From tramp art to whirligigs, home accessories to jewelry, see how time-honored techniques and traditional methods are used to create beautiful, contemporary objects. Come and peruse a bounty of fine hand-made work from across the country at the American Artisan Show!
The Wilton Historical Society will host the 33rd annual American Artisan Show on Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3. The event is an important benefit for the Society, supporting its education and historic preservation mission.
With 35+ diverse artisans, this popular show highlights arts, crafts and designs that have been part of fine American handwork since the 18th and 19th centuries. Shaker-style furniture, pottery, kitchen wares, Nantucket-style baskets, hand-woven scarves, quilts, rugs, floor cloths, art, tavern signs, glass, jewelry, beautifully crafted cutting boards – plus much more!
Fittingly, the show is set in the Society’s historic 18th and 19th century buildings at 224 Danbury Rd./Route 7 in Wilton. New this year, the show will be on Friday and Saturday rather than the previous tradition of Saturday and Sunday. Kim Mellin, co-director of the Society, commented, “People have such busy weekends. We thought opening on a Friday would allow more flexibility and opportunity to visit the show.”
The American Artisan Show will take place both days from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Admission is $10.00. Trustees Meaghan Donovan and Nancy Perez are co-chairs of the event.
A festive Preview and Silent Auction on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6-8:30 p.m. will kick off the show, giving guests the first opportunity to browse and buy, while enjoying fine hors d’oeuvres provided by Sarah Bouissou Catering at Bernard’s of Ridgefield. A signature cocktail will be provided by Greenhook Ginsmiths of Brooklyn. New this year, the Silent Auction will feature a series of exceptional and unique “Experiences,” in addition to unique objects contributed by the artisans. Tickets are $125. The Preview Party Committee is chaired by Society Trustees Katy Williams and Donovan.
Selecting the skilled makers for the show are volunteers and trustees Lynda Campbell, Moira Craw and Catherine Romer, plus Society co-director Mellin. “We have a truly amazing range of artisans and the objects they create,” said Craw. New this year are ceramicist Kiara Matos of New Haven, CT; Marty Anderson Glass from Galena MD; Dylan Bartlett Fine Furniture of Weston, CT; Patti and Bob Stern of The Perfect View of Moreland Hills, OH; and Sharon Trenoweth Painting (folk painting) of West Newbury, MA.
Returning artisans include: American Folkcraft; Andersen and Stauffer; Ashley Garland Floor Cloths; Barking Dog Jewelry Design Studio; Baskets in the Nantucket Tradition by Jane Theobald; Daniel Bellow Porcelain; Deluca Windsor Furniture; Faith Fellows; 50 Little Birds; Fire Crow Handwovens; Heidi Howard, Maker & Painter; Helen Howard, Painter; Josh Axelrod Photography; Kolene Spicher; Kristin Helberg; Meb’s Kitchenwares; Mills and Zoldak Pottery; Nine Patch Studio; The Art Tramp; Philip Marc/Sons of Liberty; Sue Brown Gordon jewelry; Three Point Design; and Villancourt Folk Art.
“Pop-up” artisans, Friday and Saturday only, include Petit Felts, Emmy Star Jewelry (new), Greystone Bookworks, Salt Box Press and Nod Hill Soaps. A full list of artisans and complete show information can be found on the Wilton Historical Society website.
Coffee, tea, lunch and snacks will be available on-site from Bubble and Brew both days and from Angie’s Cocinita (Cuban, Mexican, Fusion) on Friday and Crazy Taco Mex on Saturday.
Many community organizations and generous friends are supporting the American Artisan Show; lead sponsors include TD Bank, Early American Life, Gregory and Adams, The Connecticut Group, Stamford Tent and Event Services, University Archives and Wilson Properties. Town Vibe is the lead media sponsor.