Exploring the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair

Artists and art lovers alike come together every year for the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH.

League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

Artist Steven Zoldak hard at work, demonstrating some of his expert clay and pottery techniques.

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.
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

The 83rd Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair is running from August 6-14, 2016.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
This year’s League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair runs from August 5 – 13, 2017.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

It’s located on the grounds of the beautiful Mount Sunapee in Newbury, NH.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
The fair is located on the grounds of the beautiful Mount Sunapee in Newbury, NH.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

These tents fill with over 280 artists and 25,000 visitors.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
These tents fill with over 280 artists and 25,000 visitors.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

While you’re enjoying the art, don’t forget to enjoy the setting, too!

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
While you’re enjoying the art, don’t forget to also enjoy the setting!
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.
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

Check out the cafeteria inside the Sunapee Lodge, one of several lunch and snack options on the premises.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Check out the cafeteria inside the Sunapee Lodge, one of several lunch and snack options on the premises.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

Live music adds to the festive feel. The High Range Band kept visitors entertained during my visit.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Live music adds to the festive feel. The High Range Band kept visitors entertained during my visit in 2016.
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.
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

Artist Steven Zoldak hard at work, demonstrating some of his expert clay and pottery techniques.

Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Artist Steven Zoldak hard at work, demonstrating some of his expert clay and pottery techniques.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

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Credit: Bethany Bourgault
The contemporary fiber art of Tarja Cockell.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Fiber sculpture and wall hangings by Suzanne Connor.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Wood artist William Frost celebrated his 90th birthday during the fair.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Visitors had the opportunity to try their hand at this particular type of weaving.
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Ceramic work by Sibel Alpaslan.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Multiple artists showcased their work in the fair’s sculpture garden.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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This vest by Robert Dorr won a “Best Of” award from the fair’s jury.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Sandra White uses strips of paper and a technique called “quilling” to create her art.
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Samuel Wild creates signature whimsical details on his pottery. Wild has participated in the fair for 40 years, making him its longest-tenure artist.
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Patricia Woodbridge creates homes fit for fairies.
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The work of first-time fair participant Roger Myers has won multiple awards from around the region.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Enchanting lanterns by Raymond Farrell.
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The work of multiple artists was showcased in the “Living with Craft” exhibit.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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The NH Art Association joined the fun, too. Their tent was full of paintings and photographs by their members.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Credit: Bethany Bourgault
The New Hampshire Weaver’s Guild taught visitors how to weave on a loom. I got to try my hand at it, too!
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Multimedia slate work by Michael Updike. Check out our recent peek into his studio!
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Future ukuleles by Michael McCarten.
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Some of McCarten’s finished works.
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League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

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Colorful scarves by fiber artist Melinda LaBarge.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Another ready-to-wear piece by Melinda LaBarge.
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Stoneware candle houses by MaryLyn Yonika. Many of her pieces depict classic New England architectural styles.
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Porcelain pottery by Mary Ann Geis.
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Sculpture artist Mark Ragonese conducted classes and demonstrations on his outdoor sculptures.
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Stoneware by Lorraine Dilmore.
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Unique jewelry by Lochlin Smith.
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The colorful work of Linda Jacque is sure to delight anyone.
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Natural stonework by Lee Spiller.
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Always something going on at the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair!
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair

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Exquisite gold and metal weaving by Lauran Sundin.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Charming garden accessories by Kathy Patten Hanson.
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Metal work by Joseph DeRobertis.
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Pottery by Iris Minc.
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Painting and printmaking by first-time fair participant Hannah Phelps.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Boulder opals mined from Australia by the Kalled Gallery team. See what the finished products look like here.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Unique wood products like shawl pins and crochet hooks by Stephen Willette.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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This piece of wood turning by Donald Briere won one of the fair’s “Best Of” awards.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Tie-dye wearable art by Clover’s Colorful Creations, one of the fair’s “Next Generation” participants.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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Print work by Catherine Green.
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Handmade hats by Carrie Cahill Mulligan.
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Fine painting by NH Art Association member Carole Keller.
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Silk work by Betty Lathrop.
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Pottery by Andy Hampton.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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First-time fair participants Steven and Annette Frye showcased their wearable felt fashions.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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First-time wood worker Aaron Clapp uses natural wood in his pieces.
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
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“Peppersass,” the first train to climb Mount Washington, celebrated its 150th birthday during the fair. Peppersass was instrumental in constructing the Cog Railway.
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.
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Where to next?
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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.org This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: Biggest Agricultural Fairs in New England Best Fall Food Festivals in New England Best Summer Seafood Festivals in New England

Bethany Bourgault

Bethany Bourgault interned with Yankee and New England.com during the summers of 2015 and 2016. She then 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.

More by Bethany Bourgault

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