Artist Steven Zoldak hard at work, demonstrating some of his expert clay and pottery techniques.
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
The League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair is no ordinary craft fair.
It’s a celebration of a longstanding and still-growing community of artists, a time and place for them to showcase their products alongside hundreds of their fellow craftsmen. It’s an interactive exhibition, filled with demonstrations, classes, and knowledgeable artists eager to share their techniques with the world. It’s large enough to attract internationally renowned craftspeople, yet small enough to carry the very best essence of both New Hampshire and New England.
Perhaps most importantly, though, it’s an opportunity for the New England community to come together and marvel at the truly remarkable talent of their local artists.
This year’s League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair runs from August 5 – 13, 2017. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe fair is located on the grounds of the beautiful Mount Sunapee in Newbury, NH. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThese tents fill with over 280 artists and 25,000 visitors. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultWhile you’re enjoying the art, don’t forget to also enjoy the setting! Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
With such renown comes a fair share of popularity — the event attracts over 25,000 visitors each year. Add that to the 280+ artists, and suddenly Mount Sunapee transforms into a bustling hub of all things art for nine days.
Check out the cafeteria inside the Sunapee Lodge, one of several lunch and snack options on the premises. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultLive music adds to the festive feel. The High Range Band kept visitors entertained during my visit in 2016. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Visiting the fair can easily fill a day, so plan accordingly! Workshops, demonstrations, multiple food options, and live music are among the fair’s attractions. A tasting tent features local companies like Fuller’s Sugarhouse, Cabot Cheese, LaBelle Winery, and King Arthur Flour. “Lunch and Learn” seminars give visitors the opportunity to chat and dine with expert craftsmen. And of course, what better place to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones, or yourself? You never know what you’ll find!
Due to the incredible number of participating artists, it would be impossible to feature each one. That just means you’ll have to check out the fair and see them all for yourself! Here’s a sampling of what you could find at the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair.
Artist Steven Zoldak hard at work, demonstrating some of his expert clay and pottery techniques. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe contemporary fiber art of Tarja Cockell. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultFiber sculpture and wall hangings by Suzanne Connor. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultWood artist William Frost celebrated his 90th birthday during the fair. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultVisitors had the opportunity to try their hand at this particular type of weaving. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultCeramic work by Sibel Alpaslan. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultMultiple artists showcased their work in the fair’s sculpture garden. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThis vest by Robert Dorr won a “Best Of” award from the fair’s jury. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultSandra White uses strips of paper and a technique called “quilling” to create her art. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultSamuel Wild creates signature whimsical details on his pottery. Wild has participated in the fair for 40 years, making him its longest-tenure artist. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPatricia Woodbridge creates homes fit for fairies. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe work of first-time fair participant Roger Myers has won multiple awards from around the region. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultEnchanting lanterns by Raymond Farrell. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe work of multiple artists was showcased in the “Living with Craft” exhibit. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe NH Art Association joined the fun, too. Their tent was full of paintings and photographs by their members. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe New Hampshire Weaver’s Guild taught visitors how to weave on a loom. I got to try my hand at it, too! Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultMultimedia slate work by Michael Updike. Check out our recent peek into his studio! Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultFuture ukuleles by Michael McCarten. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultSome of McCarten’s finished works. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultColorful scarves by fiber artist Melinda LaBarge. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultAnother ready-to-wear piece by Melinda LaBarge. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultStoneware candle houses by MaryLyn Yonika. Many of her pieces depict classic New England architectural styles. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPorcelain pottery by Mary Ann Geis. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultSculpture artist Mark Ragonese conducted classes and demonstrations on his outdoor sculptures. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultStoneware by Lorraine Dilmore. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultUnique jewelry by Lochlin Smith. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe colorful work of Linda Jacque is sure to delight anyone. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultNatural stonework by Lee Spiller. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultAlways something going on at the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair! Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultExquisite gold and metal weaving by Lauran Sundin. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultCharming garden accessories by Kathy Patten Hanson. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultMetal work by Joseph DeRobertis. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPottery by Iris Minc. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPainting and printmaking by first-time fair participant Hannah Phelps. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultBoulder opals mined from Australia by the Kalled Gallery team. See what the finished products look like here. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultUnique wood products like shawl pins and crochet hooks by Stephen Willette. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThis piece of wood turning by Donald Briere won one of the fair’s “Best Of” awards. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultTie-dye wearable art by Clover’s Colorful Creations, one of the fair’s “Next Generation” participants. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPrint work by Catherine Green. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultHandmade hats by Carrie Cahill Mulligan. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultFine painting by NH Art Association member Carole Keller. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultSilk work by Betty Lathrop. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultPottery by Andy Hampton. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultFirst-time fair participants Steven and Annette Frye showcased their wearable felt fashions. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultFirst-time wood worker Aaron Clapp uses natural wood in his pieces. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault“Peppersass,” the first train to climb Mount Washington, celebrated its 150th birthday during the fair. Peppersass was instrumental in constructing the Cog Railway. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
There’s so much to see and do at the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair. In the meantime, you can check out any of the League’s shops, located throughout New Hampshire and open year-round.
Where to next? Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Have you ever been to the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair? This year’s fair runs from August 4 – 12, 2018. Let us know!
League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair.www.nhcrafts.orgThis post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
Bethany Bourgault interned with Yankee Magazine and New England.com during the summers of 2015 and 2016. She recently graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in magazine journalism with minors in writing and religion. She loves reading, exploring the outdoors, ballroom dancing, and trying new recipes. Keep up with her adventures at bethanybourgault.com.
