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Heritage Crafts are Hallmark of 54th Annual Albemarle Craftsman's Fair, Oct. 26-28
Make a weekend of it in Elizabeth City, NC!
More than 60 craftsmen from North Carolina and Virginia will bring their tools, knowledge and wares to the 54th Annual Albemarle Craftsman's Fair Oct. 26-28 at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Sponsored by the Albemarle Craftsman's Guild, the fair features
"We use modern tools and up-to-date designs, but the items are still traditional crafts," said long-time Albemarle Craftsman's member Lisa Winslow. "For example, you'll find the most beautiful jewelry in 10 different forms, but still using a traditional craft. Or you'll see furniture making, which is a traditional craft, but in modern designs."
Exhibits will include boat replicas, custom fishing rods and hand-tied flies; linens, quilting, pocketbooks, silk scarves and fiber art; decoys, carvings, stools, woodwork, furniture and leatherwork; glass, ceramic, metal and wire jewelry; pottery, stained glass, baskets, dolls and much more. A requirement of the fair is that participants give demonstrations, Winslow said.
"We have people weaving on looms, people using scroll saws and carving, people working on pottery wheels," explained Winslow. "Our guild is a sharing organization. We enjoy the teaching aspect because it continues the tradition of these crafts and hands them down to the next generation. That's important to us."
This year's fair features several new Guild members, including a new glass artist using blown glass to create miniature glass items and a soap maker with a variety of handmade soaps. Also in the show this year is Sandra Wright Justiss, who is well known in the doll world for her fancy dolls made from paper clay and dressed in the finest fabrics. A preview of participants is available on the fair's website, along with photographs and videos in which craftsman demonstrate their methods.
All exhibitors are Guild members whose work has been screened and accepted by the Guild prior to membership. In addition to the high quality of works in the show, Winslow stressed the wide range of prices and affordability, including many items priced at $10 or under.
"These make great teachers' gifts and gifts for people who care about quality and craftsmanship, "said Winslow. "When you buy someone a unique handcrafted gift, they'll know you put a lot of thought into it."
Weekend passes for the fair are $4 for general admission and $3 for seniors and students. Visitors may select and book accommodations online at www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com. The fall is a great time to enjoy attractions, shops and restaurants along the city's historic Downtown Waterfront, wine tasting events in neighboring Weeksville or a hike at the nearby Dismal Swamp State Park. The Knobbs Creek Recreation Center is located at 200 Ward Street in Elizabeth City. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details about the fair, go to www.albemarlecraftsmansfair.com.