The Woodstock-New Paltz Art and Crafts Fair at the Ulster County Fairgrounds this weekend will house the work of 200 juried artists and craftspeople. Since its first show in 1982, Quail Hollow Events has attracted fine artists and craftspeople from across the US. Held semiannually, these shows – one held over Memorial Day and one on Labor Day weekend – have indeed become a national tradition of excellence.
This extravaganza features Tiny Houses, the latest trend in downsizing, streamlining and purging of living spaces. If you’ve seen pictures or dreamed of occupying a tiny house, this is your chance to join the national obsession as represented on hit cable TV shows. Whether it’s built on a permanent foundation or on wheels, a tiny house appeals to anyone questioning the necessity for “all that room.” One hundred and fifty square feet may just be plenty of space – to work or daydream or hang out in, away from the madding crowd.
The custom design employed in many tiny houses indicates the needs of a wholly new category of homeowners. Says Scott Rubinstein, co-director of Quail Hollow Events, “Many of these tiny houses are built by incredibly skilled artists and craftspeople with comprehensive talents in many of the construction technologies necessary in general residential construction. Combine this with imaginative designs and a brilliant use of living space and you are obviously not looking at your historical trailer.”
Several tiny houses will be on exhibition at the fair. “We have historically had designer/builders at the fairs with small timberframe and utility buildings,” says co-director Neil Rubinstein. “This movement to creative mobile residences has generated enormous interest, and we are sure our visitors will take great pleasure in seeing the homes in person.” Visitors will be able to see tiny house exhibits by Berkshire Shepherd Huts of Sheffield, Massachusetts, (www.berkshireshepherdhuts.com) and Custom Forest Products of Staatsburg (www.customforestproductsinc.com).
As always, visitors to the fair can see a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations, as well as experience the very best that the Hudson Valley has to offer in New York State wines, locally produced handcrafted specialty foods and healthcare products and craft supplies. A Children’s Center will keep kids entertained with demonstrations and supervised art and craft projects. The whole family can also attend a talk by Ellen Kalish of the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, who will introduce a variety of rescued native Northeast birds: barred owls, a kestrel, a barn owl, a falcon and a red-tailed hawk.
Enjoy performances by Side by Side, LaurieAnne, All-She-Wrote, Helen Avakian, the Acquaintances, Ray Andrews and Liz Graham. Check the website for a full listing of exhibitors and schedules. Come rain or shine; park free, buses are welcome; but please leave your pooches at home.
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Craft Fair, Saturday/Sunday, May 28/29, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday, May 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $9/$8, Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz; (845) 246-3414, https://quailhollow.com.
Join the family! 
