ANNUAL LEAGUE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CRAFTSMEN'S FAIR
August,
Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, New HampshireAn institution for 78 years, the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair celebrates the vision, inspiration, skill, and personal history of the juried members of the League of New Hampshire ( NH ) Craftsmen, artisans who make fine hand craft using traditional methods.
By creating functional pieces using natural materials that have lasting value, they are contributing to New Hampshire’s legacy of craftsmanship and improving the sustainability of the community and environment.
One of the nation’s most prestigious cultural events, the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which runs in August at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, New Hampshire, is a nine-day celebration of traditional and contemporary fine handcraft.
It is the oldest, continuously running craft fair in the US, and was voted one of America’s Top 10 Fairs and Festivals in 2010 by AmericanStyle readers for its fun, educational, and entertaining activities for everyone.
Fine craft collectors and enthusiasts appreciate the diversity and quality of the craft and the opportunity to meet and speak with the makers. Those who love to shop find distinctive and functional items for themselves or to give as gifts. People of all ages enjoy watching and participating in the daily demonstrations and workshops.
Visitors can view and purchase jewelry, glass, pottery, prints, metalwork, fiber arts, woodcarvings, weaving, sculptures, furniture, and leatherwork at 200 craft booths. There are daily educational demonstrations and workshops for all ages on the traditional methods of making fine handcraft. Glass blowing, blacksmithing, woodcarving, and furniture building – these are just some of the craftmaking skills on display.
These demonstrations and workshops are given by juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen, as well as invited guests from the New Hampshire Potters Guild, the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, the New Hampshire Woodcarvers Guild, the New Hampshire Art Association, the New Hampshire Shaker Museum, the Canterbury Shaker Village, and the New Hampshire Farm Museum.
Exhibitions
Two exhibitions, “Living With Craft and CraftWear”, and an outdoor Sculpture Garden, illustrate the practical and decorative use of handcrafted items.
Living With Craft features tastefully decorated room settings furnished entirely with handmade furniture and room accessories. CraftWear features unique “art-to-wear” clothing, jewelry, and accessories. The outdoor Sculpture Garden includes pieces such as garden ornaments and landscape sculptures.
Collector’s Forum at the Fair
Craft collectors, and those who want to be, can learn more about investing in and caring for a fine craft collection during the “Collector’s Forum”, during which avid collectors and fine handmade craft experts discuss what to look for in a collection, how to get started, and the advantages from a financial and personal perspective of investing in fine craft.
Tour with a Master
Tour with a Master provides fairgoers with an in-depth view of how a particular craft is made. Each day, a League member takes fairgoers on a 45-minute tour of the craft booths and exhibitions, providing detailed commentary on the techniques and artistry that go into making that craft. Fairgoers gain a greater appreciation for the quality and distinction of fine handcrafted items as well as the standards the League uses to determine juried membership.
Musical Performances
Daily musical performances complement the lively atmosphere of the Fair and are included in the Fair admission price. High-caliber country, bluegrass, Latin, folk, jazz, and blues musicians and performers appear in the Performing Arts Tent.
EVENT / FESSTIVAL TIPS
Tickets can be purchased at the League's website, www.nhcrafts.org. Having tickets in advance is a great way to avoid the long ticket lines at the gate.
Parking is free and childcare is available on site at $2 per hour. Picnic areas, as well as a food tent, indoor cafeterias, and an outdoor Garden Café (serving adult beverages) are open daily. No pets are permitted on the fairgrounds or left in cars in the parking lots.
For more information about the Fair, or the League of NH Craftsmen, call 603-224-3375, email nhleague@nhcrafts.org, or visit the League’s website at www.nhcrafts.org.
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