Things to Do
The PA Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair is coming to Lancaster County
View and purchase handmade crafts from more than 65 artists.
In celebration of their 80th anniversary, the PA Guild of Craftsmen is returning to Lancaster County this summer with the Fine Craft Fair on June 22 and 23 at Foundry48.
The PA Guild of Craftsmen, which was established in 1944, now represents more than 1,125 artist members across 10 chapters who offer a broad range of both contemporary and traditional fine handmade crafts.
Headquartered in Downtown Lancaster, it’s a place for artists to grow professionally, network with other craftsmen, and exhibit their work. The Fine Craft Fairs are just one way they offer opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work. Another is through their Guild Store at their North Queen Street location, which features more than 100 member artists and also hosts educational offerings where patrons can learn to make their own fine craft.
“I joined for the professional development aspect for my craft business as well as opportunities to apply for high-quality shows in Pennsylvania. What I was not expecting are all the friendships and connections while also finding a reliable source of peer feedback that has helped me grow as an artist.”
Christine Wright, Pretty Shiny Beads
Known throughout the decades for their signature craft fairs, the Guild is thrilled to reimagine the Fine Craft Fair, focusing on showing a smaller group of artists to encourage more time for interaction between these artists and guests. The show will also be indoors to ensure comfort for both artists and patrons, eliminating any worries of unpredictable weather during the two-day event.
The 65+ juried artists featured at the summer fair are among the best in the region, with work from a wide range of mediums. The show will bring a mix of both traditional craft, like Pennsylvania redware and “Scherenschnitte” (or scissor cutting), right alongside more modern craft. The jewelers will range from gold and gemstone to intricate wire wrapping and seedbead work. Artists working with furniture, wood, glass, leather, fiber, fine art, mixed media, artisanal consumables, and photography round out the variety you will find.
“Most of our artists live and work in Pennsylvania so supporting them by coming to the show, and hopefully taking something home with you, is also supporting a neighbor and keeping your money in your regional community. We are excited that all of our artists will be present at the show so people can really learn about the techniques and inspiration behind the artwork to. Personally, I’m dying to see our mosaic artist Aya Kinoshita’s animal portraits in person!”
Aviva Foster, Foster’s Beauties
“I work alone in my home studio so getting my work out on exhibit is very helpful and motivating. The Guild provides me friendships and positive feedback that helps me and my work grow in so many ways.”
Cheryl Brooks, Jewelry Artist
By supporting the artists, attendees are not only shopping local but also contributing to the preservation of traditional and contemporary craft in Pennsylvania. Join the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen in celebrating art, community, and craftsmanship!
Get your tickets here to the Fine Craft Fair.
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