Guild show is the place for handcrafted items
Well friends, I’m having a hard time getting over the fact that another summer has passed. Already the vegetable garden is almost ready to be retired, the fall festivals and Oktoberfest parties are almost at an end and, as usual, some department stores have already bypassed Halloween and Thanksgiving by putting out their Christmas merchandise.
If you read this column on a regular basis, you probably know that I believe handcrafted items, preferably made by someone you know or have met or have seen displaying their art out and about at local events is what does it for me.
My nostalgia and holiday spirit spin up like snowflakes on a drifting wind when I see the end result of talent, love and energetic creativity, and that combination puts me in the mood to holiday shop, even if Halloween hasn’t yet occurred.
So, guess what? If you think like me, you’re in luck! The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen, founded in 1945 and a chapter of The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, is presenting its 72nd Holiday Fine Art and Craft Festival on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 80 juried, fine artists and craftsmen from Pennsylvania and beyond will come together to give patrons a truly inspiring shopping experience in the beautiful Michael O’Pake Fieldhouse at Kutztown University.
Patrons will enjoy easy and spacious parking, and everything is handicapped accessible. The Guild proudly promotes that if you’re shopping for a special someone, even if that special someone is you, you will not be disappointed.
Many craftspeople and artisans demonstrate their work throughout the day, and talking with these amazing artists is highly encouraged.
The first 50 patrons through our doors each day will be treated with a “special something.” Hourly door prize drawings will be held throughout both days. Students from the Berks County Intermediate Unit are awarded annually at the show. There’s also a student gallery for emerging artists and craftsmen at the festival.
The student gallery is another way the Guild helps young artists and craftsmen with setting up shop and mentoring. Adding to the experience, there’s an eatin cafe for your dining pleasure along with some musical entertainment throughout the day.
All artists and craftsmen are invited to the Guild’s general meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.at the GoggleWorks in Reading. Sometimes the schedule varies, so it’s best to check the website rbcrafts.org to confirm meeting dates and times.
To become a juried craftsmen or juried artist with the ReadingBerks Guild, you must join the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and choose Reading-Berks as your Guild and be a member for at least three months and attend one meeting before you can present for jurying. A jury session is conducted in March and September at the GoggleWorks.
As for the holiday season, Christmas and local folklore, the Guild claims that it’s never quite sure just where and when the Belsnickel or Santa might show up, so they, as artists and craftsmen promise to be nice, not naughty!
With so much talent on display, you’re almost sure to find unique and beautiful, handcrafted traditional and contemporary works; something for everyone. There will be pottery, jewelry, baskets, photography, furniture, wood carving and turnings, treen ware, fine art, calligraphy, handmade wearables, fiber art, paper art, shaker boxes, hex signs, metal works, folk art, glass, floor cloths, rugs, hooked rugs, block printing, feather trees, leather, fraktur, hand painted signs, penny rugs; all for purchase.
You will be treated to a nice mix of traditional and contemporary fine art and crafts. Because of the strong traditional heritage in our area, the Guild definitely has all of the most beloved traditional crafts of our region covered.
It’s interesting to remember that all forms of crafts and art were contemporary when done for the first time. Creative minds keep creating, and the Guild wants to highlight these gifted artists and craftsmen and is really pleased to present them to the public.
By providing fine art and crafts, both contemporary and traditional together, patrons may find their tastes broaden. While some patrons will remain true to traditional or contemporary tastes, they might also find it fun and stimulating to mix it up a little.
And why not? If it makes you happy, who could ask for anything more?
The lifestyle of most people today can often leave us accustomed to having what we want right away. Things are made by machines, replication after replication. When a patron of the Guild makes a purchase, they are indeed getting a one-of-a-kind creation, dreamed or imagined and then made by the craftsperson or artist.
If you choose to buy from a genuine work of art, you’ll be getting more than an object or piece of art. You are getting a cherished piece of work from a craftsperson’s heart and hands to yours. That piece has a backstory, and by owning it, the story continues with you. Who knows, the story may be passed down to generations of your family and loved ones.
Admission is a donation of $6. Children 12 and under are free. You can go to the Guild’s website and print a coupon to save $1 off of the donation fee.
Working in partnership with the PA German Cultural Heritage Center and Kutztown University, proceeds benefit the educational programs of The ReadingBerks Chapter of The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.