New England’s Largest Fine Art and Craft Show
10-11-2007
Annual Christmas
Festival, a festive holiday tradition,
heralds in the season Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 2, 3 and 4, at
Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center with the largest fine art and craft show in
New England. Featuring the work of over 300 of the nation’s most acclaimed
artists and master craftsmen, the Christmas Festival promises a shopping
treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts, designer fashions, fine jewelry, gourmet
treats, holiday décor and more. A unique aspect of the event is the rare
opportunity it offers festival-goers to meet the artisans, discuss their work
and commission custom pieces destined to become tomorrow’s
heirlooms.
A popular highlight is the
Gingerbread House
Competition, where celebrated chefs from area
restaurants, bakeries and culinary schools create gingerbread masterpieces to be
judged by a celebrity panel and sold. All proceeds benefit
Rosie’s
Place, dedicated to
providing a safe and nurturing environment for poor and homeless
women.
The fine arts are always well
represented, and this year’s offerings are exceptional. A sampling of the
artists whose work will be on display includes Barry Olofsson (East Dennis, MA),
who creates realistic oil portraits and high quality giclee prints of scenic
Cape Cod; award-winning watercolorist Joy Waldman of Garden Street Studio
(Cambridge, MA), known for her colorful paintings of sunny gardens, seascapes
and whimsical children’s themes; and Jeff Nelson of Hudson River Inlay (New
Windsor, NY), who practices the decorative art of marquetry using fine woods,
luminous shells and rich minerals to handcraft distinctive furniture, mirrors
and artwork.
Art glass and hand-made pottery also tempt, combining
beauty with functionality. Second generation glassblower Gabriel Cole’s
(Williamstown, VT) bowls, goblets and vases blend sculptural shapes with bold
colors, while Lesley Reich of Pottery Mountain (Mount Tremper, NY) inspires with
uplifting messages hand-lettered on porcelain
vessels.
Unusual items to match
every taste and interest abound. Collectors will delight in Elizabeth Curry’s
(Toms River, NJ) finely crafted, hand-painted porcelain dolls; and captivating
folk art by Marcia and Bill Finks of Primitive Twig (New York, NY), made using
found objects. Ergonomically designed leashes and signature canine treats from
Annie’s Pooch Pops (Columbia, NJ) will please animal lovers. Also irresistible
are Asian-inspired note cards handmade from embossed paper by Chong and Judi Lim
of Island Designs (Scarborough, ME) and brain teasers from the Puzzle Craft
Factory (Hudson, MA).
Stylish apparel and accessories, from wearable textile
art to designer leather goods, will delight fashion aficionados. Offerings range
from graphic tees produced by the artist collective Parable Ink (Brooklyn, NY),
to eco-friendly, natural fiber garb from the Mindau Collection (Boxborough, MA),
to retro-chic fringed silk and velvet shawls by Lisa Labnon (N. Conway, NH).
Perfect for winter are cozy sheepskin slippers and mittens from the Merry
Trading Company (Topsfield, MA) and multi-patterned socks (a favorite of Whoopi
Goldberg) from Marianne Wakerlin of Solmate Socks (S. Strafford, VT). Albano
Handbags’ (Havertown, PA) stunning leather totes add instant
panache.
In addition to fine
classic and contemporary gold and silver jewelry, many artisans offer the truly
unique. Consider the miniature books crafted into fanciful brooches and
necklaces by Raelinda Woad of Storyteller Jewelry (Somerville, MA); intricately
woven beadwork by Linda Shea (New Boston, NH); and empowering gemstone creations
by Reiki healing master Kathryn McKinnon of Daikomyo (Marblehead,
MA).
The wide array of seasonal decorating items and
holiday treats make entertaining a breeze. Add cheer with heirloom-quality
brocade and tapestry stockings, folk art Santas, lush garlands, and whimsical
elves crafted by Kim and Ken Patrizzi (Coventry, CT) of Gnomin Originals. The
ever-popular gourmet aisle features artisan breads, fruit salsas, sumptuous
dessert sauces and tasty dips perfect for entertaining. Decadent chocolate
truffles, flavored hot chocolate mixes and spiced pecans are ideal stocking
stuffers.
The Christmas Festival
is presented by Artisan Promotions, Inc., organizers of top quality art shows
since 1982. The Christmas Festival runs November 2 - 4, 2007
at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston. Hours are Friday, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00
p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for adults and free for children under 14. For more information
about the Christmas Festival, call (617) 385-5000, or visit www.ChristmasCraftFestival.com
to print a discount
coupon. [Back to Press Releases Main]
