PENNSYLVANIA (Sept. 4, 2013) -- With a strong community of talented artisans, craft studios, galleries and organizations promoting the region's crafts, Pennsylvania is a predictable hot spot for this year's American Craft Week, Oct. 4-13.
More than 20 event locations in Pennsylvania will present one of the nation's largest regional celebrations of American Craft. Residents and tourists alike will be treated to exhibits, demonstrations, markets, lectures and more in Cumberland Valley, Boiling Springs, Boyertown, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ligonier, Mechanicsburg, Newport, Philadelphia, and Reading.
"2013 marks the fourth year of American Craft Week celebrations. Each year the participation becomes stronger, attracting more artists, sponsors and fans," says Diane Sulg, co-chair of American Craft Week. "This year, we'll have nearly 1,000 events with over tens of thousands attendees throughout the nation."
Regional sponsors for American Craft Week include the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair (at Rittenhouse Square).
While there are too many events to list them all here, some highlighted events
are included on page two of this release.
A complete listing of events is available on the American Craft Week website at: http://americancraftweek.com/participants
*Some event details are subject to change. Event-goers are encouraged to check with the artist or organization hosting an event to confirm times and location.
FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Lancaster ArtWalk (Lancaster)
Fine art galleries, edgy and indie boutiques, fine craft stores, cooperatives, art centers and museums are all part of the bi-annual Lancaster ArtWalk. Over 30 galleries work together to provide kids activities, special meet-the-artist events and exhibitions.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 6, 12 - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
For more information, visit http://lancasterartwalk.org/
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair (Philadelphia)
Through a partnership with the Friends of Rittenhouse Square and in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen brings 140 of its very finest craft artists to downtown Philadelphia for its bi-annual Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair.
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
For more information, visit http://www.pacrafts.org/fine-craft-fairs/october/
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (Reading)
GoggleWorks' "arts festival Reading" is a high quality art show featuring as many as 70 juried fine artists and craftsmen, as well as over 30 studio artists. The festival also includes hot glass demos, music and food. All proceeds benefit GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, whose mission is to nurture the arts, promote education and enrich the community.
When: Saturday and Sunday Oct. 5-6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: $7 in advance; $8 at the door
CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS
Village Artisans Gallery (Boiling Springs)
Housed in a renovated 1875 brick church located in the picturesque historic village of Boiling Springs, the Village Artisans Gallery is nationally recognized as a treasury of American craftsmanship and artistry. In celebration of American Craft Week, the gallery will feature an open house with extended hours, artist demos, trunk shows and more.
When: Meet-and-greet scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.; Daily activities featured Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13 from 1 - 4 p.m. Cost: Free
For more information, visit http://www.villageartisansgallery.com/current_events.htm
Dancing Tree Creations Artisans Gallery and Studio (Boyertown)
In celebration of American Craft Week, Dancing Tree Creations invites the public to take part in its many demonstrations and activities designed to foster creativity and further the appreciation of handcrafted American Made works of art. An entire day of craft demonstrations (including basket weaving, paper cutting, silhouettescapes and paper making) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, followed by the Outdoor Art Show: Budding Artists on Sunday, Oct. 6. The following Saturday, Oct. 12 will feature additional craft demonstrations, plus a food and fun cooking demonstration with Linda Rohrbach-Austerberry.
When: Saturday, Oct 5, 1 - 4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 13 is the rain date for the Outdoor Art Show. Cost: Free
For more information, visit http://www.dancingtreecreations.com/
Evening Neon (Glenside)
Neon artist Eve Hoyt is opening her studio doors in celebration of American Craft Week 2013. Art lovers are encouraged to come watch glass bending demonstrations and explore Hoyt's gallery of colorful finished neon art. Visitors will learn about the process of making a neon light and discover the fascination of an interesting and dying craft. Hoyt will be on hand to answer any of your neon curiosities.
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 - 7 p.m. Cost: Free
About American Craft Week
The fourth annual American Craft Week will be held Oct. 4-13 in cities and towns across the nation. With hundreds of diverse events at galleries, artist studios, museums, schools, as well as fairs and festivals, it is the premier public celebration of hand-made craft in America. American Craft Week is a program of Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow (CRAFT), a trade association dedicated to the growth and vitality of American craft. Major sponsors include the American Craft Council, New York International Gift Fair, wholesalecrafts.com and VermontVacation.com. For more information, visit http://www.Americancraftweek.com.
