The spotlight is on jewelry at the Woodstock/New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair 2012 on Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on Libertyville Road in New Paltz. Scott Rubenstein, co-director of Quail Hollow Events, the organization putting on the show, says that they’ve decided to feature jewelry this time around, because public demand for fine handcrafted jewelry is unmatched by any other category at the shows.
“We want to pay tribute to the jewelers,” he says, “some of whom have been with us for a long time, for their contribution to the entire industry; including the way they’ve found the market for their work in very harsh economic times.” He notes in particular several jewelers who work and reside in the Hudson Valley region: Helen Hosking of Hyde Park, Susan and Marty Carey of Woodstock, Robin McLaughlin of Kingston, Liz Horn and Ron Zukor of Woodstock and Harriet Forman Barrett of New Paltz.
The Fair exhibits the work of approximately 40 jewelers from across the country who work with precious metals and gems, beads, acrylics, paper, wood, glass and more. The jury process for the shows takes place in January each year, and the selection standards are high, says Rubenstein, to ensure the success of both the show and the participating artists. Every year they receive far more applications for the jewelry spots than they can accommodate, he says, so it’s the only category in which they maintain a rigid quota as to the number of craftspeople accepted. Regretfully, says Rubenstein, they have to turn away many talented jewelry artists each year.
The Fair exhibits the work of more than 300 artists and craftspeople working in a variety of media who also submit to the jury process to ensure high standards. New artists are included in the Fair every year, with about one-third of the show new this time around, says Rubenstein. There’ll be a furniture and architectural crafts area, as well as handcrafted foods and many food vendors, health care products, craft supplies, a children’s’ area and live entertainment.
“We’re one of the largest demonstrating art-and-craft shows in the country,” says Rubenstein. “We have a separate tent for extensive demonstrations in several media, and that’s a major focus of the show.” Kellogg’s Alpacas of Scio, New York will be bringing several award-winning alpacas to the demonstration area, with artisans exhibiting handcrafted hats, mittens, socks and other knitted or woven fiber products made with alpaca wool. “The interest in the show is largely focused on the connection that people make with the artist,” says Rubenstein. “Every one of our artists is in attendance, and they can answer just about any question you have about their own work and the history of the media they work in.”
He adds, “In this economy, these are the finest survivors, really. It’s a very difficult business, and they should be appreciated.” For more information, visit www.quailhollow.com or call (845) 679-8087 or (845) 246-3414.
The Woodstock/New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair 2012 takes place on Labor Day weekend: Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on Libertyville Road in New Paltz. The admission price is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors. A discount coupon is available online at www.quailhollow.com. Children age 12 and under get in free. Fine jewelry from over 40 jewelers will be featured, along with over 300 craftspeople representing a range of fine art and crafts, plus entertainment, a kids’ area, a demonstration tent and many food vendors. For more information, visit www.quailhollow.com or call (845) 679-8087 or (845) 246-3414.
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