola. In fact many customers start and finish their holiday gift buying at the show.
While craft shopping, customers are delighted with great food, live music, and Vermont craft beers served by Idletyme Brewery, all inside a heated dining tent.
Besides savoring Vermont food and drink, there are many craft demos. Craftproducers is proud to feature Matt Brown, currently residing in Lyme, NH and New Haven, VT, as one of its demonstrating exhibitors. Matt explains, “I have been working the craft of color woodblock printmaking since January, 1993. Spending time with Japanese prints in my home, visiting Japanese prints at the homes of friends and neighbors, at museums, and through books, was largely how I learned in the early formative years.” Brown uses the hanga method: (Hanga is woodblock printing using water as a medium). Festival-goers can witness Brown at work in his booth, actually creating original pieces.
Also, in the Japanese vein, Vermont potter, Richard Foye brings his mesmerizing Raku demonstration to the Festival. Another demo involving fire will feature Harry Besett, a glassblower from Hardwick, VT. Last but not least, Jeffey Gale, will be hard at work crafting amazing traditional wood baskets, treasured by serious collectors..
In a nutshell, the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival will be held October 11-13 at Topnotch Field. Hours are 10-5 daily, Friday through Sunday. Adult admission is $10, children are free. Rain or shine-inside heated Camelot tents. Free parking. No pets. Complete information is available at Craftproducers.com.
CONTACT: Tim Cianciola 802-316-5019 or tim@craftproducers.com
Craftproducers
