Mohawk Valley’s Premier Arts and Crafts Event to Feature More Than 140 Artisans

October 30, 2009

The Mohawk Valley’s premier arts and crafts event, the Herkimer County Arts and Crafts Fair, will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 14 & 15 at Herkimer County Community College.

The fair is a juried show with many unique exhibitors from throughout the northeast. A juried exhibition is one in which artwork is submitted and judges choose which exhibits can enter. This ensures that each artist’s work be original and of top quality.

The fair will feature a diverse array of arts and crafts with artisans exhibiting jewelry, pottery, metal work, stained glass and more.

Beth Smith of the Adirondack Glassmith is among the 140 vendors at this year’s show. Smith returns to the show to sell her glass work year after year for a variety of reasons. She explains, “From a vendor’s point of view, it is the most well-organized craft fair in upstate NY. Shoppers can come in and browse for awhile, stop, sit down and get a bite of food and drink at the cafeteria, walk right out and continue shopping. Another bonus of this show, and something shoppers look for, is the juried competition within categories. Ribbons are awarded to the best in a wide variety of categories (look for the blue and yellow ribbons). As a vendor, this just inspires me all the more to come up with something very new, unique and exciting every year. The result is a delightful assortment of quality products handmade by talented crafters and artisans in a show skillfully managed by expert organizers…a great time for everyone!” says Smith.

Susy Quayle of Waterville, creator of Zookeys says, “Last year was my first year at the Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair and it was a wonderful experience. Highly organized with helpful volunteers! Friendly comfortable atmosphere! My Zookeys made many new friends!”

New to the show is Caroline Hayward of Luckalilly Ceramics in Sauquoit, NY. Hayward has been in business since December 2008 and has been working with ceramics since 2007. She said, “I have attended the fair as a customer in the past, and I am definitely looking forward to selling there for my first time this year. Meeting local customers face to face is the best part about selling at craft fairs. I’m thrilled to be a part of such an established and well-organized event!”
The Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair is sponsored by the Herkimer County College Foundation. Proceeds benefit student scholarships at HCCC.

Chairperson Jean E. Stapleton says, “On behalf of the Herkimer County College Foundation, I wish to thank the public for its loyal support during the past 32 fairs. This annual event has made it possible to award many scholarships to deserving students.”

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4. Plenty of free parking is available adjacent to the show, with easy access off NYS Thruway Exit 30. Food service is available and the venue is handicapped accessible throughout.