|
|
The Hudson
Valley’s beloved celebration of handmade, The Woodstock-New Paltz
Art & Crafts Fair, is making its highly anticipated return to
the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz on May 25th, 26th, and 27th.
This biannual festival, a staple since 1982, marks the beginning and
end of the summer season, attracting shoppers, art enthusiasts, and festival-goers
every Memorial and Labor Day weekend.
|
|
|
Consistently
ranked as one of the nation’s best contemporary craft shows by Sunshine
Artist Magazine, the fair showcases the handcrafted creations of
hundreds of carefully selected exhibitors across more than 10 media
categories. Quail Hollow Events, the producer and promoter of the show,
prides itself on curating artisans and craftspeople whose work exemplifies
originality in both design and execution, with each maker personally
present. Festival director Ola Rubinstein emphasizes, “What truly sets
this festival apart is the dynamic atmosphere created by the coming
together of talented exhibitors and an engaged audience. Our exhibitors
cherish the opportunity to share their inspirations and processes, and
we are grateful to be able to foster meaningful connections.”
|
|
|
In
addition to longtime exhibitors who have been part of the event for
over four decades, this year's fair welcomes a fresh lineup of
newcomers, among them fine artists working in ink, acrylic, oil, and
watercolor. From vibrant pop art to serene landscapes, visitors will be
captivated by the diverse array of styles and mediums. Among them,
Russian-born artist Olga Nenazhivina will be exhibiting her intricate
ink drawings. Nenazhivina acknowledges that many viewers will perceive
her images as fantastical representations, but she maintains that her
subjects come from the world she lives in.
|
|
|
Katerina
Husmann, a painter who also hails from Russia, will be displaying her
joyful pop art paintings. Visitors will likely be drawn to her loud and
welcoming Love series, which radiates warmth and positivity.
Others may connect with the work of American painter John Limotte, who
creates geometric cityscapes and landscapes that evoke a sense of
nostalgia.
|
|
|
Fairgoers
can explore a treasure trove of unique finds for the home, body, and
beyond, from wearable fiber art to hand-thrown porcelain tableware and
everything in between. Live demonstrations will showcase traditional
crafts like fiber-spinning, wood-turning, and glass-painting. For the
visitor wanting to get involved in the artistic process – and walk away
bejeweled – Nicole Dubensky will be offering on-the-spot permanent
jewelry. Bracelets and necklaces will be welded around a wrist or neck
and, without a clasp, the special piece can be donned daily until the
wearer chooses to remove it.
|
|
|
More than
just a shopping experience, The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts
Fair offers a vibrant community atmosphere. Families will enjoy the
complimentary children’s craft tent, and all fairgoers will appreciate
the ongoing demonstrations, broad selection of artisanal foods and
local beverages, and live musical performances. For tickets, an
exhibitor list, entertainment schedule, and more information about The
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, visit quailhollow.com.
|
|
Image Credits Leah Spencer, Steve
Medwin, Vilma Mare, Dorothy Bergmann, Mike Lawrie Photography, Olga
Nenazhivina, Katerina Husmann, Bold Version, Black Button Distilling |
|
|
|
