Unlike previous years when the show took place the first weekend of the month, this year ‘s event the will be held the third weekend of October, the 2lst-23rd, and will include approximately 24 new exhibitors . “We are expecting 65 exhibitors,” says craft show chair Boots Michalak, “mostly from the Mid-Atlantic and New England States. Several of our exhibitors were at the Baltimore Show last winters as well as the Smithsonian Show, both of which are considered the top shows in the country.” At the Academy Craft Show the emphasis is on quality.
This is a juried show, which means artist applications must be accompanied by three images of the artist’s work, as well as an image of the artist’s booth display, in order to be considered for the show. “The selection process is thorough, inging together a oad range of artists who represent the best of their category,” explains spokesperson Amy Stewart.
Among the new exhibitors will be three new clay artists and four new glass artists. Decorative household furnishings along with toys, jewelry, and clothing will all be available to admire and buy. Think of beautiful hand-turned wooden bowls, hand-built pottery, textured weaving, fused glass, inlaid wooden furniture, rag paper, and you will begin to imagine the sensory experience of an extensive craft exhibition where you can touch the items and talk to their creators.
The yearly show in Easton, is popular with exhibitors as well as buyers. “We are known among crafts artists as one of the nicest shows to attend,” explains Michelak, ‘because we treat them so well. We provide them with housing, food and porters to help with set-up and take down.”
The two-day show, is held in both the Academy Art Museum and the Waterfowl Building, and is a major fundraiser for the Museum. Proceeds go to support community-based art programs for a wide range of participants including children and seniors. For an advance opportunity to peruse the show prior to its opening to the general public, plus further support the museum, consider attending the special preview party. “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with the artists as well as first chance to buy the wonderful items they ing,” says Michalak. Preview party tickets cost $100 and include an open bar as well as a gourmet supper provided by Oxford Greens. New this year will be a silent auction of selected craft items starting at prices well below retail. For more information www.academyartmuseum.org
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This multi-colored silk jacket is by returning artist Heather Kidson
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Pictured is a clay vase by artist Andrew VanAssche of Plainfield, MA, who will be one of 20 new artists featured in the Academy Art Museum 2011 Craft Show
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Jean Zakotnik will show her unique purses.
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Hideaki Miyamura will be returning to the 14th Annual Academy Art Museum Craft Show with his striking clay vases.
